Durst 138 height adjustment

bottlegardener · Jul 5, 2017

Hi all,
Does anyone know if the Durst 138's column can be set to a lower height or is it fixed? I can't quite figure out the assembly and mechanism from the user manual diagrams.
There's one available locally and I fear it's too tall for my basement ceiling (74"). This site says the chassis is 82".

Luis-F-S · Jul 5, 2017

The height to the top of the column is 82 1/4". You might be able to cut 8" from the top post, or some from each post-the crow's foot base comes off; but I've never done it, nor would I recommend it, so can't comment on any issues. I'd go look at it, measure it, split it in half (the post comes off in the middle) and then decide if you can live with it! Do you have any room between the joists for the full column? It's a great enlarger, I'd try and make it work if at all possible! Post some photos of it if you get it!

bottlegardener · Jul 5, 2017

Thanks for the tips Luis.
I measured a height of 88.5" between joists. I'll see if there's a safe place to cut the drywall.

Fujicaman1957 · Jul 5, 2017

You also need to measure the height with the head raised all the way. On my Beseler H that increases the height from 44" to 60". Even with a hole cut in the ceiling, you might need an adjustable enlarging table.

bottlegardener · Jul 5, 2017

Hmmm
"w/ fully raised condenser head the total height is 86.6" / 220cm "
I wonder if that might be too awkward to assemble with such little wiggle room?

Luis-F-S · Jul 5, 2017

So what, you just don't raise the head full height; as long as the column fits that's the main thing you want. You can always drop the table on the Durst or use a shorter lens if you need a bigger print. I can't raise the head full height on my 8 x 10 DeVere or Durst. It's never presented a problem and I can print much larger than I'd ever want to. Don't create problems that don't exist!

Luis-F-S · Jul 5, 2017

Fujicaman1957 said:
You also need to measure the height with the head raised all the way. On my Beseler H that increases the height from 44" to 60". Even with a hole cut in the ceiling, you might need an adjustable enlarging table.

Have you ever even seen or used a Durst L138? It's a real enlarger with a table that can be lowered almost to the floor!

DREW WILEY · Jul 5, 2017

I wouldn't try to alter the ht of the enlarged column itself. That could ruin the machine or make it dangerous. It can be broken down into three sections for moving. If you open up the ceiling make sure you fireproof the well and have plenty of space around the light source for effective ventilation.

bottlegardener · Jul 7, 2017

Thanks everyone for the good advice. The seller has been incommunicado for the past few days so I'll just have to wait and see now.

Ron789 · Jul 7, 2017

The Durst 138 is a superb enlarger. If it's too large to fit in your room... move to a larger house!

Luis-F-S · Jul 7, 2017

Ron789 said:
The Durst 138 is a superb enlarger. If it's too large to fit in your room... move to a larger house!

++ 1

DREW WILEY · Jul 10, 2017

You could indeed bench mount just the upper column and head into a machined socket on a heavy table with wall brace to achieve less cumulative ht; but you'd sacrifice a lot of the versatility this enlarged was designed for.

Luis-F-S · Jul 10, 2017

I'd use it as is, you said you have enough room for the column between the rafters. Why mess with it!

iakustov · Jul 11, 2017

Sorry to ask here, but can someone suggest the best way to fit current available multigrade filters (e.g. from Ilford - 15x15cm) into the filter drawyer of Durst 138s?
From what I understood, one has to cut 15x15cm filter into carton to fit 12x12cm size manually..

Tony Egan · Jul 11, 2017

iakustov said:
Sorry to ask here, but can someone suggest the best way to fit current available multigrade filters (e.g. from Ilford - 15x15cm) into the filter drawyer of Durst 138s?
From what I understood, one has to cut 15x15cm filter into carton to fit 12x12cm size manually..

Yes, a sharp blade and a steel ruler worked for me. It can be a bit fiddly sliding them in but with a bit of practice you will figure out a routine that works.

jbmia · Jul 11, 2017

iakustov said:
Sorry to ask here, but can someone suggest the best way to fit current available multigrade filters (e.g. from Ilford - 15x15cm) into the filter drawyer of Durst 138s?
From what I understood, one has to cut 15x15cm filter into carton to fit 12x12cm size manually..

That's what I did when I was using the condenser head. Cut them down to fit in the drawer. You could also keep an eye out for an extra filter drawer which makes swapping in and out a little easier.

bottlegardener · Jul 17, 2017

Hi all,
Sadly the Durst 138 seller is no longer contactable.
I'm looking at a free Omega D5 today. It's much less aethetically pleasing to me but it seems like it's a sensible choice (and price!)

Durst 138 height adjustment

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