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Are there any new enlargers still being manufactured and sold?

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BSP

BSP

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35mm
I have been having a blast with my old B/W Meopta Opemus IV the past year ot two.

But I would really like to invest in a more professional model that would also allow bigger enlargements.
My largest negatives are 6x6 and I would love making prints of 16x16".
But also from 35mm prints up to 8x10" or maybe even a step larger

Are there any manufacturers of quality enlargers left out there or is the used-market my only option?
May be there are reputable dealers that offer refurbished models?

Thanks for your help.

Bill
BSP
 
So many?
I would have never thought so as only Leica and Nikon still produce new film camera bodies..
Thanks guys, I have some research to do now.

BSP
 
Although it won't help you, as these are primarily US manufacturers and enlargers are rather massive to ship internationally, both Beseler and Omega are still making/selling new enlargers. I think that Saunders took over the Omega name (or maybe Omega bought out Saunders - don't know) but the enlargers being sold now as Omega are the same design as the Saunders ones previously, and none of the old Omega designs are still available.
 
Feels like we're glossing over an important pair of questions BSP would need addressed.

- What are the real short comings of their B/W Meopta Opemus IV that are holding them back? - I'm not familiar with that specific model, but for the sake of comparing options it might be a good starting point to look at what it can and can't do with regards to things like changing negative carriers or flipping the column around to project onto a larger base board.

- What models will actually be better/easier to use than their current model? - There isn't much sense in highlighting new gear for them that is barely any different from their current kit.
 
 
BSP said:
So many?
I would have never thought so as only Leica and Nikon still produce new film camera bodies..
Thanks guys, I have some research to do now.

BSP
Click to expand...
I know it's off-topic, but there are more manufacturers still producing film cameras. Rollei and Hasselblad come to mind, as well as a number of Large Format cameras.
 
Luckless said:
What are the real short comings of their B/W Meopta Opemus IV that are holding them back?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about the Opemus, but I have a Meopta Magnifax 4a which I may press back into service, modified as a copy stand. The construction of these is best described as "rustic" - they are a good product but a De Vere is much smoother to operate.
 
This one uses Rollei and Holga as examples of medium format that suggests that 6X6 would be maximum negative size.
 
Yes, problem is for the price of an average new enlarger, you can find a Great used enlarger! For instance, I bought a mint DeVere 8x10 enlarger for much less than the cost of a new 4x5 enlarger.
 
Luckless said:
Feels like we're glossing over an important pair of questions BSP would need addressed.

- What are the real short comings of their B/W Meopta Opemus IV that are holding them back? - I'm not familiar with that specific model, but for the sake of comparing options it might be a good starting point to look at what it can and can't do with regards to things like changing negative carriers or flipping the column around to project onto a larger base board.

- What models will actually be better/easier to use than their current model? - There isn't much sense in highlighting new gear for them that is barely any different from their current kit.
Click to expand...
I'm using my Opemus 6 for both 35mm and 6x6.
 
Tom Kershaw said:
I've not seen the Kienzle enlarger in "real life" but they look very good from the website and a couple of videos that have been posted online.
Click to expand...
I've seen them at Photokina and they looked very professional and robust.
 
Luckless said:
Feels like we're glossing over an important pair of questions BSP would need addressed.

- What are the real short comings of their B/W Meopta Opemus IV that are holding them back? - I'm not familiar with that specific model, but for the sake of comparing options it might be a good starting point to look at what it can and can't do with regards to things like changing negative carriers or flipping the column around to project onto a larger base board.

- What models will actually be better/easier to use than their current model? - There isn't much sense in highlighting new gear for them that is barely any different from their current kit.
Click to expand...

Those a two good points. My main "wishes" for a new enlarger are:

1. Bigger enlargements by having a higher column en larger baseboard. Floor projections are not an option due to space constraints in my little darkroom
2. Smoother/easier adjustment of print size / height of the head. My Opemus uses a friction-wheel and the chrome on the rail has rusted away in many places making height adjustment quite a strain.
3. Easier allignment. For smallish prints (under 10x8) I can get reasonable allignment. But the larger I go the more af a chore this is with mixed results. And my column as some play/wobble that I cant seem to get rid of making frequent allignment checking even more necessary.

Not even a brand spanking new Opemus IV would satisfy all three.
 
Pieter12 said:
I know it's off-topic, but there are more manufacturers still producing film cameras. Rollei and Hasselblad come to mind, as well as a number of Large Format cameras.
Click to expand...

A nice De Vere 5x4 enlarger to have the option of going large...that would be future proof indeed
 
RalphLambrecht said:
I've seen them at Photokina and they looked very professional and robust.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ralph,

I will check them out.
I have a preference for a "locally" manufactured product. And not only because of weight/shipping issues.
Western Europe being my region.

Bill
 
Luis-F-S said:
Yes, problem is for the price of an average new enlarger, you can find a Great used enlarger! For instance, I bought a mint DeVere 8x10 enlarger for much less than the cost of a new 4x5 enlarger.
Click to expand...

I must clarify that when I said "new" I really meant "new to me, but at least refurbished and/of in excellent condition"
So a mint, used DeVere 5x4 would probably suit me very well :wink:

Bill
 
BSP said:
Thanks Ralph,

I will check them out.
I have a preference for a "locally" manufactured product. And not only because of weight/shipping issues.
Western Europe being my region.

Bill
Click to expand...

Hello Bill,
then the German enlarger manufacturers
- Kaiser (excellent price-performance ratio; I am using a Kaiser enlarger for decades now)
- Kienzle (built like tanks; and the owner is also doing custom-made parts, if you have special wishes)
- Dunco
from your "neighbourhood" are probably the best options.

Best regards,
Henning
 
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