Bogen X35B

ChristopherCoy

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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?
 
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ChristopherCoy

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Anyone?
 

Rick A

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Put some pix of it up. It may be one of those generic models sold under different labels.
 
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ChristopherCoy

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Rick A

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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.
 
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ChristopherCoy

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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

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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

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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?
 
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ChristopherCoy

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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

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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!
 
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ChristopherCoy

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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

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Paul Howell

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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

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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
 
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