Devere 504 Enlargers

[david b]

I just got a manual focus 504 and it seems to be a bit of over kill for what I do.
So, I am looking for some general "user" comments about this enlarger.

thanks.

 

[Peter De Smidt]

They're terrific. (I have two of them.) They are very sturdy, they can be easily aligned, they are easy to fix, and you focus the head at the baseboard, with is a big convenience with big prints. I prefer the De Vere to Beseler, Omega, Durst... (It's not that these are bad. It's just IMHO the De Vere are better.) The downside is that they're big and heavy. When they were new another downside was that they were very expensive.

 

[wiseowl]

I have one and its a real pleasure to use. Probably overkill for what I need but a few years ago they were way outside my budget.

 

[Steve Smith]

Not worth a thing. Post it to me and I will dispose of it for you!

Steve.

 

[palewin]

If you already have it, I'm not sure what the "overkill" issue is. I have had one for close to 30 years, use it for everything from 35mm through 4x5, and think its a wonderful enlarger. I originally used it with the original DeVere coldlight head (using split filter printing), and eventually replaced the head with a ZoneVI variable contrast head, which I've used ever since. The enlarger itself is incredibly stable, easy to align, and I love the baseboard controls.

 

[bwakel]

I bought a 504 after trying to use two hand-me-down enlargers that were a real pain. Focus would shift, alignment was tricky and everything was just a bit sloppy. The 504 is a precision instrument, a joy to use and very easy. I can't think what about it (other than its size and bulk) is overkill. Use it and enjoy it!

Barry

 

[Dave Swinnard]

Not worth a thing. Post it to me and I will dispose of it for you!

Steve.

I too have one, a spare as it turns out. I can't post it though...

But seriously, if anybody in the Vancouver BC area wants a DeVere 504 (manual focus), PM me.

Dave