Durst F60

Stephanie Brim · Oct 24, 2012

So after HOW MANY YEARS I'm finally getting my enlarger. I'll be picking up a Durst F60 this weekend, complete with manual and other things. Is there anything I should know about this particular one?

WOO! I'm also going to have to be on the lookout for a lens, probably. Since the Componons aren't exactly hard to find, it'll probably be one of those...but is there any real reason to use the more expensive f/4 lens over the f/5.6?

Alex Muir · Oct 24, 2012

I use f5.6 lenses for medium format and get good results. I think the quality difference comes from the number of elements in the lens construction, rather than the maximum aperture. The Componon is either 5 or 6 element which is at the higher quality end. The Componar, on the other hand, has fewer elements and does not give as good image quality(although it is still a good lens). Enlarger lenses are inexpensive at the moment, so it is worth doing some research and buying the best quality models. Good luck with your printing! Alex.

bdial · Oct 24, 2012

Focusing is easier with the faster lens. Other than that, you'd rarely use either one wide open, so it probably doesn't really matter otherwise.
A grain focuser would negate any brightness advantage of the faster lens, FWIW.

'dunno about the F60 specifically, but the thing that drives me nuts with Dursts in general are the names of all the bits and pieces like carriers and lens boards and such. There are ixotub's, lapfe's, femomask's and lapla's it's a little like trying to shop at an Ikea.

Jon Shiu · Oct 24, 2012

I have used the F60, and still have it. If it hasn't been used in a long time, the focusing mechanism may be stuck due to dried up grease. Check the mirror to see if it is in good shape. Make sure you get a standard 39mm mount lens, because you screw the lens directly into the enlarger, instead of into a separate lens board.

There is a different condenser and neg carrier for medium format that can be switched out.

Jon

Stephanie Brim · Oct 24, 2012

I'll see what the guy has with it when I go. I know there's a timer and a print washer (an in-tray one, not a really fancy one, a thermometer, and it looks like *all* accessories for both 35mm and 6x6 except possibly a negative carrier. This is just what he had pics of, too, he had some other things he didn't take photos of.

If there isn't a negative carrier for what I need, I'll end up throwing up the Batsignal for that later. Since I'm going to be focusing mostly on contact prints for now (even wee 6x6 ones) all I really need it for is the light.

Stephanie Brim · Nov 11, 2012

Okay, so I actually got this today. The lens is a Schneider, and it's 50mm. So...need a 75 or 80. The negative carrier is the one that works for both 35mm and 6x6, so I should have no issues there. It has both the 35mm and 6x6 condenser, so I'm good there. And it WORKS, so that's another plus. I need a set of filters and the other lens and I can print.

WTB section, here I come!

BMbikerider · Nov 12, 2012

With any old enlarger they will have picked up a certain amount of detritus over the years. It will be worth taking the head apart, cleaning out any dust that is present and giving the condensers a rub over too. Don't be frightened if you scratch them or if they are scratched already, that will not have the slightest effect on the image produced. If the bulb is looking 'tired' by which I mean any corrosion at the base or discolouration in the glass, change that too. I cannot remember if they had a small parabolic mirror at the back, that may also need a bit of cleaning as well as any heat absorbing glass which will be obvious

Renato Tonelli · Nov 12, 2012

If the negative carrier has glass on top and bottom you may get newton's rings. You should have an anti-netwon's ring glass (on top portion?) to avoid this problem. You could also dispense with the glass carrier and insert 35mm and 6x6 masks.

It is a very good enlarger - any small investment you may need to make will be worthwhile.

T.A.M · Jun 28, 2013

DURST F60 Lens Mount

I was recently given a Durst F60 Enlarger. I set it up and everything is working very well! However, it did not come with a lens. I do already have an Emitar/S 4,5/80 lens. The thread screw on this lens is to big, and does not fit! What do I need to mount onto the enlarger so I can use this lens? Or is it easier to just get a lens that has the required M 30 thread screw?

lightwisps · Jun 28, 2013

Lens

Congrats, sounds like a great deal. I have a 100mm 5.6 Componon S that needs a new home. PM me or email me at lightwisps@yahoo.com if you are interested. It is in excellent condition and I simply have no need for it. Don

Jon Shiu · Jun 28, 2013

Best just to get an enlarging lens with standard 39mm leica thread. Confused about the reference to M 30 thread.

Jon

T.A.M said:
I was recently given a Durst F60 Enlarger. I set it up and everything is working very well! However, it did not come with a lens. I do already have an Emitar/S 4,5/80 lens. The thread screw on this lens is to big, and does not fit! What do I need to mount onto the enlarger so I can use this lens? Or is it easier to just get a lens that has the required M 30 thread screw?

Durst F60

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