- Joined
- Feb 9, 2008
- Messages
- 5
- Format
- 8x10 Format
New OPAL light bulbs for Durst large-format enlargers.
Durst used to provide 4 versions of OPAL bulbs for their enlargers with condenser units. They were large and rounded, designed to provide an even illumination of 5x7 and 8x10 negatives. Available in 200W, 300W, 500W and 1000W versions, these bulbs were produced by Thorn and Atlas, but have been discontinued for 25 years. These bulbs have now become rare, as stocks have gradually depleted around the world.
For this reason, alternatives have emerged, Jensen in USA sell a modification kit and several postings on the large format forum shows alternative light sources being incorporated into the enlargers.
Personally I have always found it a shame to modify these beautifully crafted enlargers and prefer to use them as intended. To investigate the possibility for obtaining new bulbs, I contacted the Dr Fischer Group, a specialist lamp factory in Germany and one of the last factories in the world that still produces opal bulbs for photographic enlargers. To me they have expressed interest in producing a limited run of large-format light bulbs, which will allow everyone to restock their supplies.
As this is a niche product they will likely only produce one version, I have suggested the Durst Opal 500W as a good compromise between light-intensity and heat production.
I only have one original 300W bulb available and which I will provide the factory as a template, but in order to get the new lamp as close to the original as possible, I ask anyone who still has original DURST OPAL bulbs in stock, to measure the height and width and upload these measurements to this post (together with data printed on the bulb). The data will allow the factory to compare several bulbs, rather than just copying mine. Detailed images may also be helpful. If any of you also want to send them a bulb for examination, I can provide their shipment address.
Durst used to provide 4 versions of OPAL bulbs for their enlargers with condenser units. They were large and rounded, designed to provide an even illumination of 5x7 and 8x10 negatives. Available in 200W, 300W, 500W and 1000W versions, these bulbs were produced by Thorn and Atlas, but have been discontinued for 25 years. These bulbs have now become rare, as stocks have gradually depleted around the world.
For this reason, alternatives have emerged, Jensen in USA sell a modification kit and several postings on the large format forum shows alternative light sources being incorporated into the enlargers.
Personally I have always found it a shame to modify these beautifully crafted enlargers and prefer to use them as intended. To investigate the possibility for obtaining new bulbs, I contacted the Dr Fischer Group, a specialist lamp factory in Germany and one of the last factories in the world that still produces opal bulbs for photographic enlargers. To me they have expressed interest in producing a limited run of large-format light bulbs, which will allow everyone to restock their supplies.
As this is a niche product they will likely only produce one version, I have suggested the Durst Opal 500W as a good compromise between light-intensity and heat production.
I only have one original 300W bulb available and which I will provide the factory as a template, but in order to get the new lamp as close to the original as possible, I ask anyone who still has original DURST OPAL bulbs in stock, to measure the height and width and upload these measurements to this post (together with data printed on the bulb). The data will allow the factory to compare several bulbs, rather than just copying mine. Detailed images may also be helpful. If any of you also want to send them a bulb for examination, I can provide their shipment address.