Another Enlarger Help Request?

[MattKing]

An enlarger that maxes out at 6x9 (Beseler 23C and others) or an enlarger that maxes out at 6x7 (Beseler 67 or Omega 700 and others) is easily adjusted to print 6x7, 6x6, 6x4.5, 127, 35mm etc.

And in case it isn't clear, in most cases if you buy an enlarger with a condenser light source, you can later switch the light source for a diffusion colour light source or a diffusion variable contrast black and white light source.

Most enlargers are designed to be modular. You just switch the light source heads to accomplish the change.

The used market is such that many of the more robust enlargers are inexpensive, because they are large and moderately difficult to ship. What you have to be aware of, however, is what the availability is for the critical accessories like lens mounts, negative holders, light modifiers (necessary in some cases to deal with changes in film format).

Some accessories are plentiful and inexpensive. Others are hard to find and/or expensive.

 

[Sceptic]

Any opinions on the omega chromega D5V XL, dichroic ii. Apparently there is one in my part of town marked as new old stock. I can pick it up under $500. Too much?

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

I think that's a bit too high. Even for nos. id would say hold off and get something free or next to free to wet your feet with. You can then pass that along when you upgrade to another person starting out. These things pop up on Craigslist all the time. You can satiate your printing needs by trying out contact printing for the time being.

 

[Sceptic]

I think that's a bit too high. Even for nos. id would say hold off and get something free or next to free to wet your feet with. You can then pass that along when you upgrade to another person starting out. These things pop up on Craigslist all the time. You can satiate your printing needs by trying out contact printing for the time being.

I agree. I have been looking for something free nearby. Some people post and then don't answer. Just out of curioisity what do you feel would be a fair price for the Omega I mentioned?

 

[Sirius Glass]

I agree. I have been looking for something free nearby. Some people post and then don't answer. Just out of curioisity what do you feel would be a fair price for the Omega I mentioned?

It depends on the condition of the equipment and what is included. I paid $350 for a Super Chromega Dichroic II 5D-XL, a foot control, negative carriers, a 50mm lens, a 80mm lens and a voltage control timer unit.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

I agree. I have been looking for something free nearby. Some people post and then don't answer. Just out of curioisity what do you feel would be a fair price for the Omega I mentioned?

If it had all the parts, comes with a decent lens or two, film carriers for the formats you need, bellows not dried out, and chassis not rusted from sitting in a garage I think $100-200. I got my lpl 670xl and my 4x5 durst pro for $50 each, though a few years back. I spent more money for parts and upgrades on them than I did my original purchase price.

I also think that sometimes there are just too many people or spam bots replying to CL posts and sometimes if you aren't first or reply within the hour or posting it probably is snatched up.

I don't have a extra 4x5 machine, but if you want a 6x7 machine sans baseboard I have one to give away free. An omega c760xl, excellent condition. Only condition is that you have to pass it on for free as well when you upgrade.

 

[Sceptic]

Agreed! And greatly appreciated!!

 

[AgX]

WTH is a "variable version"? I already explained that if you read my rather detailed, lengthy first post. L

There are modular enlargers that allow to install not only lenses of different FL, but also various light-box/condensor combos. This includes even the choice between 6x6 and 6x7 set-ups.

 

[John Koehrer]

It's NOT to fast or too much. Enlargers are the same from the 9mm Minox to 11X14. The Omega gives everything the OP
wants including future growth. In this instance, size doesn't matter.
How many times have any of us said "buy the best you can afford/want you're only going to spend more to upgrade"

Presuming it's complete with carrier(s) lens board(s) and lens mount(s) take it.
IF you need more in the way of these parts it may cost more than buying a slightly more
expensive but complete enlarger.
Carriers will be in the $20-$30+ range the same with lens cones and then you need to know which cone & lens mount for each format.
A different cone for each negative size and different size mount for each lens. Most of the more common, newer focal lengths
will use a 39mm mount some longer lenses a35 & 150 for 4X5 may need a slightly larger size.

The D5 is a basic head, column, power supply and baseboard. Nothing else so it could cost another several hundred dollars to make it complete.

The difference between a color head and variable contrast head is the color and number of filters in them
Variable contrast is for black & white ONLY. A color head uses three filters and can be used for B&W and color.
They both use dichroic filters.

 

[Sceptic]

Picked up a system thanks to Newt! I will look around for lenses now. Probably a 90 for 6x7. I will have to find a baseboard.

I spoke to the owner of the Omega D5 and he didn't know how to check it, had one carrier: 4x5 and no lens. I figured I would wait it out.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Picked up a system thanks to Newt! I will look around for lenses now. Probably a 90 for 6x7. I will have to find a baseboard.

I spoke to the owner of the Omega D5 and he didn't know how to check it, had one carrier: 4x5 and no lens. I figured I would wait it out.

Glad I could help, you can make a baseboard out of any piece of wood that is flat. I made my baseboard for my durst out of medium density fiber board (mdf). You can get at any lumber shop, sometimes even for free if it's a cut off in their trash bin. Or just drop by Home Depot or lowes in the area.

 

[Sceptic]

Glad I could help, you can make a baseboard out of any piece of wood that is flat. I made my baseboard for my durst out of medium density fiber board (mdf). You can get at any lumber shop, sometimes even for free if it's a cut off in their trash bin. Or just drop by Home Depot or lowes in the area.

Thanks again! I was planning doing just that! Based on the length of the pins sticking out I would think about 1" thickness. However, I have been looking for the Length & Width dimensions of the original XL baseboard. Any suggestions? Thank you.

 

[MattKing]

Thanks again! I was planning doing just that! Based on the length of the pins sticking out I would think about 1" thickness. However, I have been looking for the Length & Width dimensions of the original XL baseboard. Any suggestions? Thank you.

This is a reasonable question, but it might help if you realize that baseboard sizes are at least partially determined by such mundane questions as shipping restrictions.

If you are making your own, I would suggest asking instead what size baseboard people who make, for example, 16x20 enlargements from rectangular negatives would like to have.

My D6 has a massive baseboard - 34" x 18" x 1.5", but there are times when I would like it to be wider.

I prefer a wall mount and a good counter surface, with a drop capability, but my rolling cart does the job.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Like what Matt said. Any size that's comfortable for you and your max easel size. What I did for my build was to get a set of four leveling feet for each corner that's adjusted by wrench for alignment.

 

[Jim Jones]

Mdf and other particle board is probably less stable than good plywood.

 

[Sceptic]

Thanks everyone. I have read many discussions regarding the building of a baseboard. Seems many use MDF, or HDF, and many others will go for the plywood for the fact that it may be more stable. I will visit home depot tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

" What I did for my build was to get a set of four leveling feet for each corner that's adjusted by wrench for alignment."
That's a great idea. I didn't think about that, but makes sense to me.

The total length of the pins that will go through the board are 1.5" in length. So I'm thinking I will need to make a board around 1.25" in depth, as to be able to secure the board. I also have a plate to further secure and stabilize the board. My assumption is that it may not be a good idea to attach the board with the end of the plate touching the end of the board. Please correct me If I am wrong. Maybe start 0.5" in? 1" in?

I don't think I will be making prints larger than 20x24 any time soon, and may opt for a color 4x5 enlarger by that point. I'm thinking 20x24 will be a good starting point for the LxW of the board. I will mostly be shooting with my RZ67 and think it will enlarge well up to 20x24. I have heard the lenses are sharp enough to enlarge even more, but by that point I will need larger trays and an easel regardless. Another question I though of, I know if I build a board 20x24 I wouldn't have 20x24" of space due to the enlarger attachment area. However, how much after the attachment is the board actually useful? Immediately? inches.... this may create some changes in my dimensions, which are also based on my darkroom space limitation.

Open to suggestions, knowledge, experience, etc. Thank you!

 

[Jim Jones]

If the base of an enlarger needs to be 1.25 in thickness, it can be built up from two layers of 3/8" plywood separated by a network of 1/2" spacers. This will be easier to fabricate and lighter than a solid baseboard with almost the strength of the solid version. The spacers should be firmly glued to both the top and bottom layers of plywood to provide strength much like an I-bar. Easier to do is a platform of 1/2" plywood or hardwood that just covers the base of the enlarger column. I see no need to move the bottom of the column in from the back of the baseboard.

When planning the size of the baseboard, consider the size of the easel. A Speed-Ez-El [sp?] takes up scarcely more space than the paper it's built for. Some easels require considerably more space.

 

[Sirius Glass]

The size of the baseboard is dependent of on the maximum size print that can be made with the enlarge accounting for the maximum height, condenser or diffusion head of the enlarge, and lamp. Building a bigger base will merely increase the size of the enlarger base but it will not increase the print size. Look up the manufacturer's specification and the base size will be stated there. Going larger than the specified base size is a WOMBAT [translation: Waste Of Money Brains And Time].

 

[MattKing]

It is very handy to have a baseboard that is big enough to allow you to turn your easel 90 degrees to match your preferred orientation for a negative.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I have seen so many of these, but I figured I may post one stating my needs and stay open to suggestions.

I have never used an enlarger so I have done some reading before hand, I am sure I have much more to go.

I am interested in printing between formats. Anywhere from 35mm, to 6x.45, 6x6, 6x7, 4x5 (being the largest). Most of my work may be done in the MF range.
I believe this means I need to search for a variable enlarger. This also required multiple enlarger lenses dependent on the print, correct?

I would like the versatility of being able to print both color and b&w. From my understanding this means I should search for a Dichroic head. Is this the same as variable condenser/contrast?
I would prefer one with the built in filters vs. having to change them on the outside and worrying about them being clean.

I don't have enough room for more than one enlarger, so I am kind of searching for an all in one I guess. Any suggestions?

Am I jumping in too fast?

I may have the opportunity to pick up a free Omega D II Enlarger but haven't heard back from the individual yet.

Thank you!

In your case,I'd suggest to get started with a Durst 805.It does 35mm and MF in color and B&W,using its dichroic head,wich is different than a multi-contrast B&W head but ideal to be able to switch between colorand B&W.Durst enlargers are extremely well build and last a lifetime with a bit of care.Yes, ideally you'll need a different lens for each format.Use a normal focal length(negative diagonal) for each format.50 and 80mm would be a good place to start.maybe 105mm for 6x9or 6x7.get a name-brand 6-elent lens with a 39mm mounting thread and you are ready to get ging.Oh and sorry for theself promotion but a copy of my book 'Way Beyond Monochrome' will answer many more questions on thesubject of enlarging and printing in a wet darkroom.

 

[Jim Jones]

Ralph, self promotion of your book is a public service, not mere conceit. Over many decades I've accumulated dozens of books that discuss photographic technique and darkroom work, and Way Beyond Monochrome is by far the best. Also, unlike most of the other books, the high quality reproductions help one to appreciate what B&W photography should be.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Ralph, self promotion of your book is a public service, not mere conceit. Over many decades I've accumulated dozens of books that discuss photographic technique and darkroom work, and Way Beyond Monochrome is by far the best. Also, unlike most of the other books, the high quality reproductions help one to appreciate what B&W photography should be.

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