Durst M800 Bulb

[RobertP]

Can any Durst M800 users tell which bulb they are using with their condenser enlarger. The manual mentions 150 watt. The one i bought has a 75 watt and its not even an enlarger bulb. Thanks, Robert

 

[Frank53]

This is an example of the type of lamp you need:
https://www.fotoimpex.de/shop/fotolabor/dr-fischer-opallampe-150-watt-made-in-germany.html
Regards,
Frank

 

[RobertP]

Thanks Frank, But is it 120v? with an e-26 base? I'm thinking a PH212 150 watt may just work.

 

[darkroommike]

I have an M601 (6x6)and have never felt the need for anything brighter than a PH211 75 watt lamp, if you use something other than an enlarger lamp the output will be lower, the light will be warmer and VC papers will shift to a lower contrast and lamp coatings will be less uniform. Brighter bulbs also run hotter, the Durst is pretty good at heat management but it will get hot in there. Maybe not a big deal if you are using the glass carrier inserts. I used to use an M800 at work and that was what clinched my decision to buy an M601.

 

[AgX]

Thanks Frank, But is it 120v? with an e-26 base? I'm thinking a PH212 150 watt may just work.

No.

 

[AgX]

You may use a household milk glass bulb instead. Remove an imprint if necessary and be aware that the relative output is lower as it is standard-rated.

 

[RobertP]

I have tried numerous bulbs and it seems that the G30 100 watt bulb gives the most even illumination. It is a wider bulb much like the bulbs that were originally used.

 

[ac12]

I use a PH-211 75w bulb in my M600.
I found the 150w bulb way too bright, giving me exposures less than 5 seconds. Too fast to do any dodging and burning.
I really would rather have something down about 30w to give me a 15-20 second exposure.

 

[darkroommike]

I use a PH211 in my M-601, it is the bulb intended for this enlarger and is still available pretty cheap (I have 6-7 spares). If I used a different lamp or a reduced voltage it would shift the color of the light and mess with my PC filter numbers, if I need less light I put a sheet of Rosco ND into the filter drawer. The M800 and the M601 came out about the same time I can not imagine that the bulb is a different size or shape. I cannot find an M800 manual online that specifies which lamp to use, but the 211,212,213 are all the same shape and use the same base, no other US lamp comes even close. I am not sure where in the world the OP lives, his profile says nothing.

 

[RobertP]

I live in Ohio. Here you go Mike. I also have PH212 bulbs 150 watt. The PH212 was not the bulb intended for this unit. You can find a few of the original bulbs but you will pay hundreds for one. Not my idea of a solution.

 

[bernard_L]

@ RobertP: your profile has no information on where you are. Assuming USA (you ask for 120V) why not just buy this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/74800-REG/Wiko_PH211_Lamp_75.html
Or, in Canada:
http://store.khbphotografix.com/PH211-PH-211-75W-120V-Opal-Enlarging-Lamp.html
http://store.khbphotografix.com/PH140-75W-120V-Condenser-Enlarger-Lamp-6-pack.html

Listen to the advice given by several posters above: 75 W is enough light, and less heat.

 

[RobertP]

75 watt may be enough light for a 6x6. But when printing 6x9 it has significant fall off when printing anything over 8x10. I tried a Ph 211. Heat is not a big concern when using the glass negative carrier. The M800 also has a heat filter called an AUTOCALO that can be installed if heat becomes an issue. Also notice on the manual page I posted that this enlarger can also run a 250 watt bulb if needed. I don't think I will ever need that but it is an option with this enlarger. The M601 is limited to 6x6 but with a larger 6x9 negative enlarged to 16x20 the 75 watt falls off the edges. As far as where I am? I answered that....Ohio, that's in the USA

 

[RobertP]

I did manage to find a cold cathode light for this unit (DANOLI) bottom left of page from manual. It slides in and replaces the condenser. I just have to wire it for 120v. But it will be interesting to see how well the cold light covers.

 

[ac12]

The fall off you are having between the 75 and 150w bulb is likely not the wattage but the diameter of the bulb.
I do not have the manual for the M800, however the manual for my L1000 specifies the diameter of the bulb for 2 different focal length ranges.
28-105mm lenses = at least 65mm diameter bulb
135/150mm lens = at least 90mm diameter bulb

 

[darkroommike]

I live in Ohio. Here you go Mike. I also have PH212 bulbs 150 watt. The PH212 was not the bulb intended for this unit. You can find a few of the original bulbs but you will pay hundreds for one. Not my idea of a solution.

Another one of those goofy Durst designations, sigh, love my enlarger. DULAMP looks like Blattworld has 'em. http://blattworld.com.phtemp.com/durst_order_id01511_desc_dulamp_150_opal_lamp_150w_110v_i10347.html

 

[AgX]

Keep in mind that by now you likely got 120V.

 

[RobertP]

Thanks Mike! I gave em a call and they are checking to see if they have one in stock.

 

[ac12]

Robert, Check the manual for the enlarger for a bulb diameter spec. With that number we might be able to find an alternative bulb.
I had to do that with my L-1000, where the DURST bulb is not available. I think I got a G-30 bulb to use in it.
Some of the guys with the L-138 are using the G-40 bulb, for the same reason, the original bulb is not available.

 

[AgX]

Keep in mind that these bulb shape/diameter designations are not known in Europe.
G= ball shape, 30 resp. 40 = diameter in 1/8 inches

 

[ac12]

AgX,
Yes I know that the G bulbs are a US bulb spec. I think generally used for bathroom vanity lights, but there may be other uses.
But RobertP has no location attached to him, so I have no idea where he is. And that is a good point. I need to make my location clearer.

RobertP,
Where are you located?