Need advice setting up a Durst U70

JasmineMcHugh · 2025-08-09T13:32:32-0400

I recently got a Durst U70 for free! It is very rusty and without a lens.

Im a newbie when it comes to setting up my own darkroom. I want to use it for 35mm BW mainly.

Any advice on restoring enlargers and what lens would be suitable for printing 35mm.

If anyone has scans of the manual in English that would be amazing. Ik information is scarce on this enlarger.

Thanks! <3

jvo · 2025-08-09T22:28:31-0400

welcome to photrio...

I did find this on a durst 70 - may be similar?

others more knowledgeable about durst u70 enlargers will chime in.

after 45 years in the b+w darkroom, I had to move into the digital world... you are embarking on a wonderful journey - enjoy.

Klaus Mähring · 2025-08-10T05:23:30-0400

JasmineMcHugh said:
and what lens would be suitable for printing 35mm.

Welcome to the dark

For printing 35mm you should use a 50mm lens. Rodagon 50, Nikkor EL 50, Componon (S) 50....
Enlargers are very simple devices, I guess a good clean and you should be almost ready to go.

Ibicus · 2025-08-10T06:16:15-0400

Do you mean this u70 (the old one)?
I have one, but I wouldn't use it for 35mm..

JasmineMcHugh · 2025-08-10T06:21:30-0400

Ibicus said:
Do you mean this u70 (the old one)?
I have one, but I wouldn't use it for 35mm..

Yes ive read on other threads that you can use a 50mm lens but it would need be recessed. An original product description also states it can be used for 35mm

JasmineMcHugh · 2025-08-10T06:22:54-0400

Klaus Mähring said:
Welcome to the dark

For printing 35mm you should use a 50mm lens. Rodagon 50, Nikkor EL 50, Componon (S) 50....
Enlargers are very simple devices, I guess a good clean and you should be almost ready to go.

Thank you!! I will check these out! It will be a bit of work to get her clean but it will be a labour of love

JasmineMcHugh · 2025-08-10T06:27:23-0400

jvo said:
welcome to photrio...

I did find this on a durst 70 - may be similar?

others more knowledgeable about durst u70 enlargers will chime in.

after 45 years in the b+w darkroom, I had to move into the digital world... you are embarking on a wonderful journey - enjoy.

Thank you! This model looks significantly newer but i will look for similarities.

Shame to lose you to the digital side! I guess its a lot more convenient and inexpensive but nothing can beat the craftsmanship of printing film!

Klaus Mähring · 2025-08-10T06:34:20-0400

JasmineMcHugh said:
Yes ive read on other threads that you can use a 50mm lens but it would need be recessed. An original product description also states it can be used for 35mm

If the recessed lens board is too much a hassle you can also use an 80mm lens. 50mm is the 'proper' lens for 35mm, but an 80mm will just do fine; there will be a limit to how large you can print though.

Need advice setting up a Durst U70

JasmineMcHugh

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Klaus Mähring

Ibicus

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