durst 138 focus knob extension

Does anyone know if durst made an extension arm for the focus knob on the 138s? Perhaps you've got a picture of one, or a home brew solution?

I've used one on a beseler 45mx and it was handy when making prints bigger than 20x24.

Thanks!

I've never seen one. They did offer a very expensive version of the 138 with motorized focus.

It's funny, it seems like something durst would make. Really, once I get past 28" square, I can't manage the focus.

They actually made a removable one for the SM-183 where the head would extend really high, an extra 14" above the top of the L-184 chassis. Was not very well thought out like the permanent one for the Chromega F which works great. The extension attached to the small cylinder at the bottom of the rear focus box. This cylinder turns when you focus and there is an extra gear in the small rear box that the cylinder is attached to which gears to the focus mechanism. A normal L-138 does not have this extra gear box or cylinder. I've often thought of having a flexible extension made for it as that would make it useful. L

I've got an 18" homemade handle that fits like a box wrench over the focus knob

The Durst solution for the 138 was motorized focus, but that will be hard to find. For a home-made solution, look for a "Sheathless Flexible Shaft." The ones from McMaster Carr are quite expensive. So adapting a flexible shaft from an Omega or Beseler might also be an option.

'Tall Boy' magnifier is an option along with chain or rope windlass.

Thanks everyone. The long wrench sounds like a quick fix, and the sheathless flexible shaft will be a long term goal. I fully expect to still be using the wrench in 5 years time. I appreciate the advice!

dasBlute said:

I've got an 18" homemade handle that fits like a box wrench over the focus knob

Click to expand...

You have a long handle for one of these?