Enlargers in Bulgaria

Nikola Dulgiarov · Jan 2, 2010

Hi,
I've just set up a temporary darkroom, but am still missing an enlarger. I'm doing 35mm, but I see a good deal of 120 in my not so near future. I'm not going to print any bigger than 18x24cm.I think I'll probably buy a Durst or Beseler. The bigger issue, though, is that I live in Bulgaria, where darkroom supplies and equipment are not available from stores, just some old Polish and Russian enlargers can be found from closed-down labs and schools. I've made quite a lot of internet searches on darkroom equipment stores, but have found none in Europe(online ones, that is). Can anyone suggest a store?

Thanks,
Nikola

phenix · Jan 2, 2010

Hello Nikola,

Opemus might also be a nice choice for enlarger, especially with the color head (which is interchangeable with the condenser one – in fact, you could get both). As for lenses, which are even more important than the enlarger, you should look for some 6 element ones. Meopta’s 6 elements and a Russian 5 elements ones are excellent lenses, on par with Schneiders and Nikons. Although Meopta’s 4 elements lenses are also very good if closed down at f/8-11, and they should be dirty cheap. Back to the enlarger, older Opemus have a proprietary lens thread (23,5mm), but their lens-boards can easily be machined to Schneider’s old 25mm thread. Although, Opemus also provides standard mount lens-boards. If in doubt with this lens mount issue in Opemuses, just go for a Polish color-head enlarger (has standard lens mount) and invest in two good lenses for 35mm and 120.

phenix · Jan 2, 2010

The Russian 5 elements enlarging lens for 35mm negatives, is called Vega-11u (B...-11y in Russian), and is a 50mm/2,8 in standard threaded mount. Superb optics in a crude body.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 2, 2010

Nikola Dulgiarov said:
Hi,
I've just set up a temporary darkroom, but am still missing an enlarger. I'm doing 35mm, but I see a good deal of 120 in my not so near future. I'm not going to print any bigger than 18x24cm.I think I'll probably buy a Durst or Beseler. The bigger issue, though, is that I live in Bulgaria, where darkroom supplies and equipment are not available from stores, just some old Polish and Russian enlargers can be found from closed-down labs and schools. I've made quite a lot of internet searches on darkroom equipment stores, but have found none in Europe(online ones, that is). Can anyone suggest a store?

Thanks,
Nikola

As phenix suggested, I would look for Meopta equipment. I have always been surprised by their simplicity and quality. However, Durst would be my first choice. If you can afford new, look at Kaiser darkroom equipment.

http://www.kaiser-fototechnik.de/en/produkte/2_1_sortiment.asp

Tom Kershaw · Jan 2, 2010

Ralph,

How would you rate the Meopta enlargers in comparison with Kaiser enlargers?

Tom - Meopta Magnifax 4a Color user.

phenix · Jan 2, 2010

Within Meopta enlargers, the Opemus line seems to be a better choice. However, enlargers are in the end only a light source. What counts is how uniform this light is, the comfort in using its accessories (switching lenses, film carriers, filters, wall projection, etc.), and how stable they are (to avoid shaking during exposure). I would also add for those like me who have a non-permanent darkroom, that the size and weight count for storage purposes. In these regards, Opemus enlargers are 5 of 5 overall. Add two good lenses, and you don’t need anything more.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 2, 2010

Tom Kershaw said:
Ralph,

How would you rate the Meopta enlargers in comparison with Kaiser enlargers?

Tom - Meopta Magnifax 4a Color user.

Tom

I suggested Kaiser, because they are one of the few still making new enlargers and they are very versatile. I have not used them but had the chance at Photokina to take a close look, and they seemed to be well build. I still prefer Durst.

I had a chance to use Meopta and was surprised by their simplicity (styrofoam light chamber) and how they achieved such a uniform lighting with it. Also, their lenses performed excellently in a comparison test with Rodenstock, Schneider and Nikon. Having said that, so did the Durst lenses.

phenix · Jan 2, 2010

Nikola, I just forgot to mention the Polish lens for 6x6cm negatives: the Janpol 80mm/5,6 in a standard mount. This lens has integrated B&W contrast filters, and despite its 4 elements, it provides very good enlargements if closed down, especially up to 8x10in (18x24cm is less).

Janos · Jan 3, 2010

There's also an iron curtain brand called Krokus- they were once on a par with Meopta.

Andrey Donchev · Jan 3, 2010

Здравей, имам един излишен Дърст м707 колор. Поддържа негативи от 135 до 6х7. Имам и обектив за 135 - Апо-Родагон. В идеално състояние е, почти без следи от употреба, напълно окомплектован. Намира се в Самоков, но бих могъл да го опаковам и да ти го пратя с Еконт. Работих с него през последните две години. Сега имам Дърст Лаборатор 1200 и този седи без работа. Ако те интересува, пиши на лични или ми дай телефон да ти се обадя. Моя е 0888418407.
При всички положения ти желая успех и щастлива нова годиа!

Sorry for the Bulgarian friends, I have a Durst m707 Color in Bulgaria which I offered to Nikola.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Andy

Vincent Brady · Jan 3, 2010

Janos said:
There's also an iron curtain brand called Krokus- they were once on a par with Meopta.

I have a Krokus 3 Colour for almost 40 years and find it great, I can use both 35 mm & 120 mm negs in it just by changing the lens. The quality at the end of the day is dependent on the quality of the enlarging lens.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 3, 2010

TEX said:
I have a Krokus 3 Colour for almost 40 years and find it great, I can use both 35 mm & 120 mm negs in it just by changing the lens. The quality at the end of the day is dependent on the quality of the enlarging lens.

It's the same in the mornings!

Nikola Dulgiarov · Jan 3, 2010

Janos said:
There's also an iron curtain brand called Krokus- they were once on a par with Meopta.

I know about Krokus - I've got a developing tank made by that company.

Martin Aislabie · Jan 3, 2010

RalphLambrecht said:
It's the same in the mornings!

Martin

phenix · Jan 3, 2010

Actually, after writing here above about the Janpol 80mm/5.6 enlarging lens with integrated contrast filters, I realized I have an old condenser enlarger that could be revived by such a lens. So, if anybody has one, don’t need it, and wish to give or to sell it at a reasonable price, please PM me.

Thanks in advance.
PS: Maybe I should write a new thread for this request...

Martin Aislabie · Jan 4, 2010

Nikola Dulgiarov said:
Hi,
I've just set up a temporary darkroom, but am still missing an enlarger. I'm doing 35mm, but I see a good deal of 120 in my not so near future. I'm not going to print any bigger than 18x24cm.I think I'll probably buy a Durst or Beseler. The bigger issue, though, is that I live in Bulgaria, where darkroom supplies and equipment are not available from stores, just some old Polish and Russian enlargers can be found from closed-down labs and schools. I've made quite a lot of internet searches on darkroom equipment stores, but have found none in Europe(online ones, that is). Can anyone suggest a store?

Thanks,
Nikola

Have you tried Second Hand Darkrooms ? - http://www.secondhanddarkroom.co.uk/

They can supply second hand and as well as some new photographic darkroom equipment.

I'm not sure about shipping costs for large stuff like Enlargers within the EU

The other good place within the UK for Durst is Northern Photographic - http://www.northernphoto.co.uk/

Northern Photographic are/were the main service agents for Durst in the UK and are both very helpful and reasonably priced.

Again I am unaware of the costs and difficulties of shipping within the EU

Also Meopta Enlargers both new and second hand are very good value for money - although they are not quite as well made as Durst and other top line enlargers they sell for considerably less money

Hope this helps

Martin

RalphLambrecht · Jan 4, 2010

I would be very surprised if shipping an old enlarger from the UK to Bulgaria is a cost efficient option.

Martin Aislabie · Jan 4, 2010

RalphLambrecht said:
I would be very surprised if shipping an old enlarger from the UK to Bulgaria is a cost efficient option.

Ralph, your right, its not an attractive proposition

But, if the alternative was no enlarger at all, then it suddenly looks a lot more appetising

The OP was been unable to locate a decent enlarger in Bulgaria hence my suggestion.

Im sure mainland European alternatives would be gladly welcomed

Martin

RalphLambrecht · Jan 4, 2010

Martin Aislabie said:
Ralph, your right, its not an attractive proposition

But, if the alternative was no enlarger at all, then it suddenly looks a lot more appetising

The OP was been unable to locate a decent enlarger in Bulgaria hence my suggestion.

Im sure mainland European alternatives would be gladly welcomed

Martin

No problem Martin. I already browsed the links you provided. Never hurts to know about all possible resources.

Vincent Brady · Jan 4, 2010

RalphLambrecht said:
It's the same in the mornings!

That's way beyond (monochrome) for me :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

TEX

Nikola Dulgiarov · Jan 5, 2010

I'll probably go with buying a second-hand Durst I was offered.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 5, 2010

Nikola Dulgiarov said:
I'll probably go with buying a second-hand Durst I was offered.

Good choice!

RobertV · Jan 6, 2010

Yes, a good choice. In the Netherlands you have choice enough : http://www.marktplaats.nl
But: the shipping to Bulgaria is expensive. You can find Meoptas, Durst up from Eur. 10,-
I am just back from Ukraine, so a shipping to Bulgaria was less expensive

Kaiser, Kienzle and Dunco are still alive (all German manufacturing) so these enlargers can have a first choice.

Best regards,

Robert

Roger Pellegrini · Jan 17, 2010

I would look east to Germany. There are lots of stores there. If you are going to print both 35mm and 6x6, look for a used Leitz enlarger.

Enlargers in Bulgaria

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