"Enlarger Love"

[Sirius Glass]

My enlarger is the same brand and model I used a Kodak. It is a great enlarger, but cannot compete with the Hasselblad. Chromega Dichroic II 5D-XL.

 

[Michael Firstlight]

I have an LPL 670MXL (aka 7700 in Europe) color enlarger and a a Durst M601 color enlarger - we're a family! Both are complete with all of the accessories. The extended family includes a Fujimoto CP41 dry-to-dry color processor, an Omega Peak Micromega Critical Focuser (Model 1), a 16x20 vacuum easel, a couple of great APO lenses, and a GraLab Model 900 digital timer. Everything is in mint condition, The family, however, is seeking to adopt and expand, so if there are any Jobo ATL-500 or ATL-1000 orphans out there somewhere, there is a home and a family waiting....

 

[Sixbysixjan]

I said previously how I like my Omega B-22 (Steampunk looks, retro "feel" (because, well, it is actually Retro) - but there is one factor about it that is becoming more and more frustrating and may drive me to try and find something else: I just for the life of me can't find a 6X4.5 negative carrier that fits it.

I would prefer to NOT have to modify a 6X6 negative carrier (mods have a tendency to fail on you, especially on something that is handled as much as a negative carrier). I am now firmly convinced that 6X4.5 negative carriers for the B22 are like Ghosts - you keep hearing about it and some people swear they have seen one - but I have yet to find one myself.

 

[darkroommike]

I said previously how I like my Omega B-22 (Steampunk looks, retro "feel" (because, well, it is actually Retro) - but there is one factor about it that is becoming more and more frustrating and may drive me to try and find something else: I just for the life of me can't find a 6X4.5 negative carrier that fits it.

I would prefer to NOT have to modify a 6X6 negative carrier (mods have a tendency to fail on you, especially on something that is handled as much as a negative carrier). I am now firmly convinced that 6X4.5 negative carriers for the B22 are like Ghosts - you keep hearing about it and some people swear they have seen one - but I have yet to find one myself.

They are available but are apparently made of pure "unicornium"!

http://store.khbphotografix.com/6x4...Omega-C700-B600-B66-B22-enlargers-423126.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/39555-REG/Omega_423126_6_x_4_5cm_Glassless.html

and here's a completed auction for one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-645-3...s-B22-B66-B600-C700-Rapid-Shift-/292116071412

Me, I'd modify another carrier to work.

 

[Sixbysixjan]

...and here's a completed auction for one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-645-3...s-B22-B66-B600-C700-Rapid-Shift-/292116071412

Me, I'd modify another carrier to work.

Thank you Darkroommike. Darn, I missed that one. I really need to get into a habit of checking eBay at least once a week. Depending on the mood that I'm in, I do either 6X6cm and 6X4.5 and every time my finger hovers over the "Buy" button for a second 6X6 carrier, I stop myself and think "Money better spent on the 'proper' item, maybe wait and see...." (which then never happens).

 

[darkroommike]

Thank you Darkroommike. Darn, I missed that one. I really need to get into a habit of checking eBay at least once a week. Depending on the mood that I'm in, I do either 6X6cm and 6X4.5 and every time my finger hovers over the "Buy" button for a second 6X6 carrier, I stop myself and think "Money better spent on the 'proper' item, maybe wait and see...." (which then never happens).

I have a number of saved searches on Ebay and get email notifications when something comes up that I'm looking for...I found a spare lamp for my Minolta Scan Multi like that and a backup controller for my Ilford 600 Multigrade enlarger. And lots of other shi...stuff.

 

[mshchem]

OMG yes yes yes.
When I was 16, a friend said he had a paying job for us in the city... clean out a basement of trash... turns out it was fire damaged.

DIRTY FILTH SWEATY MISERABLE DAY ALL FOR $20.

But in a corner I saw the most beautiful sight.... an Omega B22 n all its accessories in boxes, totally unharmed.

That was a new beginning for me. I used the bath room after everyone went to sleep, just like you.

I had so much fun with that enlarger and it turned out beautiful prints. My bedroom looked like a gallery.


.

That's a beautiful story! I remember getting a Vivitar, decent Japan made enlarger after I became too sophisticated for my Dad's Federal enlarger.

 

[Sixbysixjan]

They are available but are apparently made of pure "unicornium"!
http://store.khbphotografix.com/6x4...Omega-C700-B600-B66-B22-enlargers-423126.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/39555-REG/Omega_423126_6_x_4_5cm_Glassless.html ...

I finally found one on eBay - actually, a set of three - 35mm, 6X4.5 & 6X6 (the latter I already had one but I am sure I will find a use for it sooner or later). I paid way more than what I intended but i REALLY need it, and I'm not going to wait another year! At least I got the set for less than the quoted price for only the 6X4.5 at B&H...

 

[chiller]

Not so much love but definitely respect and admiration. When the digital lemmings began their decent to the sands below I was able to get a Devere 504 with "everything", Rodenstock lenses 50 - 150 for pennies on the pound. I would never have been able to afford such an amazing tradesman's tool. It just works - brilliantly.

 

[darkroommike]

I finally found one on eBay - actually, a set of three - 35mm, 6X4.5 & 6X6 (the latter I already had one but I am sure I will find a use for it sooner or later). I paid way more than what I intended but i REALLY need it, and I'm not going to wait another year! At least I got the set for less than the quoted price for only the 6X4.5 at B&H...

Sometimes it's a bit like fishing and very rewarding. Glad you finally found one!

 

[chip j]

bump

 

[mshchem]

Best part of Digital is the stuff I've managed to get for my darkroom in the last 20 years. Enlargers, lenses, processors, everything. It's sweet.
I'm putting the stuff to good use. I plan on buying enough paper to keep Ilford and Foma alive and well!

 

[Nokton48]

New Enlarging Area Roughed In by Nokton48, on Flickr

I've had a 4x5 DII Omega for thirty five years. A friend (a clockmaker) restored it for me, cleaning and tuning it up. It has always served me well. Recently I bought another DII, I'm renovating my basement darkroom. Having side by side identical enlargers is real luxury.

E3 Ready for Restoration 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Recently I bought an Automega E-3 which is an autofocus 5x7 model. I am working on cleaning it up, it's slow going but nearly finished. I built the baseboard from two 24x48 MTF boards, which I screwed together. I have the original E-3 4x5 condenser head for this, and an E-3 5x7 cold light head, which the previous owner converted to LED. It's a lot of time and dirty work but will be well worth it in the end. I've had good luck finding most of the E-3 accessories. Darkrooms are never completely finished

 

[mshchem]

New Enlarging Area Roughed In by Nokton48, on Flickr

I've had a 4x5 DII Omega for thirty five years. A friend (a clockmaker) restored it for me, cleaning and tuning it up. It has always served me well. Recently I bought another DII, I'm renovating my basement darkroom. Having side by side identical enlargers is real luxury.

E3 Ready for Restoration 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Recently I bought an Automega E-3 which is an autofocus 5x7 model. I am working on cleaning it up, it's slow going but nearly finished. I built the baseboard from two 24x48 MTF boards, which I screwed together. I have the original E-3 4x5 condenser head for this, and an E-3 5x7 cold light head, which the previous owner converted to LED. It's a lot of time and dirty work but will be well worth it in the end. I've had good luck finding most of the E-3 accessories. Darkrooms are never completely finished

I have Beseler 4x5 units, I have 2 setup, one with a VC controller and one with a color. Such luxury! I bought my first one in 1973 (sold it off, bought a new one with the works for 100 bucks). In the last dozen years I've gone a bit nuts with my darkroom.

 

[mshchem]

New Enlarging Area Roughed In by Nokton48, on Flickr

I've had a 4x5 DII Omega for thirty five years. A friend (a clockmaker) restored it for me, cleaning and tuning it up. It has always served me well. Recently I bought another DII, I'm renovating my basement darkroom. Having side by side identical enlargers is real luxury.

E3 Ready for Restoration 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Recently I bought an Automega E-3 which is an autofocus 5x7 model. I am working on cleaning it up, it's slow going but nearly finished. I built the baseboard from two 24x48 MTF boards, which I screwed together. I have the original E-3 4x5 condenser head for this, and an E-3 5x7 cold light head, which the previous owner converted to LED. It's a lot of time and dirty work but will be well worth it in the end. I've had good luck finding most of the E-3 accessories. Darkrooms are never completely finished

That E-3 is awesome! Now you're set for a 6x17 pan camera!!

 

[Nokton48]

Old Omegas are referred to as "The Cadillac" of enlargers. Luckily parts are interchangeable (lensboards etc) and not too expensive or hard to find.

Not too shabbly for 70 years old I need to build a 2x4 table just the right size to support this beast. The baseboard can be reversed so floor projection is possible. This is too big for a drop table.


Automega E3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

 

[mshchem]

Old Omegas are referred to as "The Cadillac" of enlargers. Luckily parts are interchangeable (lensboards etc) and not too expensive or hard to find.

Not too shabbly for 70 years old


Automega E3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

325 dollars when the dollar was convertible (by central banks) @ $35 per troy ounce of Gold. That's about 14 grand by today's Gold price

 

[Nokton48]

E3 Instruction Book 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Just received a photocopy of the original E3 instruction book.

This enlarger should be oriented so you approach it from the right side.

 

[chip j]

My Durst M35 Micromat enlarger was $325 new in 1960--I guess it would be many $1000s today!

 

[Paul Howell]

Not in love, but I really do like my enlargers, the D3 is versatile, rock solid, I bought it 30 years ago used, it was made in the 50s, great for black ans white and doable with filters for color. I also have a Opemus III, although not professional grade, and limited to 35 and 6X6 I usually have it set up as my second enlarger so I can work on 2 negatives at the same time. The odd ball is the very old Federal Stowaway, Made in the late 40s or early 50s it was the entry level enlarger of the day, and the Stowaway was the entry level of entry level enlargers. Made of stamped parts, which fit together so well no light leaks. A non interchangeable lens double element lens, waterhouse F stops. and diffusion to boot. Saying that with the right negative it can produce very soft lovely images. Just bought a LP 67000, waiting for additional parts, has a color head, will replace the Opemus III. May convert the Opemus III to point source, need to see if I can find a socket for a 75 watt halogen to fit the lamp.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Since the last time I posted in this thread years ago, I picked up another Focomat. Saw one locally that was in super nice shape, had an easel and the anti-newton glass. Couldn't resist it for $65. I enjoy using it more. I am thinking of using the parts from the older one to make either a Minox enlarger, which would be fun, or a VC LED head. That would be pretty cool too.

Still have the Saunders 4550. Best 35mm enlarger I've ever used. Lol. I think it is the design of the mixing box, but it sure is sweet. Still drives me nuts with the 4x5 carrier size. One of these days I will take it to a machinist and have him make it right.

I wouldn't mind getting a point source enlarger one of these days.

By the way, I have one of those little Durst Magicos laying around here if anyone is interested.

 

[mshchem]

3 Beseler, 8x10 Zone VI VC, 5X7 Zone VI VC for 6x17. All bought used for a about 10 cents (or less) on the dollar.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have only see one or point source heads over the years, both for Beseler 4X5. I converted a Federal double condenser 6X9 to point source, it was somewhat easy, the Federal condenser models allow the bulbs to be moved up and down. I swapped out the standard socket for a small halogen socket and bulb then painted the inside of the reflector with flat black babaracue paint. I used a 100 watt bulb which was too hot. I wanted it to print my older negatives from the 60s for hard high contrast look. Was too hard. Now I realize that rather than old negatives were developed to high contrast with golf ball size grain, should have used my newer Tmax 100 negatives. .

 

[markbau]

Just curious if anyone here purchased a Salthill LED enlarger. I saw them advertised when they came out and recall reading a positive review in D&CCT but I never saw one in the flesh and am just curious how this hi-tech enlarger worked in real life.

 

[logan2z]

Just curious if anyone here purchased a Salthill LED enlarger. I saw them advertised when they came out and recall reading a positive review in D&CCT but I never saw one in the flesh and am just curious how this hi-tech enlarger worked in real life.

I've never used one or even seen one in the flesh, but someone is selling one on my local Craigslist if anyone is in the area and interested:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pho/d/san-jose-the-most-esoteric-large-format/6937888637.html