How much are the Durst M601 and M605 compatible?

[Michael Mutmansky]

Folks, I have an M601 here that is in good shape but the head is a bit buggered. So, I'm looking at my options and it appears that the M605 has mostly identical parts other than the lamphouse being different and the head frame is different to support the different lamphouse. It appears that the base, column, and mounting post for both are identical, as are the negative carriers, lens boards, etc. Is that correct?

It'll give me a few more options to choose from as I look around for available parts if they are essentially compatible.

Thanks,


---Michael

 

[Ian Grant]

I have both, yes the columns, lens boards, negative carriers are interchangeable. although the M605 carrier is plastic as are the lens boards.

Ian

 

[Michael Mutmansky]

I have both, yes the columns, lens boards, negative carriers are interchangeable. although the M605 carrier is plastic as are the lens boards.

Ian

Ian, thanks for the info. Since the head is not complete on mine, can you tell me what the dimension is from the center of the lens to the face of the column? Is that the same on both?

 

[Ian Grant]

My M601 is packed away but I'm fairly sure it's the same distance.

Ian

 

[Michael Mutmansky]

My M601 is packed away but I'm fairly sure it's the same distance.

Ian

OK, thanks. That's what I figured, but wanted to check... Having a little more depth there would be helpful and would have fovored the head with that, if one did.

 

[mwdake]

Ian, thanks for the info. Since the head is not complete on mine, can you tell me what the dimension is from the center of the lens to the face of the column? Is that the same on both?

I have an M605 with color head.
From the face of the column to the center of the lens mount is 10 inches give or take a little.
The enlarger is tucked away a bit in the closet so that’s the most accurate measurement I can get as it is.

 

[Michael Mutmansky]

Just a followup, there is one subtle difference in the heads... The mounting post that the head assembly is mounted on (which is mounted to the geared riser assembly) has a different arrangement of notches or grooves on them so the 605 isn't 100% compatible with the 601 riser and base without some modifications. Basically, you can't slide the head 100% onto the shaft because there is a subtle difference in the design. It doesn't matter for my needs, but it is a bit of an oddity that they would bother to make a change like that. The 605 head sits about 1/2" out from going fully onto the shaft.

 

[CrazyCockatoo]

i would like to get another negative carrier for my m605, anyone have the dementions for the m601 carrier? or a different carrier that can do it's job.