Just sharing a quick idea of 4x5 enlarger

werra · Sep 1, 2009

As availability of large format enlargers is next to nil over here, transport costs from Europe would be prohibitive etc, I decided to throw together my own.
Consists of kinda beaten Linhof Kardan Standard mounted to Meopta Opemus 5 base, Plaubel international back and Epson 1200 transparency lid as cold light source and some black tape Holder made on plywood, need to make new for every format (9x12cm + 6x12cm in addition to 4x5).
Exposure is via shutter, no VC filters yet (no big deal as I print on graded paper usually).

In general appears to work, fighting with light leaks is a bit frustrating ofcourse. Aesthetically is not any beauty as well

fotch · Sep 1, 2009

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, maybe change "beholder" with "print".

Why not!

archphoto · Sep 1, 2009

Linhof had something like this years ago: a special head for their 4x5 TC's.
It does not have to be pretty as long as it works.

Great job, congrad's !

Peter

markbarendt · Sep 1, 2009

I've been wondering if that would work.

I was actually considering a horizontal version, tripod and wall.

Mike Wilde · Sep 1, 2009

you are not crazy. I have as a display example a home made 35mm/127 enlarger head that I found in a junk bin at a camera show. It, from the look of the thing, was made from the combination of a kit for the condensers and lens, but otherwise is a mix of felt, masonite, and old soup cans and tobacco tins, etc.

removed account4 · Sep 1, 2009

that is very nice!

graflex used to sell what was called a "graflarger back"
- a cold light head ( aristo ) that fit onto any camera
with a graflock / international back.

http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/accessories.html#Graflarger

every once in a while they show up on Eboink
... i bought mine there and eventually sold it there too ...

it looks like yours will work well too

Reinhold · Sep 1, 2009

The use of an Epson transparency scanner lid is an especially interesting idea.

Now that folks are nervous about the future of Aristo cold lights, your idea opens the door to a work-around.

"Nesessity is the mother of invention"

Welcome to the club of: If you can't buy it, make it...

Reinhold

www.classicBWphoto.com

RalphLambrecht · Sep 1, 2009

werra said:
As availability of large format enlargers is next to nil over here, transport costs from Europe would be prohibitive etc, I decided to throw together my own.
Consists of kinda beaten Linhof Kardan Standard mounted to Meopta Opemus 5 base, Plaubel international back and Epson 1200 transparency lid as cold light source and some black tape Holder made on plywood, need to make new for every format (9x12cm + 6x12cm in addition to 4x5).
Exposure is via shutter, no VC filters yet (no big deal as I print on graded paper usually).

In general appears to work, fighting with light leaks is a bit frustrating ofcourse. Aesthetically is not any beauty as well

Does the transparency lid provide enough light for enlargements? What are your exposure times?

werra · Sep 1, 2009

RalphLambrecht said:
Does the transparency lid provide enough light for enlargements? What are your exposure times?

For 2x enlargement (18x24cm paper) at f11 around 10 seconds on 20 years expired paper. Which is quite similar to time for the same paper using Meochrome head and 35mm film.
And this paper is slow, MCP was 2-3 times faster.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 1, 2009

werra said:
For 2x enlargement (18x24cm paper) at f11 around 10 seconds on 20 years expired paper. Which is quite similar to time for the same paper using Meochrome head and 35mm film.
And this paper is slow, MCP was 2-3 times faster.

That's quite good, and I'm amazed. You've got something there!

werra · Sep 1, 2009

RalphLambrecht said:
That's quite good, and I'm amazed. You've got something there!

'Amazed' is a bit understatement about my own feelings right now, after finishing first session. It's more like orgastic to see 6x12 negs on paper, even with only 2x enlargement

Now I need to find some fine lens for this Frankenlarger. Current one has front element from some 105mm Tessar and rear from Xenar with same focal length.

135mm Componon would be OK choice, I guess.

verney · Sep 2, 2009

Can you show some more detailed pictures of your setup? Any problems with negative curling?

Really cool idea. There is no way I'm able find room for 4x5 enlarger in my house. Something similar should be easy if I make a system that replaces the back of my current camera.

Steve Smith · Sep 2, 2009

jnanian said:
graflex used to sell what was called a "graflarger back"
- a cold light head ( aristo ) that fit onto any camera
with a graflock / international back.

I have one of those. I haven't had a chance to try it yet though.

Steve.

Just sharing a quick idea of 4x5 enlarger

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