Buying a Fujimoto G70, what to look for?

[Ulrik Christiansen]

Hi all

I might have an opportunity to buy a used Fujimoto G70. I have shot film a few years, but I am completely new to darkroom development. I would like an enlarger which can take my 6x7 negatives.
The seller asks how much I would pay for it. From the pictures, it seems in fine condition. I have made an appointment to go see it, when he clears his corona isolation. So, here are a few questions.
What should I look for / examine, before buying it? Light in the lamp I guess , but what more?
Accessories - are there any which should accompany the sale, like holders or other things?
And finally, what would be a fair price (very roughly), if my stomach feels like it all works?

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[gijsbert]

Make sure it has the negative carriers/masks that you will use. I have one without any carriers and I never found any on ebay, I did make some 'carrier's from matte board and it was workable but I always worried about scratching my negatives so when a Durst M805 became available I bought it and stopped using the G70. The carriers for the V70 are compatible but didn't find those either. Maybe now 3D printing is an option. I haven't looked for many years so perhaps they are around now. Yahoo japan might be a source.
It's been a few years, so I don't remember much else. It's pretty sturdy but maybe check the column is straight. I think it uses regular lamps, but maybe check they are still available - good to have spares!
The reversible condensor/diffusor is kinda cool and if it has the probe it can help color printing.
Mine was gifted so I have no idea about the price. I guess price is really about availability of alternatives in your area.

 

[Helge]

Been looking at the exact same enlarger.

Looks like any kind of neg carrier is missing.

What’s more I fear the head has been stored in the position is in now, for a long time.
That means that the long curved steel spring blade inside the column, that creates tension against the roller, most likely is permanently deformed and/or is metal fatigued, and is therefore brittle.

I’d be very wary about paying more than a few hundred kroner for something you are not sure is working well in the first place, and that could potentially develop a “catastrophic” failure any time.

The dichroic filters might be tarnished or dusty too. How easy are they to get at and clean?

 

[radiant]

I bought one for 40 euros. It is the model without the color system under the enlarger. And other one (with color system) for 100 euros. For color version I would max out at 150-200 euros. That should contain multiple carriers and eazel, maybe grain focuser..