getting started: affordable enlarger that can take 6x9

[bonk]

I would like to start with my own little darkroom again. I had a 35mm B&W darkroom a long time ago. What is a good and affordable enlarger that can take at least 6x9 negatives? Any suggestions ? Do you think it would be possible to do not just b&w but also color at home as well ?

 

[Roger Hicks]

I would like to start with my own little darkroom again. I had a 35mm B&W darkroom a long time ago. What is a good and affordable enlarger that can take at least 6x9 negatives? Any suggestions ? Do you think it would be possible to do not just b&w but also color at home as well ?

Meopta Magnifax. Stunning. I have two.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Depending on your location likely most 4x5 enlargers will have reasonable prices. Yup doing B&W and colour is possible.

 

[bonk]

How much would you pay for a Jobo LPL 7451 4x5 in good condition. And is that enlarger any good ?

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

If you're looking for affordable, look for a Beseler 23C with color head. You can print both on it, and they are often offered up in local classifieds (craigslist, etc) for near giveaway prices.

 

[bonk]

If you're looking for affordable, look for a Beseler 23C with color head. You can print both on it, and they are often offered up in local classifieds (craigslist, etc) for near giveaway prices.

What's the largest negative format I can do with it?

 

[fotch]

2.25"x3.25" also known as 6x9

Solid performer.

 

[steven_e007]

Have a look on eBay...

The magic phrase is 'pick up only'. This puts 90% of people off, so if you are lucky enough to be in commuting distance you can get a real bargain.

I've just picked up an old 6 X 9 enlarger for 99p (less than $2)!
Last week a 4 X 5 enlarger went for £4.99.


Steve

 

[Neal]

Hi Bonk,

Don't overlook 4x5 enlargers. The word affordable means different things to different people at different times, but there are always deals that I would call good (and often great) on ebay. Look for one with lots of negative carriers and lens boards as those things can cost a lot separately. Beseler and Omega are usually the best deals in the USA.

Neal Wydra

 

[bonk]

Hi Bonk,

Don't overlook 4x5 enlargers. The word affordable means different things to different people at different times, but there are always deals that I would call good (and often great) on ebay. Look for one with lots of negative carriers and lens boards as those things can cost a lot separately. Beseler and Omega are usually the best deals in the USA.

Neal Wydra

I would be willing to pay as much as 300 Euro. And there is a pickup only offer for a LPL 7451 4x5 ("Jobo" branded) on ebay. Is that a good one? And what is it worth ?

 

[ScottH]

As mentioned above, I would definately add 4x5 enlargers into your search. I currently use a Omega B6 which covers 6x9, and I'm very happy with it. It did take a while to get all of the accessories from 35mm up, though. Overall I really like the condenser set up and will like continue with my next enlarger, like to go up to 5x7 (min. of 4x5), but there are definate advantages to diffusion with a color head. I'd make that decision 1st if I were you, and then narrow down what you want. Enjoy the process.

 

[John Kasaian]

I've got a Kodak Precision "A" which I believe will accept 6x9. If I don't have the negative carrier for it (I may very well have it) you can either look for one or have a 6x6 carier milled to accept the format. I have a universal condenser for it. If you want it, its yours for the shipping.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

LPL enlargers are good. $300 is a bit much in the current market, unless it's got, say, some really good lenses and/or lots of accessories.

4x5" enlargers are more plentiful these days than 6x9, it seems. They are sturdier than MF enlargers, have longer columns for bigger prints, and if you get an Omega or Beseler, there are lots of parts, neg carriers, light heads, and accessories available. They are usually very cheap, if you can pick them up yourself.

 

[Neal]

Hi Bonk,

"...there is a pickup only offer for a LPL 7451 4x5 ("Jobo" branded) on ebay."

I apologize, but I really don't know what the market is in Europe. As another stated, it depends on the condition and what it comes with. If it is in good shape, has a dichroic head, lenses, negative holders and a power supply it would seem like an honest price.

Neal Wydra

 

[bonk]

Hi Bonk,

"...there is a pickup only offer for a LPL 7451 4x5 ("Jobo" branded) on ebay."

I apologize, but I really don't know what the market is in Europe. As another stated, it depends on the condition and what it comes with. If it is in good shape, has a dichroic head, lenses, negative holders and a power supply it would seem like an honest price.

Neal Wydra

Here are some pics of the auction:

The lense is a Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 5,6/135. It also looks like the power supply comes with it. But does it have a "dichroic head" ?

 

[MattKing]

The lense is a Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 5,6/135. It also looks like the power supply comes with it. But does it have a "dichroic head" ?

Yes, it appears to have a dichroic head (the coloured dials on the front are the clue).

Matt

 

[fschifano]

Looks like you have 1 glass 4x5 negative carrier, 1 glassless 4x5 negative carrier, and one 6x6 glassless negative carrier there in addition to the 135 mm lens. The price is right, and the condition of the machine looks hardly used from the photos. You'll need a shorter lenses, around 50mm and 80-90mm, to make larger prints from 35mm and 6x6 (or 6x7) respectively along with appropriate negative carriers and lensboards. The 135mm lens is most useful for 4x5 negatives, though it can be put to good use for medium format negatives if you can accept the limitations of a smaller maximum print size. Excellent quality enlarging lenses around 50mm are going cheaply these days. Longer focal length lenses are selling for more. Check the completed auctions for EL-Nikkor, Schneider Componon-S, and Rodenstock Rodagon lenses for current price ranges. Factor the acquisition of these accessories into your decision.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Looks pretty good for $300, I'd say.

Is that a closed-loop system (i.e., does the voltage regulator sense the actual light output and adjust)? That would be very desirable.

 

[Mick Fagan]

That is a standard 7451 with the colour module fitted.

David, there is no closed loop for this enlarger.

The power supply sitting on the corner of the baseboard is as supplied from the factory.

The glass and glass free 4x5 holders are a bonus. You can put any film size into the glass holder and tape the glass to block unwanted light.

The other holder is the 645 holder not the 6x6 holder, it doesn't look square.

I cannot see a lens and I'm assuming the lens is in the unit.

If the price is $300 Euro which equates to $495 AUD then I would consider this to be almost a highish price.

But for what looks like a unit that has not had commercial use, then it is probably quite reasonable.

The bottom line is that this will do more than you are asking for at the moment. It will do quite a lot more for you later if you decide to do 4x5.

It fits the bill, get it.

If you do buy it, I have a 17 page (or something like that) instruction manual for this exact enlarger, I can photocopy it and send it to you.

Mick.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Bonk, don't forget to check that the serial numbers match, as per my posting on your other thread.

Mick.

 

[Neal]

Hi Bonk,

It would be nice to have seen a 35mm negative carrier in the bunch.. As stated by another above, you can mask the glass carrier for 6x9 negatives, but I wouldn't want to be screwing around with masking for multiple sizes.

It certainly looks as though it is in great shape and if you were setting up for 4x5 the lens makes it worth the ~$400 (the lens will also work for 6x9). If you kept looking, I'm sure you could spend less on a smaller enlarger with more negative carriers and lenses, but without the rigidity nor the path to 4x5. I have to be careful here because my enthusiasm for this enlarger might be due to the fact that it would be a nice replacement for my old Omega. :>)

Neal Wydra

 

[Neal]

Hi Bonk,

One last note. I was poking around on ebay and I don't know how easy it is to find a 6x9 color enlarger in Europe. This may force you to look at a 4x5 capable enlarger.

Good luck.

Neal Wydra

 

[bonk]

Can you be a bit more specific on this closed loop system. What is so desirebale about it and why? I understand that the voltage adapts to the light intensity somehow. I didn't know I can change the light intesity on some enlargers. And why would I want that just to increase/decrease exposure times?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

It seems that this is not a closed loop system, but on a closed loop system, you get more consistent exposures, particularly if you want to use very short exposures, which can be handy when you're making many prints from the same negative, or want to do quick proofs of many negs.