Best enlarger for 35mm up to 4x5?

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
I think *the best* depends more on the current condition, assuming we are comparing enlarger of the same class. For example, not comparing entry level type to a industrial type.

I have a fully restored (by me) Omega 2V. It's "the best" one for me.
 

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,096
Format
8x10 Format
The Durst L138 is the only true industrial enlarger mentioned. There's a world of difference between machined stainless steel and anodized
aluminum. Refurbishing these things is like working on a classic motorcycle or hotrod. Of course, I shoot a classic Sinar Norma camera, another beautifully machine piece of gear from the same era. If you just need reliable functionality, there are all kinds of good choices.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,411
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format

Sounds like "Classical GAS"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_Gas
https://video.search.yahoo.com/vide...a&sigb=12p794jkt&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Patrick Robert James

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2012
Messages
3,362
Format
35mm RF
Most people in the US who are serious about printing or print a lot for enjoyment will eventually end up with a Saunders. That just seems to be the way it is. They are great enlargers. They are also easy to find parts for, not that there are many parts. Durst makes a great enlarger too, but unless you find one with every little piece you want it can be a pain to find the parts you are missing. At least that is what it seems like. I always thought the 1200 was a great enlarger. It is probably a little better than the Saunders 4550, but hard to find in the US.

If you want two enlargers, get one for the second that is a dedicated 35mm enlarger like the Leitz Focomat V35. I would love to own one someday to stick next to my Saunders. What a dream that would be!

There is a lot of dumb luck in finding these things if you can't or don't want to buy a new one. I stumbled over my Saunders a few years ago in a poor ad on Craigslist. Since it was a couple hours drive away, I waited. A couple of weeks later it was still listed so I called. I was the only call they got after a month they said. Unbelievable. I also got a bunch of other things with it (huge Rototrim, Polaroids, meters, Easels) so I got super lucky. And it only cost me $200. Again, it is just dumb luck.

If you are thinking you want to change, then go for it. Life is short.
 

jbmia

Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
37
Format
Multi Format
Great story Patrick!

I don't think it's dumb luck so much as waiting for a good deal to come along. My brother has a saying I like to remember now and then.. "Pay twice as much when you want something, pay half as much when you don't". Moral is.. don't be in a rush and keep an eye out for good opportunities.

Side note: Isn't the problem with the V35 that there isn't really a replacement bulb for them though? I was gonna buy one until I started reading about problems finding a replacement bulb..
 

RalphLambrecht

Subscriber
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
14,663
Location
K,Germany
Format
Medium Format

Durst L1200!
 

Patrick Robert James

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2012
Messages
3,362
Format
35mm RF
Not quite sure what your point is Fotch. You either have an opinion (that people will be insulted) or you are trying to incite something by bringing up "insult" then the popcorn "smilie". I think you are stretching it a bit.

You have every right to disagree with what I wrote but you might want to elucidate why. I have met a lot of photographers in my life and that has been my experience. No one should be insulted by that. It is not my opinion that you can't make a good print without a Saunders enlarger, which is just foolish. You can make great prints with just about anything. The only limiting factor is the skill of the individual. Saunders 4x5 enlargers are end of the line enlargers. Very few people buy one then sell it to get something different. That isn't to say it is the absolute best, and if you read what i wrote you would have understood that even though I own a Saunders, I think the Durst 1200 is probably better.

I sure hope that doesn't insult anyone. Jeesh.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,411
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Omega - Super Chromega D Dichroic II 5D-XL
I have one now. This is the enlarger that Kodak had available for the Kodak Employees personal use at Kodak Park.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,096
Format
8x10 Format
Put it this way, the Durst 1200 was made in their amateur equip division, not their industrial division, which made things regarded as a distinct step above. But one tends to work with whatever they find. I finally dismantled my reliable old Omega D, though I might reassemble it some day as a convenient teaching enlarger. I bought two Durst 138's - one in reasonably good shape, the other for parts, which I later refurbished with an 8x10 cold light. I'm making room now for a Durst 184 color 8x10 unit. My best enlarger I built from the ground up, cannibalizing and improvising all kinds of special gear to make it happen. It was a fun 3-year project, but not one I care to repeat at this point in life. In this subject, condition means a lot more than brand, along with whether or not you need special kinds of carriers etc. Adjust them properly and put a good lens on any of them - Durst, Omega, Saunders, Beseler, etc etc, and you will arrive.
 

TheFlyingCamera

Membership Council
Advertiser
Joined
May 24, 2005
Messages
11,546
Location
Washington DC
Format
Multi Format
I currently have a rather elderly (but still fully functional) Beseler 45Mxx series (one of the early blue chassis). I'm casually looking for a Beseler 45 V as a replacement/upgrade because the only complaint I have about the 45M is that the way the column is mounted on the baseboard, I have to keep switching between easels when going above/below 11x14. The big easel I have is too tall and too wide so it won't fit between/under the columns of the chassis. it's a pain in the ass. But then everything else I have will fit, so no need to go buy new lens boards or carriers.
 
OP
OP

markd514

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2014
Messages
101
Format
35mm
Sirius Glass said:
Omega - Super Chromega D Dichroic II 5D-XL
I have one now. This is the enlarger that Kodak had available for the Kodak Employees personal use at Kodak Park.
Click to expand...
I never had an omega, and probably never will. Only because when I look at them, they look ok, then my eyes look at the column which is okay, then down to the crappy looking base that looks like it was made to support one of those retractable arm table lamps. Do they pivot on that thing? It just doesnt look right.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,411
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format

I do not know what you mean by "then down to the crappy looking base that looks like it was made to support one of those retractable arm table lamps. Do they pivot on that thing? It just doesnt look right." There are no table lamp arms.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-02-10 at 3.25.18 PM.png
    59.6 KB · Views: 120

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,411
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
No, mine is!


And I mean it!!


So there!
 

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,096
Format
8x10 Format
Omega baseboards are very solid, and the base of the enlarger clamps down very tightly and reliably for the long haul. Of course, like all tabletop enlargers, it helps to have a wall brace at the top. But you can also reverse the direction of the enlarger in the opposite direction, to make it project over the edge of the baseboard. I did this with a custom cabinet allowed bigger enlargements. Those baseboards aren't like the kind of particle board Ikea furniture is made from. It's good stuff.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,271
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
That Omega base is quite massive, it is attached to a baseboard that is very solid and substantial and the means of attachment is very rugged and reliable.

If you ever have to move a D5/XL or D6, you will soon realize of what I speak
 

RobC

Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2007
Messages
3,880
Location
UK
Format
Multi Format
I have used DeVere, LPL, Meopta, Zietz and Durst enlargers. Of those LPL were the worst with completely crap negative holder system and light leaks all over on a brand new model which was returned pronto. Meopta were at best agricultural, the devere was knackered so the jury is out on that one and by far the best was/is Durst. It has superb negative holder system on all the models I have used and now own two. L1200 and Modular 70. Lots and lots of head and model options for dursts available throughout Europe.
I can't speak for makes I haven't used.

Only thing with a 5x4 enlarger being used for 35mm film is that you can lose the neg in the holder if your film strip isn't long enough which makes it a pain to adjust neg position. A MF enlarger is therefore easier.
So my recommendation is to keep the two you already have.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
OP

markd514

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2014
Messages
101
Format
35mm

Ok, ok, thanks. Sounds good. I am just going to keep what I have. I love the 45. The 23c has sticky focus, and I heard that is what all are like, because I have another head I got cheap, and it is the same. Maybe I can fabricate a fine focus system for it.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,271
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
Be careful with the reference to LPL.

LPL are/were distributors. There are older, cheap, "hobby" enlargers out there that you could find under a number of different brand names, including Bogen, Vivitar and LPL. If RobC's experience is with those enlargers, they are/were indeed fairly poor.

The cuurrent LPL enlargers (sold as Saunders/LPL in the US) are significantly more refined.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,271
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format

Why don't you post a new thread asking for advice on improving the focus of your 23C enlarger?

There are a lot of people around who have years of happy experience with Beseler 23C enlargers.
 

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,096
Format
8x10 Format
Yeah, the 23C is basically the Model T of home enlargers. They keep chugging, but are rather quaint.
 

Nokton48

Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
3,001
Format
Multi Format
I have an old D2V a friend restored for me, and it's perfect for my uses. Parts are available at low cost, and the prints are as sharp as they can be.
it's all I need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…