Kaiser V System Review?

NortheastPhotographic · Jul 13, 2019

I'm looking for write ups or impressions of the Kaiser V system enlargers, particularly the current model. They look like really nice options for medium format to 35mm printing, and I like that you can upgrade them to LED and the Heiland Split Grade system.

Can anyone offer impressions of the Kaiser system?

Lachlan Young · Jul 13, 2019

NortheastPhotographic said:
I'm looking for write ups or impressions of the Kaiser V system enlargers, particularly the current model. They look like really nice options for medium format to 35mm printing, and I like that you can upgrade them to LED and the Heiland Split Grade system.

Can anyone offer impressions of the Kaiser system?

Learnt to print on one - it was ok, but feels nowhere near as solid as the more seriously professional medium format machines like the Leitz IIC or DeVere 203 or Beseler 23 etc. They're fine for education, moderate usage etc, not so confident about them for day to day professional work.

AgX · Jul 13, 2019

The other current german modular system is made by Dunco. Both systems are basically similar, with Dunco using more parts made from metal.

NortheastPhotographic · Jul 13, 2019

Lachlan Young said:
Learnt to print on one - it was ok, but feels nowhere near as solid as the more seriously professional medium format machines like the Leitz IIC or DeVere 203 or Beseler 23 etc. They're fine for education, moderate usage etc, not so confident about them for day to day professional work.

I thought that may be the answer. Le sigh, which means I should do the work and wade into the rigamorol of sourcing a used unit.

Lachlan Young · Jul 13, 2019

NortheastPhotographic said:
I thought that may be the answer. Le sigh, which means I should do the work and wade into the rigamorol of sourcing a used unit.

Kienzle & DeVere can supply new enlargers - if you feel a need to go that way & spend heavily. I think Beseler are still manufacturing too. None will be as cheap as the Kaiser. The LPL 7452 is still in production & is much more solid than their medium format ones.

bernard_L · Jul 13, 2019

NortheastPhotographic said:
I thought that may be the answer. Le sigh, which means I should do the work and wade into the rigamorol {rigmarole?} of sourcing a used unit.

I once had in my hands a Kaiser enlarger donated at the charity where I volunteer(ed). Flimsy, broken, went to the bin without remorse. Thin plastic and sheet metal. Can't remember if it was a Sytem V model or what, but here is my non-rigorous review of the Kaiser brand. Whereas even amateur-grade Durst enlargers (like, 60x model) are made of injection-molded aluminium alloy. And Beseler enlarger are mare of heavy-stock sheet metal. Best subjective quality in amateur enlarger I saw is a Philips PCS 130.

larfe · Jul 13, 2019

Kaiser? Is it because they look all nice and shiny on internet pictures?
It will cost you about the same or more than a DeVere and be far less solid. You don't need a brand new DeVere, a used one will do just as well

I've a Kaiser easel, it is very poorly made. If their enlargers are built as badly, I would not recommend them

Peter Schrager · Jul 13, 2019

Get your hands on a minolta iii enlarger
Does up to 6x7
Mine beats the crap out if any of the above and I've had several beseler enlargers
Theres a mixing box for different sizes but the build quality is superb

AgX · Jul 13, 2019

Peter Schrager said:
Get your hands on a minolta iii enlarger

Up to short ago I did not even know there were Minolta enlargers. And over here I only once came across a Beseler, and never a Omega.

With enlargers it is hard and expensive to buy something that is not regionally available. And enlarger brands are more heterogeneously spread than camera brands.

Lachlan Young · Jul 13, 2019

Peter Schrager said:
Get your hands on a minolta iii enlarger
Does up to 6x7
Mine beats the crap out if any of the above and I've had several beseler enlargers
Theres a mixing box for different sizes but the build quality is superb

Something tells me you've never used a DeVere. Different league to the Minolta etc.

RalphLambrecht · Jul 13, 2019

NortheastPhotographic said:
I'm looking for write ups or impressions of the Kaiser V system enlargers, particularly the current model. They look like really nice options for medium format to 35mm printing, and I like that you can upgrade them to LED and the Heiland Split Grade system.

Can anyone offer impressions of the Kaiser system?

as far as stability goes:any enlarger woll benefit enormously from from a bracket fixing the top to the wall.it will eliminate enlarger shake almost entirely!

AgX · Jul 14, 2019

Back then the Kaiser V system was well spoken of in german magazines, no hint at stability issues. I can't say by lack of working with one. But I considered the issue of static electricity.
The benefit of the Kaiser system is being a system, thus being modular.

Peter Schrager · Jul 14, 2019

Lachlan Young said:
Something tells me you've never used a DeVere. Different league to the Minolta etc.

I didn't know devere made medium format enlargers .thought they were 4x5 or larger

Lachlan Young · Jul 14, 2019

Peter Schrager said:
I didn't know devere made medium format enlargers .thought they were 4x5 or larger

The 203 is the medium format one - it uses the same column & baseboard as the big machines, smaller head, smaller counterweight, same selection of heads. Not a great deal smaller than the 504 though.

Arcadia4 · Jul 14, 2019

The Kaiser System V is a modular system so all parts are interchangeable and can be upgraded by swapping heads, condensors, columns and boards. Masks are common to all.
They also made a basic enlarger which didn't offer this functionality.

Naming conventions are;
VP35XX upto 135 format
6XXX 135 or 120 upto 6x6
7XXX 135 of 120 upto 6x7 (no longer produced but still compatible with 6XXX and 9XXX series)
9XXX 135 or 120 upto 6x9
AFAIK the last digit denotes series e.g. latest are XXX5

Three heads were made, Colour, B&W opal with filters and a Multigrade head. The latter in no longer made.
The System V are well made, fairly heavy and more than adequate for amateur use certainly. They still sell for reasonable money used. (About 20% of new cost but this varies due to the last point below)
The enlargers and most parts are still available new. To some that is an advantage over discontinued brands, although (generally) an enlarger is a fairly simple piece of kit.
Choice of photographic enlarger is often a personal thing, and people may argue you need X Y or Z brand, but most will do the job within their format limitations.
Equally important is what brands are common in your area, so are easy to obtain (new or used) particularly as used they don't mail particularly well....Hence often you can get them cheap if you are willing to travel or are lucky!

iakustov · Jul 20, 2019

I use Kaiser system v enlarger (7002 probably) with colour head for 6x6, 6x7 and 135 and I am happy with it. Other than sometimes malfunctioning Kaiser AC converter (for 12V head), this is a nice equipment. I have Durst 138s standing alongside, Kaiser looks tiny.

Kaiser V System Review?

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