Any thoughts on enlargers for a bathroom darkroom?

[Chris Nielsen]

Unlike the US, we don't really have craigslist over here (yet)

 

[gr82bart]

The Cadet II, Printmaker 35 or Printemaker 67 systems from Beseler are small and portable - each less than 25lbs: http://www.beselerphoto.com/
There's also the Omega C700 - http://www.omegasatter.com/Product_Info.php?pid=2360&cid=156

Note that I assume you were looking for new, not used, equipment.

Regards, Art.

 

[Monophoto]

The small Durst enlargers - f30 and f60 -are easily disassembled and stored, and are quite rugged. The f60 has the ability to go to 6x6. They are discontinued models (and have been for a long time), so the challenge is in finding one in good condition along with the accessories that are needed for the use you have for it.

 

[Anscojohn]

Unlike the US, we don't really have craigslist over here (yet)

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Chris, When our kind of photography was the way to go, my new bride bought me a little used Bogen which cost ca. 35 dollars. I think it was called a Bogen Mini. It took 35 mm only; did not have a filter drawer. It was perfect for the bathroom as to size and portability. It suited my needs perfectly for several years. I still have it.
The advice given about just get going, I think is sound. There shall be times later on, when you are using your state-of-the-art dream darkroom, when having a multi-enlarger capability shall be an asset, even if that enlarger takes 35 mm only.

 

[Anscojohn]

It isn't as easy as Photoshop on a Mac .

steve[/QUOTE]
Singram,
I find all computer imaging far more vexing and complicated than printing in a darkroom.

 

[John Kasaian]

A vote for the little Durst---they break down easily for storage, plus you can project on the wall or floor for really big enlargements.
I wish I'd never parted with mine.
That said, I think Meoptas are a very good value.
Omega B-8 or B-6 are good machines as is the Beseler 23.
For a 35mm only I'm in love with a Leitz Valoy 2 I picked up for $40 with an Elmar lens. You're not likely to find such a deal but if you're patient (and lucky) it could happen.
Any of these would work out nicely for you but the little Dursts are so small & rugged I think they'd be perfect for what you're looking for.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Now I'm actually paying attention there seems to be quite a few out there, the only trouble is most of them are a long distance from here, like the beautiful LPL color enlarger for $50 in Dunedin, which is much too far from here to drive for an enlarger !!!!

 

[Chris Nielsen]

********

Chris, When our kind of photography was the way to go, my new bride bought me a little used Bogen which cost ca. 35 dollars. I think it was called a Bogen Mini. It took 35 mm only; did not have a filter drawer. It was perfect for the bathroom as to size and portability. It suited my needs perfectly for several years. I still have it.
The advice given about just get going, I think is sound. There shall be times later on, when you are using your state-of-the-art dream darkroom, when having a multi-enlarger capability shall be an asset, even if that enlarger takes 35 mm only.

Seems if I see one come up locally I should grab it and stop moaning and start printing

Thanks for that... Sounds like good advice.

 

[firecracker]

I don't know how small is small enough, but there's LPL 6700 series enlargers which are smaller and lighter than the 7700 series. I know the numbers different in different parts of the world but the 6700 is the one. It weighs 10-12 kg at the most, as opposed to 15-16kg of the 7700, I think. Although it's not as well built as the 7700, to print 8x10" or so with 35mm film is no problem. I have one myself, and a couple of years ago I gave the same advice to someone here.

If you think using a bathroom as a temporary darkroom, this isn't that bad. But once you get more room and start to feel like getting a better enlarger, then look for something else.

 

[nyoung]

Omega B66 comes to mind for B&W, simple, compact and very well made as compared to the smaller (than the C23s) Beslers. It will print 35mm, 645, and 6x6. I use the Phillips PCS (I don't remember the model number) enlarger with color head on a piece of plywood that bridges the toilet tank and the vanity counter. Its also very well made and may be more available in your part of the world as they never caught on in the US.

 

[MattKing]

Here is a link to my post in the "Darkroom Portraits" thread:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

The photos there show my setup when I'm using my trays rather than tubes - the enlarger is a Beseler 67 Enlarger with a colour head, which spends it's life on a rolling metal microwave cart.

The Beseler 67C would be worth considering. A Beseler 23C doesn't have an appreciably larger footprint.

Matt

 

[Dan Dozer]

Chris,

When I did darkroom work in the house I was in before my current one, I used an old Besler 5 x 7 enlarger in a half bath - yes a half bath. I had to tilt the enlarger partway on it's side just to get it in the door. Card table over the toilet with enlarger on it, three 8 x 10 trays on the small sink counter, bucket of water on the floor along side the toilet for temporarily washing prints (don't even suggest that I could have washed them in the toilet and saved space), and that left me with a space about 2 1/2 feet square to turn around in. It was tough, but it worked. It all depends on how serious and dedicated you are about your work.

New home has a darkroom built in the back of the garage that is 8' x 16', and I'm still crowded. However much space you have, you'll fill it up and make it work.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Omega B66 comes to mind for B&W, simple, compact and very well made as compared to the smaller (than the C23s) Beslers.

I gave away a very nice B66 when I got the B600. I found it too big to be practical.
For storage in a closet and occasional use in a bathroom I'd look for something smaller.

Chris

 

[rossawilson1]

I've found my LPL C6700 to be great, plenty of spare around, fairly cheap, handles colour and B&W work perfectly! I've gone up to 16x20 with it.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Thanks all for your help - in the end I took AnscoJohn's advice and just went and got myself a 35mm enlarger so I can go ahead and get printing. I can get something fancier later. One came up in my local auctions for NZ$35 (about US$15) for a basic but modern looking 35mm enlarger, easel, trays etc. Not sure if it comes with a grain focusser but I guess there's probably lots of them floating around. Picking it up next weekend probably (90 minute drive from here)

Thanks again to all those who gave me advice on this subject!

 

[glbeas]

So what did you get?

 

[Chris Nielsen]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=196767913

Hope that link works. Also hope it's going to do the job, but I intend to check it out before handing the cash over...

 

[glbeas]

Looks very similar to a Bogen T35 enlarger. I had one, with a good lens you can do a pretty decent job making prints. Be sure the table you put it on is sturdy enough to not vibrate or rattle during the exposure.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

I think it's a rebadged Bogen, from what I've read. I can get good lenses inexpensively, and I'm glad that you didn't tell me I'd made a huge mistake

 

[glbeas]

A heat absorbing glass that goes on top of the condensor is a good accessory for this, prevents negative 'pop' from the heat during exposure.

 

[Chris Nielsen]

Right, I've heard of those, if I see one sometime I'll grab it.