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Choosing a medium format enlarger model

Rosssiiii

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Hi everyone,
I'd like to ask for your advice on which enlarger model to buy for the 6x4.5 medium format. I imagine it won't be an easy choice because there are quite a few enlargers, but I know that different models can have different negative holders or condensers.

The fact is, a friend and I printed some 35mm photos, and since I have a medium format camera and medium format enlarger lenses, I'd also like to get some printing equipment, but I'm not sure which models to choose without spending a fortune.

For 35mm, perhaps having glass in the negative holder isn't necessary, even though we use it, and it must be said that there have been few difficulties with printing, with prints always being fairly even in the center and edges.

For medium format, perhaps glass is even more important.

Some very popular models are the Durst M600 and the Meopta Opemus Standard 2.

I found the Durst M600 with this negative holder:


While I found the Meopta Opemus Standard 2 with this negative holder and condenser:



The Meopta negative holder seems very good to me, and it comes in this format. Status:



The finish near the supporting column is a bit damaged.

The thread should be M39 for both, right?
 

RalphLambrecht

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right, go for the Durst
 

Paul Howell

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Both a very good enlargers, I have a Meopta Opemus 6X6 with glass cropping negative holder. The down side that I have the standard 6X6 condenser so it is somewhat slow exposure times with 35mm. The upside that the built in focusing rangefinder, it works really well, always surprised that Omega and Bessler here in the U.S did not copy it. I have had Drust 6X6 enlarger with color head and condenser, over the time the gears on the column stripped, but easy to use. If you have enlarger lens what are the threads sizes? The Meopta took a 25mm threaded lens, I had to have the lens board drilled to take a standard size. See if you can find the manuals on line to check what thread the Durst takes. As Meopta made a number of 6X6 models, again find the manual and see if your lens are compataible. Then look to see what parts are readily avialbale . Here in the U.S I could not find a replacment column so I had to buy another enlarger.
 

xkaes

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There are a lots to choose from, as you know, but all you need is a 6x6 -- and that will probably be the smallest, but might not be the least expensive or have the most features. If you move up to 6x7 a whole new world opens up -- and most enlargers you can get for close to nothing. The camera shop down the street had a 4x5 Beseler for sale for $50 a few months ago.
 

beemermark

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Either the Beseler 23C or 45 MXT. Extremely solid, used in countless darkrooms. Negative holders are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Model designations have changed over the decades but the physical changes are minor. So many made you can find them cheap. I had both and can't think of a better enlarger. They're so good you can still buy them new at Freestyle. If you ever need parts you can still get them from the US factory.
 

eli griggs

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I've had a couple of Durst M600 and love the build.

If I did not have move advanced needs into large format or my Leitz Valloy II, I'd still have one on my bench.

Try using a 3cm. granite baseboard for a solid grounding and enjoy a perfect little setup.

IMO
 
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