b&w enlarger???

BimmerJake · Aug 20, 2009

i'm really uneducated when it comes to enlargers. i ofter see omega b-600s for sale cheap (craigslist). is this a good enlarger? what are some other's that are worth looking at?

thanks

kjphotog · Aug 20, 2009

Omega has been in the enlarger biz for ages, im not familiar with the 600 but doing a google search it seems to get OK reviews & at the right price & a good lens you'll be off to a great start - making your own prints.

Curt · Aug 20, 2009

I bought one new a long time ago, I changed out the condenser head, by taking it off, and put an Aristo cold light head in it, they just drop right in, then I got an El Nikkor 75mm lens and it produced some sweet prints. Inexpensive easy to operate and outstanding for a simple enlarger. If you get one get the cold light and a good enlarging lens as I noted and you can't go wrong. The Omega B600 enlarger is a 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 maximum enlarger. Great for any size up to 6x6cm.

Good luck
Curt

BimmerJake · Aug 20, 2009

thanks for your input, 6x6 is the next size i'm going to move into, so that would be perfect. it's listed for $100 with a bunch of other dark room stuff (trays, safe light, etc.) i can't imagine this isn't a reasonable price for any enlarger.

mwdake · Aug 20, 2009

These days $100 is a lot for an enlarger especially for a B600 even with other darkroom stuff.
I bought an in the box b600 for $11 and a full D5 Darkroom for $100.
Recenlty I saw a complete D5 Dichroic darkroom with many lenses, carriers etc and a 16x20 easel worth $200-300 on its own go for 99c because it was pick up only and in Corpus Christie TX.

Try talk them down frm the $100 range and the B600 will suit you as a beginner enlarger. Just keep in mind the lens is more important than the enlarger in many cases.
Do this one come with any lenses? If so which ones.

good luck

BimmerJake · Aug 20, 2009

i emailed to find out about the lens. it doesn't specify, not much detail really.

what about something like this http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pho/1332365372.html

it seems like it would be everything i would ever need. although the asking price is probably more that i want to spend.

mwdake · Aug 20, 2009

Nikkor lenses are amongst the best as long as the are in good condition.

That is a lot of stuff for just starting out.

The D2 is a very robust enlarger, big and heavy so make sure you have room for it.
Also, the D2 is probably pretty old so make sure it is not too beat up, but if taken care of they last for ages.

fotch · Aug 20, 2009

BimmerJake said:
i emailed to find out about the lens. it doesn't specify, not much detail really.

what about something like this http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pho/1332365372.html

it seems like it would be everything i would ever need. although the asking price is probably more that i want to spend.

So tell him you really want it bad but only have $200 (or what ever amount suits your budget) and ask if he would consider it.

All they can say is no, then again, you might be surprised.

mwdake · Aug 20, 2009

Also tell him that it will go to a really good home and be well loved and exercised regularly.

eddie · Aug 20, 2009

I saw both of those ads. I think the D-2 is the better deal. You'll have everything you need (even a little dry mount press). It will also allow you to grow into larger formats than 6x6. If you're committed to darkroom work, go for the D-2 package.

fotch · Aug 20, 2009

Hey, offer to make a half dozen 8x10's for him after you get set up as part of the deal. He may not care however, showing how much you want it might win him over.

BimmerJake · Aug 21, 2009

if it's still available next pay day i think i'll offer $200. we'll see what happens

thanks for all the input

Chazzy · Aug 21, 2009

If you buy a popular Beseler or Omega enlarger, it will be easier to find accessories such as negative carriers and lensboards for it.

BimmerJake · Aug 21, 2009

i think just about everything i've seen locally is either a beseler or omega. i'm sure i'll stick in that range.

Sirius Glass · Aug 21, 2009

You will be happy with a Beseler or Omega enlarger. I have an Omega and I am really pleased with it.

Steve

BimmerJake · Aug 21, 2009

i just came across someone near me cleaning out the basement and wanted to dump darkroom for free, including an enlarger, timers, trays, safelight etc. don't know brand details yet but everything is said to be in working order. we'll see... free is always nice

eddie · Aug 21, 2009

You can't beat free... If it's not what you want/need, there was a Beseler posted at a decent price today:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pho/1334300367.html

Jim Chinn · Aug 21, 2009

Two things to remember. The worlds best enlarger will make poor prints if it is not aligned and you use an inferior lens. You will probably want to eventually use glass carriers as well.

b&w enlarger???

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