Bogen X35B

ChristopherCoy

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
3,599
Location
On a boat.
Format
Multi Format
Over the weekend I found a used Bogen X35B on CL, locally. It seems to be extremely well kept, and works perfectly.

It appears to be, and from what little I have read, was a very "economical" model enlarger sold between 1981 and 1990 for around $100. It's on the smaller side, and only enlarges up to an 8x10 I believe. It has a Voss f/3.5 50mm lens on it, that seems to be pretty sharp.

I can't seem to find very much information online about this model enlarger. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is it comparable to the Beseler Cadet's?
 
OP
OP

ChristopherCoy

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
3,599
Location
On a boat.
Format
Multi Format
Anyone?
 

Rick A

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 31, 2009
Messages
9,883
Location
Laurel Highlands
Format
8x10 Format
Put some pix of it up. It may be one of those generic models sold under different labels.
 
OP
OP

ChristopherCoy

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
3,599
Location
On a boat.
Format
Multi Format

Rick A

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 31, 2009
Messages
9,883
Location
Laurel Highlands
Format
8x10 Format
Looks similar to the Vivitar I bought for my daughter. Pretty basic maachine, will it do 6x6 as well as 35mm? The Viviter has an insert for the negative carrier to change between formats. I found a Yashinon 40mm that allows 11x14 enlargments with 35mm negs. Don't know how much you got it for but it won't allow for very critical work. If you need a small enlarger for a temporary DR, look for an Omega C-700. It's a good versitile machine that will enlarge up to 16x20 and takes up to 6x7 negatives. It's still light enough to pack away in a closet between uses.
 
OP
OP

ChristopherCoy

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
3,599
Location
On a boat.
Format
Multi Format
Rick A said:
Pretty basic maachine, will it do 6x6 as well as 35mm? The Viviter has an insert for the negative carrier to change between formats.
Click to expand...


I was aware that it was pretty basic when I bought it, but I didn't want to purchase something too large or too expensive just yet, without knowing exactly how long this film kick will last. If I get into it seriously, then in a few months, I'll look for something a little better.

This one has a carrier for 35mm negs only. If a 6x6 carrier is/was made, this one didn't come with one.

I picked this one up for $50. If I can make a few passable 8x10's with it, then I consider it a good deal. I just can't find anything about them anywhere online. A google search of the brand name and model number turns up a few posts on other forums, and a 'used price' website with no further info.
 

ic-racer

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
16,517
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
Looks like you are going to be the APUG expert on that model Set it up and see how it works and start a thread on it.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,468
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
Bogen is actually a distributor, so it is most likely that this enlarger is also sold and known under other names as well (like Vivitar).

I assume that it turns on and that it appears to project an image correctly. Can you determine what bulb it takes?
 
OP
OP

ChristopherCoy

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
3,599
Location
On a boat.
Format
Multi Format
Bogen X35B
110-125 volts, 75watts max
No. 211 Lamp 75watts max
Bogen Photo Corp
Englewood NJ.
Made in USA.


photo by ChristopherCoy, on Flickr
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,468
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
The 211 lamp is one of the most commonly used, so that bodes well for continued use.

I used a basic, non-main brand 35mm enlarger for years when I started out and was happy with the results. Try yours out - it may very well give you evenly illuminated prints with sharp focus from corner to corner.

And be sure to have fun!
 
OP
OP

ChristopherCoy

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
3,599
Location
On a boat.
Format
Multi Format
MattKing said:
The 211 lamp is one of the most commonly used, so that bodes well for continued use.
Click to expand...


That's good to know!

I won a GraLab 171 timer for $20 on ebay yesterday so that is on its way. Once I get some trays, a safelight, some more dektol, and some paper, I'll be good to go for a few test runs.

Like I said, I didn't want to spend too much on an enlarger just yet. But if this will allow me to make some decent prints until I get back into the swing of it, it'll be a good deal.

It works great as far as I can tell. Everything tightens and looses, and moves as it should. There isn't any rust or anything on the housing, and it pretty much looks like it sat in a closet since it was bought. We'll see.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,468
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format

Paul Howell

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 23, 2004
Messages
9,592
Location
Scottsdale Az
Format
Multi Format
If the basic set up is similar to a Durst: because the blub does not shine directly though the neg from above you can use a good quailtiy 75 wat 75 soft white bulb as the imprinted brand name is on the top and will show.
 

getthelight

Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2021
Messages
1
Location
New Hampshire
Format
35mm

Hi Chris - I just acquired one of these in a "trunk o' gear" that I bought alongside a Beseler c23 Series II. I was happy that found the manual for the Bogen X-35B in one of the boxes of gear. I'm posting it here for anyone that needs it.

BOGEN X-35B Manual PDF
 
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…