Gilkon Enlarger restore

awty · Aug 13, 2016

Hi all
It was $20! only just fitted in the back seat of the car and is complete except for a bulb, just needs a tidy up. I dont have an enlarger, nor sure how to use one as its been 26 years since I used one, but for 20 bucks worth tiding up an getting to work again......and it looks way cool.

Just thought I would post some pics of my progress if anyone is interested.

Oh what size bulb should I use? Think its set up for 67 negs, but with another lens should be able to do 35mm.

Maris · Aug 14, 2016

I run the 4x5 version of the Gilkon enlarger with a Philips Photocrescenta 150W 240V bulb. For the smaller format I reckon the 75W Photocrescenta would be right. Finding the bulb and paying for it are the only difficulties.

Neal · Aug 14, 2016

Nice!

awty · Aug 14, 2016

Maris said:
I run the 4x5 version of the Gilkon enlarger with a Philips Photocrescenta 150W 240V bulb. For the smaller format I reckon the 75W Photocrescenta would be right. Finding the bulb and paying for it are the only difficulties.

I will be using 6x7 negatives, so a 150w bulb should do?

Maris · Aug 14, 2016

awty said:
I will be using 6x7 negatives, so a 150w bulb should do?

I worry that the 150W will be way too hot for the lamphouse and will end up charring the bulb socket. The other problem is that overheated bulbs only have a few hours of working life which is dismaying when they cost $$$ and are hard to find. The enlarger I use for 67 negatives has a 75W bulb in the lamphouse and it almost too bright for good negatives at modest enlargements.

Paul Howell · Aug 14, 2016

Made in Australia, could not the details on the lens, it is made in Australia as well?

sepiareverb · Aug 14, 2016

Lovely! does that chrome part double as a cocktail shaker?

awty · Aug 14, 2016

Maris said:
I worry that the 150W will be way too hot for the lamphouse and will end up charring the bulb socket. The other problem is that overheated bulbs only have a few hours of working life which is dismaying when they cost $$$ and are hard to find. The enlarger I use for 67 negatives has a 75W bulb in the lamphouse and it almost too bright for good negatives at modest enlargements.

Thanks for that 75 watts will be easier to handle

awty · Aug 14, 2016

Paul Howell said:
Made in Australia, could not the details on the lens, it is made in Australia as well?

No nothing that exotic, just a common old German variety in need of a good clean.

awty · Aug 14, 2016

sepiareverb said:
Lovely! does that chrome part double as a cocktail shaker?

I was going to paint it red and use it for a DEVO hat.

awty · Aug 14, 2016

Painted the lamp top using heat resistant black. Hopefully it wont flake off like the old paint.......maybe its benders great great great granddaddy.

sepiareverb · Aug 14, 2016

awty said:
I was going to paint it red and use it for a DEVO hat.

Hah!

SMBooth · Aug 15, 2016

Where are you I have one including a much better base that you can have for parts.

awty · Aug 15, 2016

SMBooth said:
Where are you I have one including a much better base that you can have for parts.

Thanks for your kind offer. A little far away in Redcliffe QLD.
Its OK I was going to make a new base anyhow. I enjoy rebuilding stuff like this, helps me understand how it all works. The only thing it is missing is the red safety filter thingy, also only has a home made negative holder and the lens flange is home made as well.

Do I need a scale? The old hand drawn one on it looks like it wont last the restoration.

Gilkon Enlarger restore

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