• Welcome to Photrio!
    Registration is fast and free. Join today to unlock search, see fewer ads, and access all forum features.
    Click here to sign up

Durst Multigrade Enlarger

half stop lighter er.jpg

A
half stop lighter er.jpg

  • jhw
  • Jan 12, 2026
  • 7
  • 4
  • 88
sentinels of the door

A
sentinels of the door

  • 4
  • 0
  • 81

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
201,715
Messages
2,828,953
Members
100,906
Latest member
wbrowne26
Recent bookmarks
0

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
I recently bought a Durst Multigrade with a control box. I adjusted grade and other all other numbers based on the manual. When I set time, however, it jumps to other time and add several more seconds. What am I doing wrong?
 

Renato Tonelli

Subscriber
Allowing Ads
Joined
Jan 26, 2007
Messages
1,482
Location
New York,NY & Pontremoli
Format
Multi Format
You are not doing anything wrong.
This is how it was explained to me by Durst: Given certain conditions (Grade No. selected, Paper channel selected, etc.), the controller adds enough time for its shutter to open and close.
Enjoy - it takes a little while to get comfortable with it. I have had mine for 20 years now.
 

Mark_S

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Oct 20, 2004
Messages
563
Location
Portland, OR
Format
4x5 Format
Yes, it does that. I believe that it also measures the light output, and adjusts the time to compensate for the bulb brightness, the filters fading or getting dirty etc. The good news is that if you set the time and grade, and use the same paper, you will get consistent results. The bad news is that the actual time seems to have little correspondence with what you put on the timer.
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
Can you tell me how to set time manually?
 

Renato Tonelli

Subscriber
Allowing Ads
Joined
Jan 26, 2007
Messages
1,482
Location
New York,NY & Pontremoli
Format
Multi Format
Simply press the + key for Time; However, if the controller determines that the time is insufficient for opening/closing the light shutter, it will add time while giving you the correct exposure.

Adding time to what the controller determined to be the correct exposure WILL make the print darker as you would expect.

This is more difficult to explain than to actually do. Get to know it by using it - unfortunately I no longer have a manual but there is a thread on APUG where a manual is being offered. DURST-PRO USA also has manuals online. Durst (in Italy) has a manual available as well.

PS - Where are you located? If you're in the USA, I can walk you through by phone.
 

Mark_S

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Oct 20, 2004
Messages
563
Location
Portland, OR
Format
4x5 Format
Simply press the + key for Time; However, if the controller determines that the time is insufficient for opening/closing the light shutter, it will add time while giving you the correct exposure.

Adding time to what the controller determined to be the correct exposure WILL make the print darker as you would expect.

This is more difficult to explain than to actually do. Get to know it by using it - unfortunately I no longer have a manual but there is a thread on APUG where a manual is being offered. DURST-PRO USA also has manuals online. Durst (in Italy) has a manual available as well.

PS - Where are you located? If you're in the USA, I can walk you through by phone.

I have the manuals (user and maintenence) for the Ilford MG600 which was a rebranded version of the Durst Multigraph - if anybody wants them - PM me with your e-mail and I can send them to you.
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
Renato:

I am in CA. Are you in NYC? I used to live there; moved out here 10 years ago.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Allowing Ads
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
55,090
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
I have been using the enlarger for a month or so by now. As I mentioned, the controller always add a few more seconds, sometimes as much as 15 seconds. This is quite frustrating. When I set the time, I don't know what I am getting. Is there any way to set the time manually so that, say, 10 seconds runs 10 seconds?
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
You are not doing anything wrong.
This is how it was explained to me by Durst: Given certain conditions (Grade No. selected, Paper channel selected, etc.), the controller adds enough time for its shutter to open and close.
Enjoy - it takes a little while to get comfortable with it. I have had mine for 20 years now.


Dear Renato

I have questions about my Durst Multigraph enlarger. Do you still have your enlarger? Your response will be greatly appreciated.

Huck
 

Renato Tonelli

Subscriber
Allowing Ads
Joined
Jan 26, 2007
Messages
1,482
Location
New York,NY & Pontremoli
Format
Multi Format
Yes, I still have it and use it regularly. Feel free to contact me directly if you wish.
I am out and about between today and New Year’s day but I shold be able to respond within a day or two.
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
Anyone has manual for Durst Multigraph enlarger? Not Multigrade.
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
Do you still remember how to use the control box of Multigraph enlarger, not Multigrade? I have a copy of Multigrade. But it is different, for Multigrade. Two keys have different names and funtions. I am having difficulties to figure them out.
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
I have not used the enlarger for several years, and forgot how to use the box completely.
 

Renato Tonelli

Subscriber
Allowing Ads
Joined
Jan 26, 2007
Messages
1,482
Location
New York,NY & Pontremoli
Format
Multi Format
Do you still remember how to use the control box of Multigraph enlarger, not Multigrade? I have a copy of Multigrade. But it is different, for Multigrade. Two keys have different names and funtions. I am having difficulties to figure them out.

Yes I do, for the basic functions.
What exactly do you need to know?
 
OP
OP

Huck

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
33
Format
Medium Format
I need to send a picture of the control box, to ask you questions. But I don't know how to upload a picture here. Let me figure it out and I will get back to you. Or if you don't mine, can I get your email address so that I can send it through the mail? Thank you.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom