Information on DeVere 504 enlargers

[Paul Green]

Good evening,

I’ve been offered a colour 504 which is cream and brown with the filters on the far right of the head. I have used later model 504's when I had access to the university darkroom, and just wanted to know what the differences were between the old and newer models.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Paul Green]

bump?

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Do you have a photo of the enlarger? The De Vere units have gone through several iterations.

Tom

 

[Paul Green]

Hi Tom,

The enlarger I have been offered looks like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/raizans/4762020528/in/set-72157624297037173/

In the past I used this model http://www.collectablecameras.com/images/5921.jpg

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Paul,

The second link posted shows a DeVere model closer to my 5108 enlarger, and Collectable Camera's price is very good). You might want to try a DeVere supplier for the exact details. From the photos it looks as though the older unit only uses a single 250W bulb so your exposures will probably be longer.

Could try:

Second Hand Darkroom - 01993 878323 (try first)

Odyssey Sales: 01273 676768

Lightwave Servicing: 01959 570281

 

[canuhead]

I've got the same as the Collectible link and also one with a Variomat head. Both have switches that cut off the filtration backlight and that also allow you to go unfiltered. Hopefully the one you're looking at has a couple of lens panels and carrier inserts for various formats. AN glass would be a bonus.

 

[cmo]

Paul,

The second link posted shows a DeVere model closer to my 5108 enlarger, and Collectable Camera's price is very good).

Did any of you ever buy gear from collectablecameras.com?

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Did any of you ever buy gear from collectablecameras.com?

I've not bought from collectable cameras myself. My 5108 and 504 were purchased privately.

Tom

 

[Paul Green]

Me neither, I found the link you posted to the enlarger they have for sale sometime before I posted this thread.
I asked about the gear and they said that the enlarger looked in good condition but they were unsure of the power supply or the timer as they both looked "ugly". Also the enlarger only came with a 50 and 80mm lens combo, sadly no 150mm.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Paul,

I'd expect to pay £500 and up for a good condition DeVere machine. SDS may be a good option if not the cheapest.

Tom.

 

[Martin Aislabie]

Paul, I think the one you are interested in is a Mk3 and the one you are currently using is a Mk4

I have no idea what the difference is between the various models.

However, the power supply (Transtab) are probably the weakest link as the Enlarger Chassis are built like tractors

The power supplies are expensive to replace/repair - so your description of "ugly" is not good news

Replacement parts are available from Odyssey - but at a price

Toms suggestion of a price comparison against Second Hand Darkrooms is a good one

Martin

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Nova darkroom also appear to have a DeVere unit available at the moment.

www.novadarkroom.com

Tom

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I should point out my Mk5 504 (with MG500 head) has a significantly wider column compared to my Mk4 5108. It may improve stability.

Tom