LPL 6700MXL color versus LPL 7700 color enlarger

[Michael Firstlight]

If I have a choice between an LPL 6700MXL color enlarger and a LPL 7700 color enlarger, which is the better choice? I'm trying to decide between them for 6x7 format. Both can do 6x7 Can anyone tell me the differences? It looks like the magnification and baseboard size of the 7700 is a bit larger. Any other comparative differences pro/cons between the two?

Regards,
Mike

 

[Paul Howell]

I think it is the same head, different taller column?

 

[Michael Firstlight]

I think it is the same head, different taller column?

Thanks,

That's what I am concluding in addition to a few other differences I've been informed. Now I'm confused between some shows as C7700 versus 7700MX/MXL and the C7700 Pro - they seem to all be identical, but I'm not sure. One thing I'd like to knows is can they all do 16x20 on the baseboard with the appropriate lens?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

 

[tedr1]

Some questions may be answered by information at the website of dealer KHB in Canada www.khbphotografix.com

 

[MattKing]

I agree.
The specific link is here: http://www.khbphotografix.com/LPL/
Be aware that the model number designations differ from the US to Canada, due to the difference in distribution. KHB's reference refers to that.
KHB is also a good telephone resource.

 

[jimjm]

Mike - I have the 670MXL (7700MX) which is the version with the Dichroic color head. As has been noted. the column height and max magnification are greater than the 6700.

2 big differences for me are in the features of the dichroic head. The 670MXL has a reversible recessed lensboard, and the 6700 only has a built-in lensboard. The 670MXL also has an option for a fine focus control and a focusing extension cable. The extension makes it much easier when doing bigger enlargements, unless you have really long arms. On the baseboard with an 80mm lens, you should be able to print a 6x7 neg to almost 15.5x18 in, although at those sizes it might be easier to reverse the column and print off the baseboard, or on the floor.

I've only used the 670MXL for B/W, but I've been very happy with it. Very solid and stable, the controls and filtration dials are easy to use. Especially if you like to do split-contrast printing, the settings are easy to see and adjust on the fly. I've used the tilting lens stage to correct minor perspective distortion. It'd be nice if it went up to 6x9, but I have a 4x5 enlarger also if I need to do that.

 

[Neil Grant]

Thanks,

That's what I am concluding in addition to a few other differences I've been informed. Now I'm confused between some shows as C7700 versus 7700MX/MXL and the C7700 Pro - they seem to all be identical, but I'm not sure. One thing I'd like to knows is can they all do 16x20 on the baseboard with the appropriate lens?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

...on the column of my C 7700 it indicates a max enlargement of x 8.6 with a 90mm lens. Is that enough for your
20x16 requirements? I use a el Tominon 90mm f/5.6, but that focal length is not too common. It's possible to 'open up' a glassless carrier to 6x8 cm size and the head will still illuminate it OK. One of this enlargers disavantages are the focusing rails that protrude below the lens - they get in the way of dodging and burning and also masking frame blades - especially LPL's own brand. I use a el Tominon 60mm f/4 (a rare 8-element 'Biogon') for my 35mm work for a bit of extra working space. It's a wide-angle lens for 6x6 cm but I've never tried it for 6x7cm. Hope some of this helps.

 

[jimjm]

One thing I'd like to knows is can they all do 16x20 on the baseboard with the appropriate lens?

As the baseboard's only about 18" wide, you can print larger at max column height if you have a large enough easel or some type of large board or support for the paper.
At max height with an 80mm lens, the 670MXL will project a 6x7 neg to about 22x27" at baseboard level.

 

[Mick Fagan]

I would think if the column height is not too great a consideration, then the one with the fine focus knob attached would be my pick.

The fine focus knob is a smaller knob that sits inside the larger standard focus knob. If you go to the 4x5" enlarger link for that Canadian LPL site, then you can see the fine focus knob on the inner of the focus knob on the right side of the head. The fine focus knob makes critical focusing dead easy, I have no idea why they didn't include it on all units, makes a good enlarger a great one.

One other possible reason for the 7700 unit, is that I know you can use the LPL 745 wall mount to mount the 7700 column on a wall, I did that last century. The only thing you need to do is drill a hole in the top of the 7700 column for the mount to use. It is entirely possible that the 6700 unit may also be able to use the wall mount, but I don't know.

Whichever unit you get, you should be happy, LPL make very good enlargers.

Mick.

 

[Michael Firstlight]

I am beginning to believe that an LPL 670MXL color in the USA is the same as the 7700XL color, or at least that is what the Canadian site indicates here: http://www.khbphotografix.com/LPL/LPL7700Dichro.htm

Mike

 

[MattKing]

I am beginning to believe that an LPL 670MXL color in the USA is the same as the 7700XL color, or at least that is what the Canadian site indicates here: http://www.khbphotografix.com/LPL/LPL7700Dichro.htm

Mike

That is correct. The numbers are very confusing if you compare US vs. the rest of the world.

 

[Michael Firstlight]

And now to confuse matters even more, I found a 670 DXL complete for $100 - and have no idea what the difference is between a DXL and an MXL.


Mike

 

[jimjm]

Looks like the older version of the MXL, and it's probably branded "Saunders/LPL" instead of "Omega/LPL" or just "LPL".
If it's only $100 and in good condition, grab it. Hopefully it comes with the power supply for the lamphouse.

From what I know, it's just about identical to the latest version, except for cosmetic differences.