Durst M301 - new user, please help

Hello, everyone !

I have the opportunity to buy a good Durst M301.
I didn't buy it for time been because :
- I didn't see any film carrier. Does the film go into the head just like that ? Is there any problem with the flatness of the film, if the negativ isn't kept flat by a film masque ?
- I couldn't understand how the contrast filters can be used, where to place them. There is, above the film, like a little "door" that can be lifted. The filters go there inside ?

I would be grateful for informations about this twoo questions.

Thank you !

Why just this model? Recently I could get one for free and I refrained. I hope I do not come over as arrogant. And actually some time ago I bought for few Euros even a similar model...It all depends were one is located and what shows up around. But I consider this model as very basic

The manual is just a Google click away...
But here you can see that the filter drawer is at #5:

Thanks for the manual AgX!

Hi Valentin
I think I have an M601, which is similar to the 301. .. you will see where #5 is pointing, that is a pull out drawer where small filters go. Mine had a small insert so filters cold easily be put inside the enlarger, but I stopped using it, I currently have a kodak polymax filter set that has a small dispenser that clamps onto the enlarger lens and the filters slide into that. The #6 is pointing to the negative carrier. I am not sure if all the Dursts have a GLASS carrier, or if all these models are able to take 35mm AND 6x6 ( or if it is just the 601 ) but the whole carrier pulls out. There may be sliding masks for the negative and it has fancy (read $$$$ ) anti-newton rings / special glass. Make sure when you purchase this, it contains ALL of the condensers. There may be several of them that go inside the head in different configurations to spread or compress the light for the larger and smaller negatives. Like with everything OLD, sometimes things get misplaced or orphaned. If it has the glass carrier, it will keep your film very flat. Its authentic Durst name is Silvogla if / when you buy the seller inspects the glass and there are no issues with it. Sometimes they can get damaged.

Good luck !
John

Attention - the M301 is for 35mm only!
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/enlargers might help you to find the right enlarger model.

If it's all there, it's a good enlarger. I had a similar model that would print up to 6x6, and can tell you that Dursts are well built and enjoyable to use. I have to fight w/ my Lentar to get the focus right, but the Dursts are smoother and a lot easier to get precise focus. Plus, if this is a 35mm enlarger, you won't have to deal w/ Durst's whimsical and expensive lens boards w/ names that no one on earth could pronounce.

momus said:

If it's all there, it's a good enlarger. I had a similar model that would print up to 6x6, and can tell you that Dursts are well built and enjoyable to use. I have to fight w/ my Lentar to get the focus right, but the Dursts are smoother and a lot easier to get precise focus. Plus, if this is a 35mm enlarger, you won't have to deal w/ Durst's whimsical and expensive lens boards w/ names that no one on earth could pronounce.

Click to expand...

Funny names indeed, isn't it ?
I think there is no film holder...
Thank you !

jnantz said:

Thanks for the manual AgX!

Hi Valentin
I think I have an M601, which is similar to the 301. .. you will see where #5 is pointing, that is a pull out drawer where small filters go. Mine had a small insert so filters cold easily be put inside the enlarger, but I stopped using it, I currently have a kodak polymax filter set that has a small dispenser that clamps onto the enlarger lens and the filters slide into that. The #6 is pointing to the negative carrier. I am not sure if all the Dursts have a GLASS carrier, or if all these models are able to take 35mm AND 6x6 ( or if it is just the 601 ) but the whole carrier pulls out. There may be sliding masks for the negative and it has fancy (read $$$$ ) anti-newton rings / special glass. Make sure when you purchase this, it contains ALL of the condensers. There may be several of them that go inside the head in different configurations to spread or compress the light for the larger and smaller negatives. Like with everything OLD, sometimes things get misplaced or orphaned. If it has the glass carrier, it will keep your film very flat. Its authentic Durst name is Silvogla if / when you buy the seller inspects the glass and there are no issues with it. Sometimes they can get damaged.

Good luck !
John

Click to expand...

Thank you for your answer !

There is no filter drawer... the no.5 to the enlarger I saw is like a small "door" that you can lift and than.... no drawer !
Also, no film holder...

MattiS said:

Attention - the M301 is for 35mm only!
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/enlargers might help you to find the right enlarger model.

Click to expand...

Thank you !

AgX said:

Why just this model? Recently I could get one for free and I refrained. I hope I do not come over as arrogant. And actually some time ago I bought for few Euros even a similar model...It all depends were one is located and what shows up around. But I consider this model as very basic

Click to expand...

Thank you for your answer !
I want to make a portable enlarger (now I have a UPA that looks very good but it has flaws...).
I was thinking to buy yhe M301 and a case to fit in it.

Then you made a good choice. The basic models from Durst are well made.

Very few times we talked here about enlargers-in-a.suitcase and as far I remember no one actually wanted such for traveling. I only knpw of the soviet models, but from the USA a Kodak model was reported too. What is the flaw of your UPA model?

AgX said:

Then you made a good choice. The basic models from Durst are well made.

Very few times we talked here about enlargers-in-a.suitcase and as far I remember no one actually wanted such for traveling. I only knpw of the soviet models, but from the USA a Kodak model was reported too. What is the flaw of your UPA model?

Click to expand...

As I said, it looks VERY good ... it shines , metalic parts look mostly like new. Suitcase is ok, but definetly not dirty at all ... And the guy who sold it has change the foam and now is a kind of fabric.
The enlarger has a knob at the head with wich you can do fine focusing. Well.... I believe it was forced to turn at some point because now doesn't lock securly. I didn't have problems till now but.... I check very often the focus.
Other flaws - parts that move ! The coloumn moves , not much but I have to be carefull- lucky me, not the focusing arm. This piece is heavy enough in comparison with other parts and locks good.
The lens mount moves right-left - if I need to close or open the aperture of the lens, I need to hold the lensmount with one hand.
Generaly, light come outside of the head. I didn't have problems with that but I try to use as less as possible the lamp...
Film holder - very weak, looks fragile , let light out .
I dont't think this problems come from the conception of the enlarger - it's rather the way they worked : poor !

And a good ideea I had : I replaced the original lens with an old Focomat+DOORX ring - it works fantastic ! (The print 14×21cm printed area ...)
I know Durst is good, I have 2 other enlargers but none of them portable.
And, in my opinion, maybe Durst Reporter was better built but UPA has more features but I never saw such an enlarger closely - only on internet.
If just only they were more carefull in production....

MattiS said:

Attention - the M301 is for 35mm only!
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/enlargers might help you to find the right enlarger model.

Click to expand...

The listung gives a a lot of hints, but seen the number of Durst models, even in their basic range) it is most incomplete still.

The F30 is a model most similar to the M301. You likely could use its manual instead.

Both models incorporate a feature easy to overlook: a telescopic column.