first enlarger: meopta opemus 6- deal or no deal?

[chandni]

Hi,

I am trying to set up a darkroom and have been on the lookout for an enlarger for a while now, I want to develop and print 35mm and maybe medium format in the near future but that's not a priority right now
I have the chance to purchase a meopta opemus 6 for 200usd (shipping included), its in great condition. From what I have read its a sturdy enlarger, good workhorse.
I also recently came across a leica focomat 1c in the same price range, but it has no filter drawer, and I'll need to buy a lens for it as well.
I don't know much about other makes, I am just starting out and wanted some advice on which enlarger to go for, keeping in mind shipping which doubles the cost in most cases.

best
c

 

[davidmasek]

Hi, yes, Opemus 6 is a good sturdy enlarger. For the price, if it is a very complete set, great condition and shipping included, why not. Shipping can becostly by itself fot these things. But I would make sure it includes all you need. Now, focomat is a focomat, isn't it

 

[summicron1]

unless you want to do color, go with the focomat -- a lens is easy to find, I use a Nikor enlarging lens on mine, works great, they're cheap. I have a Leitz i could let you have cheap ($50) or I think I've got a Nikon one, too, cheaper. As to filters, you can either put them in front of the lens (Kodak filter sets include a little holder) or buy filters that don't have frames around the edges and set them right on top of the condenser inside the light housing, which is what I do.

the HUGE advantage of the focomat is auto-focus. Once set up you never have to focus again. Never. It is a huge time and hassle saver in the darkroom.

 

[andrew.roos]

I have an Opemus 5 and it's a good, honest, working enlarger. Some filtration ability is useful even for B&W work, as you use colour filters to vary the contrast on multi-grade papers. This is very useful, as it means you don't need to keep stock of multiple grades of paper. The Opemus 6 will enlarge up to 6x6 negs, which will be necessary if you want to try medium format, while I think the Focomat 1c only supports 35mm. Just make sure it comes with a lens board for M39 lenses since the Meopta lenses are generally not that great so you'll probably want something better at some time (and will also need different focal lengths for 35mm and MF enlarging).

 

[davidmasek]

the Meopta lenses are generally not that great so you'll probably want something better at some time (and will also need different focal lengths for 35mm and MF enlarging).

As to Meopta enlarger lenses, Meogons are very good, Anarets are mostly ok, I would skip Belars.

 

[R.Gould]

I have had an opemus 6 for some years now, very well built and sturdy product which will last a lifetime, I wouldn't change it, but make sure you get the best lens you can, the end result depends as much on the lens as on the negative, and you need 50mm for 35mm and 75 to 80 for MF.As for meopta lenses, meogon are the best, a match for shneider or Rodenstock, in fact they were Rodenstock by another name I believe, I have a 75 meogon and again speaking from personal experiance they are among the best,anarat are in the not bad class, but leave the Belar alone, very budget

 

[andrew.roos]

As to Meopta enlarger lenses, Meogons are very good, Anarets are mostly ok, I would skip Belars.

Fair enough, I haven't used a Meogon so was perhaps hasty in my judgment! I have an Anaret but prefer my Rodagons.

Andrew

 

[chandni]

unless you want to do color, go with the focomat -- a lens is easy to find, I use a Nikor enlarging lens on mine, works great, they're cheap. I have a Leitz i could let you have cheap ($50) or I think I've got a Nikon one, too, cheaper. As to filters, you can either put them in front of the lens (Kodak filter sets include a little holder) or buy filters that don't have frames around the edges and set them right on top of the condenser inside the light housing, which is what I do.

the HUGE advantage of the focomat is auto-focus. Once set up you never have to focus again. Never. It is a huge time and hassle saver in the darkroom.

I'm wondering what is the difference using the filter under vs over the negative? What about using the filter in place of the red glass?

 

[chandni]

Hi, yes, Opemus 6 is a good sturdy enlarger. For the price, if it is a very complete set, great condition and shipping included, why not. Shipping can becostly by itself fot these things. But I would make sure it includes all you need. Now, focomat is a focomat, isn't it

How would you compare the focomat 1a to the 1c?

 

[MattKing]

I'm wondering what is the difference using the filter under vs over the negative? What about using the filter in place of the red glass?

Under lens filters work well, as long as you are reasonably careful with them.

You can use the red "safety holder" frame if your filters will sit well on it.

 

[Casperrobo]

I have an Opemus 6 and find it easy to use. The only problem I have had is that it doesn't do 6x7!