Can Agfa C66 (Durst M605) take 6x7 negs or just up to 6x6?

[Jedidiah Smith]

Hi, this is my first post here; I usually hang out at Photo.net, but I like the idea of an analog only site. I have been working in the B&W darkroom off and on since high school, using 35mm film and with condensor enlargers only (mostly Omega B-22).

I just decided to try a dichro head, and bought an Agfa C66 enlarger from a guy down in Washington, and he is shipping it to me in Alaska. This is going to sound stupid, asking after the fact, but can this enlarger take 6x7 negs, or just up to 6x6? He had been using it for 35mm and doesn't know.
It didn't cross my mind when I bought it, because I shoot with all Minolta 35mm gear. However, after much reading and study, I am very tempted to make the jump to medium format.

I know very little about MF gear, never having used any, and 6x7 sounds ideal...but if this enlarger can't do it, then I will obviously have to get 6x4.5 or 6x6. If anyone has info on this enlarger or suggestions on what MF size or brands to take a look at, I would really appreciate it. I will be processing all the film & prints with my Jobo ATL2 Plus if it makes any difference on the suggestions.
My sincere thanks,
Jed Smith

 

[Jedidiah Smith]

That's ok if nobody knows. I suppose I might just go with 6x6 format anyway if I can get a good deal on gear, that way you never have to tilt the camera...and I know the enlarger will do 6x6 just fine.
Jed

 

[clogz]

Hello Jed,
I just measured the filmholder of my M605: 6x6 cemtimeters maximum. Perhaps the possibility to use 6x7 negs is to find a holder that takes this size and fits the M605 head. You had better consult Durst of its importer on this matter.
As to buying an MF camera: there are lots of threads here about this. Dead Link Removed is a site dedicated to medium format.
Regards
Hans

 

[Ben Taylor]

I have an Agfa C66 which as you say is a re-branded Durst M605. I use it for 35mm and 6x6 work, 6x6 it the largest neg it will take.

I don't know if they're all the same, but mine came with a built in transformer and an odd exposure meter /timer which worked on 'Agfa paper values'. I removed this from the base board and replaced it with my own transformer and timer.

Ben.

 

[Jedidiah Smith]

Thank you both. I will have to see about that built-in timer, then. Is there any way to reset it to current paper values at all? I do have the timer and safe-light assembly from my Omega B-22. I wonder if this will work with it?
As far as the 6x7 goes, I suppose I will not sweat it, and go with 6x6. I like the square look anyway, and have actually been looking at the Bronica SQ-Ai for a while now. I just had to ask about the 6x7, because the large neg is tempting. However, the cameras would be heavier, etc...probably not worth it, because I like to back pack in the summer!
Thanks again,
Jed

 

[pentaxuser]

Hi, this is my first post here; I usually hang out at Photo.net, but I like the idea of an analog only site. I have been working in the B&W darkroom off and on since high school, using 35mm film and with condensor enlargers only (mostly Omega B-22).

I just decided to try a dichro head, and bought an Agfa C66 enlarger from a guy down in Washington, and he is shipping it to me in Alaska. This is going to sound stupid, asking after the fact, but can this enlarger take 6x7 negs, or just up to 6x6? He had been using it for 35mm and doesn't know.
It didn't cross my mind when I bought it, because I shoot with all Minolta 35mm gear. However, after much reading and study, I am very tempted to make the jump to medium format.

I know very little about MF gear, never having used any, and 6x7 sounds ideal...but if this enlarger can't do it, then I will obviously have to get 6x4.5 or 6x6. If anyone has info on this enlarger or suggestions on what MF size or brands to take a look at, I would really appreciate it. I will be processing all the film & prints with my Jobo ATL2 Plus if it makes any difference on the suggestions.
My sincere thanks,
Jed Smith

I had the same question about my M605. Look at the end of the thread entitled Mid Format Enlarger which is in the Darkroom forum. It seems that the M605 classic which is a later version than the M605 Sirio had a 6x7 lightbox and will take 6x7 negs. The Sirio M605 will not as it has the 6x6 lightbox. The neg carrier may take a 6x7 insert but the lightbox at 6x6 would not give you the spread of light needed

There was a suggestion that there may be a conversion kit but I haven't yet pursued that.

Pentaxuser

 

[Jedidiah Smith]

Thanks, Pentaxuser, that makes sense. I have decided on going with the Bronica SQ-Ai, I believe, I won't have to worry about it at this time.
Appreciate your time,
Jed

 

[aldem]

AGFA C66 and exposure meter removing

I have an Agfa C66 which as you say is a re-branded Durst M605. I use it for 35mm and 6x6 work, 6x6 it the largest neg it will take.

I don't know if they're all the same, but mine came with a built in transformer and an odd exposure meter /timer which worked on 'Agfa paper values'. I removed this from the base board and replaced it with my own transformer and timer.

Ben.

Hi,
I also have an AGFA C66 and confirm that 6x6 is its maximum.
The test/error method is the only one i've been able to use to have some good results. and I needed to re-test when changing the type of paper.
I'm very interrested whis your transformation of the exposure meter.
Can you tell us more ?

(excuse for my poor english, I'm french)

Alain

 

[Ben Taylor]

I also have an AGFA C66 and confirm that 6x6 is its maximum.
The test/error method is the only one i've been able to use to have some good results. and I needed to re-test when changing the type of paper.
I'm very interrested whis your transformation of the exposure meter.
Can you tell us more ?

Hi (and welcome to APUG!),

My Agfa C66 had long box across the back of the base board with a dial and an on/off button to the top right, and an exposure 'probe' that went into the box.

You can remove this box from the base board. I think I took the cover of first to expose the built in transformer and timing circuits, then completely removed it. You'll find the column for the head is bolted directly to the base board and the box you're removing doesn't add any stability to the enlarger.

Once it's removed you'll see that there is a cable powering the lamp in the head. I just found a new, stabilised transformer to power this and a nice timer on eBay which also controls my safe light.

If you know a little electronics you don't need to buy a new transformer, it looked like the one inside the Agfa box could be removed from the timing circuits and wired inline with your own timer.

Hope that makes some sense!

Ben.