Anyone content with using large format camera but can only scan the negatives due to their enlarger only being 120?

[kingbuzzie]

For processing, consider the Stearman Press systems. Affordable, easy to use, and effective.

You see, that is how much large format has been off my radar. I completely forgot about those tanks. just more money to spend. Too comfortable in my setup to do anything new.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

exactly a LF contact print can hardly be beaten for sharpness and clarity

Not me.
But 6x9cm contact prints can be very nice indeed.

 

[kingbuzzie]

exactly a LF contact print can hardly be beaten for sharpness and clarity

Here's a question. I've been out of printing for a while because of kids. As far as b&w paper goes: If I make a large format contact print, is the paper grain fine enough to capture the fine grain of the negative well?

 

[Kino]

Yes.

 

[kingbuzzie]

Yes.

Thank you. It looks like I found a detailed answer for that here: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fine-grain-paper.60609/

TBH I've never really thought of paper grain all that much.

 

[Paul Howell]

I can't FIT a large format enlarger in my darkroom.

Have you measured the foot print of you 6X6 enlarger and compared it to a 4X5? My current darkroom is a 2 sink bath, I have both a D3 and either a 6X7, 6X9, or 6X6 depending on needs and whims. The D3 is 24X18 the Metop 6X6 is 22X15. My D3 is on old metal computer desk, ceiling height is sufficient. Although it may take you a while, finding an old Federal 4X5 might work for you, the Federals are made from stamped parts, and will be lighter than an Omega, could be put up and taken down without much trouble. The old Federals will need to have lens board machined to take a modern lens. D2s are common, not expensive, but if you cant find in your local area shipping is high.

 

[eli griggs]

Look it up, it's very small with a single vertical column (not tilted). It's a beautiful enlarger, darn near bulletproof as well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8077/8306894657_856c6c2b42_b.jpg

The enlarger shown looks to be a forebearer of the Durst M600.

That and other 'short' column enlargers can be used to project the image onto floors or walls, so no need for a large baseboard; just be sure You've got a correct & good enlarging lens for your format and that the print holding station is in square with the enlarger, lens board and negative carrier.

I suggest a basic carpenter's water level with marked measurements, for checking the flatness of a surface being used as a vertical enlarging 'board'.

Just pick a corner or center board location for the first water level vial, I suggest taping it's base in place, for security, and move the other measurement vial about the four corners, adjusting one at a time, to the same level of the anchor vial, until you've achieved the same hight of the center measure, at all five stations.

It's easier to do and quicker than it is to read about (just about) and stores easily.

 

[kingbuzzie]

Have you measured the foot print of you 6X6 enlarger and compared it to a 4X5? My current darkroom is a 2 sink bath, I have both a D3 and either a 6X7, 6X9, or 6X6 depending on needs and whims. The D3 is 24X18 the Metop 6X6 is 22X15. My D3 is on old metal computer desk, ceiling height is sufficient. Although it may take you a while, finding an old Federal 4X5 might work for you, the Federals are made from stamped parts, and will be lighter than an Omega, could be put up and taken down without much trouble. The old Federals will need to have lens board machined to take a modern lens. D2s are common, not expensive, but if you cant find in your local area shipping is high.

I have what you call a "dual purpose darkroom". As in it's purpose is to wash kids clothes and I get a little bit of a bonus by having my enlarger in there. I live in an A-frame and my durst just barely clears the wall all the way up. I know it is mess now, but cleans up nicely when I want to use it.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

You could get a Speed Graphic which won't cost much and they usually have a lens with them, maybe even some holders. You can use your scanner to scan the film, you'd just need to stitch. Where there is a will there is a way.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Here's a question. I've been out of printing for a while because of kids. As far as b&w paper goes: If I make a large format contact print, is the paper grain fine enough to capture the fine grain of the negative well?

Certainly; paper grain is finer than film grain.

 

[Donald Qualls]

it's very small with a single vertical column (not tilted).

Baseboard is 19 ½ in X 15 ¾ in.

I stand corrected, the D2 baseboard is 6 or so inches wider and more than a foot longer (though the column could be mounted to a solid countertop or butcher block cart if that's where your 606 stands).