Durst enlargers that will do 6x7

[mtngael]

I'm trying to find out which Durst enlargers will do 6x7 negatives and aren't huge. I'm familiar with the bigger models and the color ones. But I want a nice sturdy, not too heavy, compact model that will enlarge 6x7 negs. Maybe I'm on a wild goose chase but I can't even turn up model info on anything other than the AC707 and the Laborator 1000. Both of which don't really fit the bill. As a matter of fact, it seems tough to find a lot of info on all of the different Durst models. I know they made more than 3 or 4, but there doesn't seem to be much info online about more than 3 or 4...(probably the ones that are still selling for high$!!!)..TIA...

 

[Marco B]

My Durst M670 BW goes up to 6x7 with the appropriate conversion module ("Vegaset 67"), according to the linked PDF, and certainly isn't "huge" compared to other common enlargers. I haven't used it for that though, since I only use it for 35 mm film. The less common Durst Modular 70 enlarger should be capable of 6x7 too.

Here is a link to a Durst folder showing the most recent enlargers Durst created before its demise and all their options:
http://www.darkroom.ru/info/manuals/durst_catalog_eng.pdf

Marco

 

[jp80874]

I bought my 6x7 (RZ67) from a pro when he was going digital. He suggested a Durst enlarger, but said that most people who go up to 6x7, usually, eventually, go to 4x5. This is probably something you don’t want to hear as you are looking at space and budget. However in my own case I went to 4x5”, 8x10”, 7x17” and then a 6x9cm folder. At your stage I bought an LPL 4550 VCE with lenses and holders for 35mm, 6x7, then 4x5 and most recently 6x9. I have since added a Durst 138S converted to 8x10 and cold light. I am color blind so these are only for B&W.

I should add that because of abundent supply none of this equipment was purchased new.

John Powers

 

[eddie]

The M800 will do up to 6x9.

 

[Bob-D659]

http://www.durst.it/fileadmin/user_upload/Durst/pdf/Durst_Equipment.pdf

The negative size is in this service list from Durst.

 

[Heinz]

I bought a M700 used. You can do down to 35mm but also up to 6x9 with it depending on the installed condensor and lens, see:
http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-printing-finishing-forum/00BbIh
The M800 is quite similar (mainly a more sturdy mount), I bought a slightly broken one which included the Unicon 105 condensor that was not included with the M700 I bought and for spares.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

I've got a few Durst L1200s and they are great. I'm sure that their smaller units would be nice as well.

 

[mtngael]

Excellent. Thanks to all for the info. I'm not sure why I couldn't find what I needed. I'm using 6x6 and some 35mm now but I have about 200 6x7 negatives and wouldn't mind printing some of them! I have a Beseler 23cXL enlarger currently but using it is impractical as I'll be doing the makeshift/temp bathroom darkroom thing so size, weight, and less alignment procedure is pretty important! I'll start looking at these.

 

[sandermarijn]

As the owner of both a Durst M670 and an M700 I would recommend going for one of the older Dursts (M700, M800) instead of the M670. The M700 feels more sturdy and less plasticky, which makes working with it sooo much nicer. But if you don't have the choice, the M670 is very fine in its own right.

Just be careful that you get the right condensor with your Durst. I'm not sure if the 6x6-designated condensor (called something like Bimacon 80?) also covers 6x7. You may need the 6x9 condensor. Separate condensors can be very hard to find, especially for the older models (such as the M700/M800); for the M670 you can often find 'new old stock' condensors.

 

[MattKing]

Excellent. Thanks to all for the info. I'm not sure why I couldn't find what I needed. I'm using 6x6 and some 35mm now but I have about 200 6x7 negatives and wouldn't mind printing some of them! I have a Beseler 23cXL enlarger currently but using it is impractical as I'll be doing the makeshift/temp bathroom darkroom thing so size, weight, and less alignment procedure is pretty important! I'll start looking at these.

Can you put your Beseler on a low cart?

 

[darkprints]

The M700/800 will require the Unicon 105 condensor. The Unicon 85 covers 6x6. The DA900 covers 35mm up to 6x9. Whatever you get, be sure the neg carrier and glassless inserts (and/or reg. lower glass + ANR upper glass) come with it.

 

[mtngael]

Can you put your Beseler on a low cart?

I suppose I *could*. However I was thinking that I'd be able to get a smaller enlarger to a more comfortable working height. With a smaller (and simpler!) enlarger than the Beseler, I can put it right on top of the sink (it's a nice big old porcelin pedestal one and is level). Plus I won't be able to leave it set up due to the way the room is, and there's no space immediately adjacent in our living area for it (it's in the barn now!) so I'd be faced with having to take it down and then realign it when I set it back up to print. That was the biggest reason for looking for an enlarger with a one piece head. I wish it were easier to just set it up in the corner! It's a perfectly good enlarger when properly set up and aligned.

 

[mtngael]

The M700/800 will require the Unicon 105 condensor. The Unicon 85 covers 6x6. The DA900 covers 35mm up to 6x9. Whatever you get, be sure the neg carrier and glassless inserts (and/or reg. lower glass + ANR upper glass) come with it.

Good to know. I'm finding out that this is going to be pretty complicated. with so many models/variants/different heads etc. Yikes...

Plus trying to find out what's actually available to buy. On that note...does anyone know of any similar enlargers besides Dursts that have a center column and one piece head, hassle free alignment, and will enlarge 6x7 negs? I was inquiring specifically about Dursts because I was under the impression that they were the only ones fitting that criteria...but maybe there's some other, more obscure, ones out there....

 

[quine666]

The Durst 609 is well made, compact, can enlarge to 6x9cm, and is available relatively inexpensively these days. The only caveat is that you should make sure that it comes with the 50mm lens board (SEIMAR) and condenser (SEZUCO) if you care about 35mm negatives -- these can be hard to find separately.

Cheers,

-andrew

 

[Jerevan]

Early on I found that the Dursts were very good. After a run-in with a bad apple of a Durst 670 BW that had serious light fall-off even with the correct lens and condenser, I swore off them. It can be a downright hassle to find a missing pieces for the Dursts. Whatever brand you invest in, make sure it is complete, functional and that it is possible to get bulbs for it.