Kodak Precision Enlarger. whaaaaat?

phfitz · Nov 29, 2008

Hi all,

just saw this at eBay:

No-3-CONDENSER-A-for-KODAK-PRECISION-ENLARGER-IN-BOX

it looks to be the condenser for 35mm film, 2"/50mm lens.

no connection, just saw it.

Perry Way · Nov 30, 2008

phfitz said:
it looks to be the condenser for 35mm film, 2"/50mm lens.

no connection, just saw it.

Oh there IS a connection! This looks like the condenser in my enlarger! I wonder if there's a difference. This one says #3. Maybe there is a #1 and #2 (by deduction). I pulled mine out to have a look at it. The label on it flaked off where there was printing and it is too far gone to read. So I don't know what I have.

This seller has something else for this enlarger. It is listed as "EXPOSURE METER BRACKET A for KODAK PRECISION ENLARGER". http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120340285137&fromMakeTrack=true

Don't quite know what to make of that.

Perry Way · Nov 30, 2008

Yahoooooo! 35mm carrier found!

Oh wow! Thanks to the post by phfitz, I did some looking around on eBay. I looked for several weeks up until a week or so ago and nothing on eBay, but now there are three listings. Look at this! KODAK PRECISION ENLARGER HEAD WITH PARTS,CARRIERS http://cgi.ebay.com/KODAK-PRECISION...ryZ29985QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm buying this for the spare parts, and for the 35mm carrier. Looks like my hunt for the carrier is now over! And there's a spiffy 6x9 glass carrier included and an appropriate lens for the 35mm. Hopefully I've bid high enough to ensure my win, at $200

Perry Way · Nov 30, 2008

I won the auction! $9.99. Nobody else bid. WOW! I'm so stoked! Now is the time to find a home for my Beseler printmaker 35 since I will not need it.

Curt · Nov 30, 2008

You are one lucky Monkey!

p3200TMZ · Dec 2, 2008

That is great news...

Now you should get these -

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...m=140285880415&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

Perry Way · Dec 2, 2008

p3200TMZ said:
That is great news...

Now you should get these -

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...m=140285880415&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

Yes, I did see that last night actually. I got in a panic thinking I would need a new lens. Reason why was because I disassembled the Schneider 105mm lens I got with the enlarger because the aperature was sticking between 5.6 and 4.5. And the collar for the ring that you turn for setting the aperature separated from the insides of the lens and then there was this spring loaded ball point that makes the click click click mechanism for f-stops and when I went to reassemble the lens I could not figure out how to retract it to slip the collar back on. But persistence and measured deep breathing for a few hours paid off and I figured out how to get the lens back together. I didn't want to replace that lens because it is an extremely sharp lens. It's a Schneider, you know. And it's one of the higher quality Schneiders too. Anyhow, I found that listing last night and I thought about it but these lenses need some work, certainly at least a cleaning, but also that 100 mm has scratches on it. So I'm going to wait and see if anyone else bids on it and maybe if nobody bids on it I might swoop down like a barn owl at the last moment and snatch it up just so I have a complete system with all vintage gear to show off one day.

Oh if monkeys only had wings...

Chan Tran · Feb 24, 2009

I am late on this thread but I have a book by Kodak tittled "How to make good pictures" published in 1943 this is a quote from the book about their precision enlarger.

"This is an enlarger of the highest type. As its name implies, it it designed for the most exacting work. With the addition of a few accessories, it can be converted into an unusually versatile camera for extremely accurate copying, or for photomicrography, or for macro photography (close-ups of small objects), or for other work to which a view camera is best suited. Advanced workers find the Precision Enlarger an excellent means of producing color-separation negatives."

JBrunner · Feb 24, 2009

How is the Dalek working out?

berrybrian · May 20, 2009

I had one of these and loved it. I still have the lovely beveled-edge glass panels for the negative carrier. I sold it when I bought a 5x7 Durst, but I shouldn't have -- the contrast in black and white that this machine had was unique, and I miss it. Enlargements made with it had a smooth and linear quality such that I could very nearly match contacts prints made on Azo. Only my Leitz Focomat II could do that, and of course, only for 35.

dtc44 · Dec 12, 2009

Kodak Precision enlarger

p3200TMZ said:
I have picked up too many free enlargers over the weekend. I am thinking of getting rid of my Kodak enlarger. If you can post some photos of your existing carrier with measurements, I can tell you whether my 35mm carrier will work with your enlarger. If so, we can discuss how to get it to you... when I make a decision on what I am keeping.

I am here in Chicago,Illinois searching high and low for a precision enlarger to
go with the Kodak Medalist and the 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 format that is being utilized.
If you are still thinking about parting with this item for a price let me know.
Regards,
Dorsey(dtc44)

Perry Way · Dec 12, 2009

dtc44 said:
I am here in Chicago,Illinois searching high and low for a precision enlarger to
go with the Kodak Medalist and the 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 format that is being utilized.
If you are still thinking about parting with this item for a price let me know.
Regards,
Dorsey(dtc44)

Hey Dorsey,

If you're okay with paying shipping from California, I've got to find a new home for mine. In the last year I added to this by finding another head (complete), more neg carriers, and a diffuser condenser. So that's one complete enlarger, one extra complete head (lamp, condenser included), and a mess of neg carriers. I have 2.25 x 2.25, 35mm, 2.25 x 3.25 (6x9) and even a glass 2.25 x 3.25, plus another one that has some masks. I think I may have two 2.25 x 2.25's come to think of it. The only size I believe I do NOT have is 6x7 and which I simply masked down one of the 6x9's to get. By the way these neg carriers were made with a chrome finish that is super slippery. They are the nicest carriers I've ever seen on any enlarger, period, end of the subject. They were obviously made to prevent scratches on negs. I have to really tip my hat to Kodak on this one.

My need to find a new home for this is because I recently got a big ol Omega 4x5 and it meets all my needs in one enlarger, and I've got no place to store extra things in my apartment. I wish I didn't have to let this go because it is really neat. I love this enlarger. It's very quick to work with. The prints that came from it are amazing, lots of density.. very ... precise.

I would have put this up in the classifieds already but I'm lazy, and really I know I'm going to miss it when it's gone so I'm just dragging my feet on this, but I know it needs to go. Since you're specifically looking for one, you get first crack on it.

Also, I have two lenses for it. A Kodak 50mm and a Schneider 105 I believe. The Schneider is more modern but the Kodak is definitely original equipment.

Perry

Denis R · Dec 31, 2009

found

Bantam Kodachrome Adapter for Kodak Precision enlarger

Q: This film holder (camera back) slips into a slot that attaches to the top of the bellows unit on a Precision enlarger. Kodak called it a "camera back adapter. Does the slot unit come with your "camera back"? I'm looking for the slot piece Dec-30-09
A: No, all that I have is what you see in the pictures. There are no other pieces.

rocksinmypockets · Mar 6, 2010

Hi Perry,

Just read through this thread and am wondering if you still have the Kodak Precision Enlarger for sale.

Cheers,
Kate

rocksinmypockets · Mar 6, 2010

Oh. Never mind.

rocksinmypockets said:
Just read through this thread and am wondering if you still have the Kodak Precision Enlarger for sale.

Saw your classified after posting. No need to respond. Congrats on the sale.

lipsy56 · Oct 24, 2010

if you're still looking for the camera back adapter, I have one, but as my Precision A is complete i.e. all the correct attachments, lenses, carriers,original instruction manual, all condensers (1,2,3) etc, I cannot break it up. Also there are two camera backs, the 35mm and bantam828. You need the camera back adapter in order to use the camera back. The camera back adapter also is used for the 21/4x31/4 picture taking (rather than the copying mode the 35mm and 828bantam backs are used for) back i.e. studio type use when a lens/shutter combo. is mounted up front. This Precision A was truly a whole camera system, modular in concept, from the outset. It was and still is, an elegantly conceived and wonderfully executed (finest of materials.....form follows function, photographic masterpiece of its day. With the Medalist 11, and extension back, cut film and film-pack adapters, one had as complete a photographic system as could be had in the day. It wasn't 'till the Blad, that anything eclipsed this combo. I have most everything, even the tilting easel, in boxes somewhere and am thinking of contacting the Eastman Museam to see if they already have a fine copy of this (these) examples.

cj8281 · Jan 30, 2011

I just bought one of these. It came with 3 carriers 2 6x9 and a 35mm. How do I tell which condenser I have in it? Whats left of the tag says "Condenser unit "A" for Kodak Prec. Enlarger". The rest of the tag is pretty much gone. It has the Kodak Projection Anastigmat ƒ4.5 105mm lens.

ic-racer · Jan 30, 2011

Some info here: Dead Link Removed
and here on page 35 http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/CAMERAS/VINTAGE/kodak_camera_booklet.pdf

cj8281 · Jan 30, 2011

Yeah, I have been all through the bnphoto site. I see that it is supposed to have a universal condenser installed in it. I will see if I have any problems (probably not) with it. The one problem that I do have is the column goes straight up and down, so it does not fit where the Beseler and the Omega fit. I do not want to have to notch or remove my shelves so it will fit. I will try it sideways and see if that does it.

Perry Way · Jan 30, 2011

cj8281 said:
I just bought one of these. It came with 3 carriers 2 6x9 and a 35mm. How do I tell which condenser I have in it? Whats left of the tag says "Condenser unit "A" for Kodak Prec. Enlarger". The rest of the tag is pretty much gone. It has the Kodak Projection Anastigmat 4.5 105mm lens.

Congradulations, this is a great enlarger. Read the whole thread if you haven't. If my memory is correct the condenser unit a is the standard double condenser unit. That glass is something else. Should have two roughly half spheres with the flat sides out. Believe it or not those condensers are about the best you can get for up to the 6x9 format. I would have kept my enlarger except that I needed a larger one for 4x5. Good luck and best wishes with your enlarger.

cj8281 · Feb 1, 2011

Early last year I bought a Crown Graphic and an Omega D2. The only carrier for it that I have is the 4x5 one. I really like the Crown Graphic. I recently had the chance to acquire a Calumet 4x5 but it seemed a bit much and my Crown does everything that I want it to so far, so I passed on it.
Have you heard much about the Kodak Projection Anastigmat lens? I will have to make another lens board and lens for it so I can do 35mm with it. Another thing that I noticed today, the two 2¼x3¼ carriers are different. One simply says 2¼x3¼ and the other does not have the little lever and says 2¼x3¼ SF. So does the SF stand for Single Frame or something like that?
I take it from some of the other posts (I did read from the beginning) that you at one time had a Beseler PrintMaker 35. How did you like it? Did you ever print 120 (6x6) with it? I had an Omega C700 until Saturday and I think I may have sold my Beseler PrintMaker 35 today. The one thing that I like about the Kodak is that it uses a Lens Board to easily change lenses like the Beseler PrintMaker 35.
When I first got the Kodak, it was really dusty on the outside as it had been stored uncovered in a garage for the last 12 years. It did have company though, so far I have counted 10 Rapid Omegas, 6 Graphlexes, a Calumet, a New Vue, 4 Kodak Medalists, an old 8x10 and a few Pentax SLRs. Oh it was sitting next to the Omega D2 that I bought earlier. Anyway the inside of the enlarger was clean, there wasn't any dust on the condensers at all. The Aperture ring was frozen on the lens though. The same was true of the Omega D2 also. It was pretty easy to get cleaned up, it does not have a detente ball to index it at the stops though. Actually neither of them did. It took a bit to get it cleaned up. The cord looks like it might have been replaced at one time, the one in the column, the other one looks to be in decent shape. Did you ever find any 127 negative carriers for the Kodak while you had it?
Okay enough of my ramblings for today.

Perry Way · Feb 1, 2011

cj8281 said:
Early last year I bought a Crown Graphic and an Omega D2. The only carrier for it that I have is the 4x5 one.

I would have bought extra negative carriers and used one enlarger instead of more than one but then I'm in a small apartment and lack a lot of room. You can readily obtain Omega D type carriers on eBay all night and day long. They are fairly ubiquitous with standard films sizes (35mm, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 4x5). I have the D5XL I think (going by memory since I'm at the office) with a color head. Very nice setup with lens turret with 3 lenses for miniature film, medium format and large format.

cj8281 said:
Have you heard much about the Kodak Projection Anastigmat lens?

No, but there's plenty to read about it on the internet. A quick google search yielded quite a number of actual hits. My guess is that lens is only good for B&W since it's using the term anastigmat. If it were a color lens perhaps it might be labeled APO for Apochromatic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apochromat

cj8281 said:
Another thing that I noticed today, the two 2¼x3¼ carriers are different. One simply says 2¼x3¼ and the other does not have the little lever and says 2¼x3¼ SF. So does the SF stand for Single Frame or something like that?

My guess is SF is sheet film. 6x9's were very popular in both roll film and sheet film. That's the only medium format size that I know about that also came in sheet film. Educated guess.

cj8281 said:
I take it from some of the other posts (I did read from the beginning) that you at one time had a Beseler PrintMaker 35. How did you like it? Did you ever print 120 (6x6) with it?

My opinion is the printmaker is not a very good enlarger. It is essentially a basic enlarger. I only used it for 35mm. You have to replace the condensors for medium format and the lens too. The condensors are inferior entry level quality. Compare the single condensor for the 35mm against one of the condensors in your Kodak Precision enlarger and you will see what I'm talking about. It's like comparing Cracker Jacks with premium quality caramel corn. No comparison!

cj8281 said:
Did you ever find any 127 negative carriers for the Kodak while you had it?

Nope! I did find 6x9 glass carriers and a 6x9 glass carrier with a masking device so you could essentially use it for any film size. WOW such a nice carrier! I doubt you will ever scratch a negative in that enlarger!

stawastawa · Jan 12, 2014

Reviving this old thread AsI just got the model 1 version B for 4x5.

I am wondering if anyone has any tips for tightnigh the locking screw on the main column. it's good the enlarger is well balanced by the spring as it does stay in place well, but it is a bit wobbly and I would like to tighten the screw and have it actually lock the head to the main column.

also, anyone have a spare filter holder?

cheers and any tips appreciated.

`nicholas

James Johnson · Mar 30, 2022

dtc44 said:
Kodak Precision enlarger

I am here in Chicago,Illinois searching high and low for a precision enlarger to
go with the Kodak Medalist and the 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 format that is being utilized.
If you are still thinking about parting with this item for a price let me know.
Regards,
Dorsey(dtc44)

James Johnson · Mar 30, 2022

You still around in 2022?? I'm in Arizona...but I have a 1948 Kodak autofocus type b foto enlarger. Complete set. Lens, extra film, even the directions are still with it.

Kodak Precision Enlarger. whaaaaat?

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