Darkroom Newbie

I am a new medium format film shooter using vintage cameras. I enjoy it so much that I want to have more control over my images and have decided to develop my own film. I am confident about it as I have done so much research and mastered getting the film on the reel. Just waiting for the tank to arrive this week. I am not interested in scanning my negs or sending them out for scanning. I have a good large bathroom that is a spare and will do nicely as a darkroom. My big question is which enlarger to buy? I will buy new and I will be doing black and white 6x6 and would like to make at least 12x12 prints. There is the Beseler 23C and also the 67. I don't know enough to make the right choice. Hope someone doesn't mind helping me out with advice. Thanks! Susan

Welcome to APUG, Susan. I'll refrain from commenting (I'm out of practice) other than to suggest you consider buying used unless you have lots of disposable income. Also, I'd recommend getting a 4x5 enlarger just in case you decide to try 6x12cm or 4x5in. Lastly, don't neglect (skimp on) all the other items you'll need just so you can have a new enlarger. Setting up a darkroom can be fairly affordable to downright expensive.

The problem is that I don't have anyone helping me with this, I have taught myself just enough to be dangerous! I hesitate buying used because of the possible problems. I don't know of any local enlargers for sale or I would check them out as best I could. I did see a couple of new in unopened box enlargers on eBay but I really hesitate to take a chance on that. I am retired and quite serious about this so I am willing to buy new to be on the safe side. I understand your recommendation to look for a 4x5 enlarger, makes sense to have the largest capability as I may change format. I have 7 6x6 cameras so I don't really see me moving up that far. I enjoy the square format, I can see me trying 6x7 perhaps for landscape etc. eventually. I guess I'm afraid to buy more than I'll ever need. Plus, I am going to need to teach this to myself also so would like one that I can operate without a degree. Thanks for replying.

Welcome to APUG

None of us was born with photographic knowledge so feel free to ask your questions.

If you plan on buying a basic model, standard condenser head, such as Bessler 23, buying used is not usually a problem, they are rugged enlargers made for professional use. If you plan on buying new the big difference is negative size. The Bessler 2X3 is shot by 2X3 inches or a 6X9 negative. It will project to the wall for large prints. The 23 does not need lens cones for different length of lens for different size negatives. The 6X7 will of course take up a a 6X7 negative. Both come with XL sizes for larger prints on the baseboard. If you are thinking about a 6X7 camera then the 67 will do. I suggest that you google the manuals for each to how each operates, then price out the whole packet. I have a D3 4X5 and a Omega 6X7, I use the 6X7 for 35mm. I bought the D3 40 years ago, still as good as new, the 6X7 is a fine enlarger but if I had to do all over again I might have gone for a 23c. One might ask why 2 enlargers when the D3 will take up to 4X5, in my work flow I often work on 2 prints at time, a 35mm negative in the 6X7 and a 6X9 or 4X5 in the D3.

Susan J. said:

I have taught myself just enough to be dangerous!

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I love that 'quote' although my version is "know just enough to be dangerous". My other favourite is 'too dumb to own a computer' while I'm trying to help them with something very simple. Not that I say that out aloud... I just think it!

Plus, I am going to need to teach this to myself also so would like one that I can operate without a degree. Thanks for replying.

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No matter what format enlarger you obtain, they all work somewhat similar and aren't that complicated for anyone with half a brain ;-)

I'd suggest before running off and paying top dollar for new, see if you can pick up a second hand one. People here will steer you in the right direction, and away from less than idea setups. The difference in new versus old is a lot of film/chems/paper which is where you'll really learn what your doing.

Check on Craigslist. Enlargers are dirt cheap these days. Normally there are listings for a bunch of darkroom equipment in a bundle.

While you can buy a new enlarger, they can be expensive. But enlargers are basic contraptions, very little can go wrong. But if you don't feel comftable buying used, go ahead and buy a new one.

Welcome to APUG. You are in for lots of fun!

In Oswego NY, I'm fairly confident you can find someone reasonably nearby who can assist with practical advice. It is, after all, fairly close to Rochester.

This Craigslist link is slightly expensive, but of excellent quality: http://ithaca.craigslist.org/pho/5581163464.html

My suggestion: Ask the moderators to change the thread title to "Darkroom Newbie in Oswego New York - Advice needed". You can rach them by clicking on the "Report this post" link at the bottom left of your first post.

I have a Beseler 23C II that I was gifted from someone, and I think it saw classroom/heavy darkroom use. Absolutely nothing wrong with it at all, it works great. They seem really rugged, and there's not a lot that can really break or go wrong with them. My focus knob was a little loose but I was able to easily tighten the focus with a screwdriver. I'm also a newbie, I've only had maybe 6 printing sessions with it.

MattKing said:

... In Oswego NY, I'm fairly confident you can find someone reasonably nearby who can assist with practical advice. It is, after all, fairly close to Rochester.
...

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welcome to apug... what he said...

like matt said there's gotta be some apug members nearby... once you have your equipment, invite a couple folks over to guide you through... give lunch and let them walk you through the setup and process. it will make it a lot easier seeing it done and will put further investigation and study in perspective.

meanwhile, there are a lot of answers here just by searching, and ask a lot of questions, asa well.

enjoy

I see you are in Oswego, NY, so these may be close enough to you. There's this in Rochester area:
https://rochester.craigslist.org/pho/5565357483.html
And this in Liverpool:
https://syracuse.craigslist.org/pho/5571156111.html

Include in your researches the LPL enlarger brands, they make several 6x6 and 6x7.

You are probably going to want to print using multigrade paper, at least at first. You may already know about this but in case you don't this can be done two ways, with a loose plastic sheet filter inserted above the negative, to change paper grade you remove the existing filter and insert a different one. This requires a place above the negative to place the filter, this is called the filter drawer. Filter sets are less than $50.

Alternatively some of the more expensive enlargers use a set of internal filters (dichroic filters) that are adjusted by a wheel and are a little more convenient to use.

The result in the print is exactly the same by both methods of filtration.

A third way to use variable contrast paper is to use filters made for that purpose beneath the lens.

Beseler 23Cs are rugged and can last nearly forever, I think. In the US, they are fairly common, so finding a decent one shouldn't be too tough and getting parts and repairs should also not be too tough. (It's what I've got, btw) It's in Syracuse, but this place might still have some help for darkroom beginners - http://www.lightwork.org I grew up in the Mohawk Valley and wish I was still close to come help you get started, but there is likely another APUGer not too far from you.

I'm another one that recommends buying used. The Beseler 23C is a real workhorse and for what a new one sells for you could set up two or three darkrooms with used stuff.
Don't forget a lens, lens board(s), negative carrier(s) for the enlarger.
Then there's the rest of the stuff...........and more stuff.......
There are threads here regarding what's needed to set up a darkroom. Good information.

Watch Craigslist very closely for a few weeks and you will get a good idea of what things cost. Once you do know, keep watching and wait patiently for a good kit at a good price, and then JUMP NOW! Do keep in mind that a lot of people are happy to give their beloved darkroom equipment away to somebody who will actually use it. I have 3 complete darkroom kits (not yet in service) that cost me a total of $90. The first was a nice little bathroom setup with a Durst F60 for $80, the second was just like the 2nd example in Rick A's post that I got for nothing, but had to drive to Chicago to pick up. The 3rd is a Beseler 23C kit that I got for my son-in-law for $10. My fiberglass sink was free.

No matter what way you go, keep asking questions. Apugers love to help.

tedr1 said:

Include in your researches the LPL enlarger brands, they make several 6x6 and 6x7.

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Definitely look at the LPL enlargers with the VCCE variable contrast constant exposure head. it won't be the cheapest enlarger but it will likely be the best enlarger for a beginner. You can also contact KHB Photografix in Canada they sell both new and reconditioned enlargers in various brands LPL Omega Bessler Durst and others and can advice you on an enlarger to suit your needs

Just think of all the film, paper and chemistry you could get if you bought a used enlarger. The enlarger itself is physically large and integral part of a darkroom, but is merely a part of the darkroom. Akin to an engine being an important part of a car, but a steering wheel and brakes are nice as well. Many of us would downgrade an enlarger for a better sink

The craigslist posts that were linked earlier are great.

Thanks to all who chimed in with advice and ideas. I have more of a handle on the enlargers and found one that is new old stock that I am getting for half the price of a new one, and includes the lens, lens board and negative carrier for the 6x6 format I use. It's a Beseler 23C III-XL Enlarger+Variable Contrast Head. I enjoy learning how to do things on my own but it is sometimes so much faster to just ask someone in the know. Since this is a variable contrast head do I still need multigrade filters? Thanks again to all who have shared info with me.

That is a great choice, and the head is perfect for variable contrast paper.

No extra filters needed.

Susan J. said:

I am a new medium format film shooter using vintage cameras. I enjoy it so much that I want to have more control over my images and have decided to develop my own film. [...] My big question is which enlarger to buy? I will buy new and I will be doing black and white 6x6 and would like to make at least 12x12 prints.

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Depending on your photography subjects, don't discount the possibility that you will want to include 4x5 (and larger) in your repertoire, and sooner than you expect. 4x5 is nearly as easy to develop and enlarge (or scan) as 120 and 35mm. (Actually shooting 4x5 is a completely different kettle of fish.) A 4x5 enlarger is not too much bigger than a 6x7 enlarger.

But I think your instinct about wanting your own enlarger and darkroom is correct; if your goal is to improve your skill, being able to practice every day is a big deal. I struggle with darkroom printing, mainly because I can't do it every day. So I've been doing similar research, but lately I'm thinking more of contact printing at home, from digital negatives. There are many advantages to this approach, though it's not purely analog.

Another suggestion: if you haven't read about developing film with Caffenol, look into it, and if it's something that you'd like to try, the Facebook Caffenol group is excellent for support. Good luck!

Susan J. said:

Thanks to all who chimed in with advice and ideas. I have more of a handle on the enlargers and found one that is new old stock that I am getting for half the price of a new one, and includes the lens, lens board and negative carrier for the 6x6 format I use. It's a Beseler 23C III-XL Enlarger+Variable Contrast Head. I enjoy learning how to do things on my own but it is sometimes so much faster to just ask someone in the know. Since this is a variable contrast head do I still need multigrade filters? Thanks again to all who have shared info with me.

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BINGO! Nice score!

... and welcome to APUG. I have learned an awful lot here over the years and I am sure that you will too. You sound like a real keener. I look forward to seeing some prints in the near future!

If you still need a complete darkroom ("and I mean Complete" except for the sink. I have one:
$1200.00 and I will ship to the closest rail station near you within the US

1 - 4 printing trays for up to 8”x10” prints
5 - 4”x 6” developing trays ( by B&W )


Besler 23C seriesII w/Dichro 23DGA color head w/ extra lamp and
Besler Power source adapter
1 - 35 mm negative carrier
1 - 2 ¼ x 2 ¼” negative carrier
1 - Grain focuser
1 - Beslar qwik easel
1 - 4 in 1 easel
1 - 3 lens boards
1 - El Nikor F 1.4 f=50mm enlarging lens #923990
1 - Beslar 1: 3.5 F= 75mm enlarging lens #88831
1 - Beslar 1: 3.5 F= 50mm enlarging lens #90226
1 - Wollensak enlarging Lens F4.5 6 3/8” focus
1 - Graylab Timer
1 - Watson Bulk film loader (100ft cap)
1 - Kodak safe light
1 - Patterson contact printer
1 - Paper safe
Print & developing :
1 - Beseler motor base w/drum Model 8921
1 - Jobo Drum #2840
2 - Poly film tanks ( holds 2 -35mm reels ) also have adjustable spools for 120 film )
1 - Stainless film tank w/ 2 reels
1 - In line water temp indicator
1 - One box of miscellaneous graduates, Kodak Data guide and many books and
chemicals if you want them. Glass thermometer.
Film and Paper:
3 - rolls of 120 Kodak Natural color- 400NC
1 - Tin of colored pencils and tubes of pastel colors for hand coloring photos.
MANY EXTRAS _ books,,guides,,,mamuals etc
Paper:
B&W paper has been opened where specified (Approx count is on low side but there is more than stated)
* 1 - Pack new-un-opened ,100 sheets 5”x 7” Sterling Pro B&W RC - VC glossy
*1 - Pack Kodak Polymax RC - F glossy 5”x7” (abt 80 sheets)
*1 - Pack 25 sheets 8”x 10” Kodak Polymax RC - F ( unopened )
*1 - Pack 20 sheets 8”x 10” Kodak Polymax Fine Art GD Lustre (abt 15 sheets)
* 1 - Pack 25 sheets new un-opened Kodak Polymax Art RC V3
1 - Pack Luminos Flexicon 8”x 10” VC RC Glossy VCF- 25 sheets (unopened)
1 - Pack Luminous Flexicon 8”x 10” VCF Fibre Base Glossy 25 sheets (unopened)
1 - Pack of various types 8”x10” Luminos papers (5 different packets in one box,ie;
Pearl white, ivory, red etc.) unsure of quantity, at least 3-4 sheets per pack
*1 - Pack Ilford 8”x 10” 25 sheets, MGIV .44m RC Deluxe Pearl (unopened)
*1 - Pack Ilford 8”x 10” 25 sheets, MG IV 44.m Deluxe Pearl (unopened)
*1 - Pack Ilford 5”x7” multigrade IV RC Deluxe Satin MGD.25m (approx - 80 sheets)
* 1 - Pack Ilford 3 ½” x 5” (abt 60 shts)MGD .25 RC Deluxe Satin
* 1 - Pack Ilford 3 ½” x 5” (abt 10 shts) MGD .1MRC Deluxe Brilliant-Glossy
* 1 - Pack AGFA 8”x 10” B&W VC RC paper. (abt 15 shts)
Cameras:
Tower Twin Lens Reflex camera Shoots 120 film , lens Fugitar 1: 3.5 F75mm
Comes with worn leather case and metal lens cap.
Canon EOS3 35mm body with battery grip Excellent condition. This film camera is flawless. #2752671
Canon EOS ElanIIe 35mm body new condition. This film body features the eye control focus. After it is set tou your vision it will focus where ever you look.
Both have the manuals and Elan has original box. #9306813
1 - Canon “T” mount

I think your 23C-III VC enlarger will serve you very well--you'll probably never need to replace it unless you decide to move up to a larger format.

Welcome to APUG

You have Hasselblads so we all know that you are a very wise person. Therefore I recommend that you get a 4"x5" dichroic color enlarger because that will allow you to start with black & white and later if you choose do color printing later without buying another enlarger. Also a 4"x5" enlarger will allow you more flexibility in negative sizes if you ever move up to other larger formats. I have a Chromega Dichoric II 5D-XL enlarger.