Need advices: Enlarger Meopta Opemus III

Mirko Lazzarin · Jun 29, 2009

Hello,
I am trying to buy an enlarger to (eventually) start printing at home. So I'd start saying that I am a beginner and , therefore, not looking for a pro enlarger. I found, on ebay.it, a Meopta Opemus III - http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120439122280&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:IT:1123
What I need to know is whether I can avail of multigrade filters with this model or not. The seller is not sure about that, I thus post this thread to try to better understand if this is possible.
Also, would you think that the price is reasonable for that model??
MAny many thanks beforehand
Ciao

Mirko

Mick Fagan · Jun 29, 2009

Mirko, if you intend to do 35mm then as it is being sold, it will not be the greatest for that as the lens is a bigger lens for 6x6 negatives.

However it would do 35mm but not too big an enlargement.

Now the important bit is a filter drawer, it does not appear to have one. You really need a filter drawer to allow you to put different filters in to change the grade of paper, this is most important.

Because of this I would suggest you do not purchase this enlarger.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/B-W-ENLARGER...ms=65:1|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

This is a later model enlarger which is obviously local to me, but with the main picture you can see the filter drawer just below the Meopta name on the front.

I think for an enlarger of this sort, 99 Euros with a lens is starting to be a bit on the high side, but I do not know European prices.

Mick.

Mick Fagan · Jun 29, 2009

Mirko, I forgot to add that a 50mm lens is really best for 35mm film. If you can get one that is f/2.8 that should be a reasonable lens for now

If in the future you really do get into enlarging, then you can upgrade either your lens or enlarger, or both, for a more than likely moderate price.

Mick.

RobertV · Jun 29, 2009

Mirko these enlargers from Meopta are going on Dutch marktplaats and E-bay away for the price of old iron.
You can use MG filters only under the lens because this model has no filter drawing.

A fair (Dutch) price: Eur. 25,00

My advice: Try to get an Opemus 5 or 6 with filter drawer. 35mm (50mm lens)till 6x6 (80mm lens) and a bit more modern: Price Eur. 75,- Eur. 125,- and with a bit luck including the MG filters.

Best regards,

Robert

Anon Ymous · Jun 29, 2009

Mirko, regardless of what you'll finally buy, try to buy it locally. Postage fees for large and heavy objects can break a good deal. The enlarger you point to at your post wouldn't be my choice. It doesn't seem to have a filter drawer (meaning that you'll need below the lens filters, ouch) and it's located in Italy. If you're only interested in BW, then an Opemus 6a (up to 6x6) is a fine choice. They're popular across the continent and chances are that you can find one locally. Finally, prices around the continent vary a lot! What would be a good deal for me, would probably be a steal for a UK member...

RobertV · Jun 29, 2009

Indeed a good advice buy in your own country or a country not so far away. An Opemus 10-20kg from Italy is almost Eur. 35,00 in transport costs only.

I just found on Dutch marktplaats 2 Opemus 4 enlargers given away just to get rid of them.

Trond · Jun 30, 2009

A Meopta Opemus is a fine enlarger, regardless of model generation. But as already pointed out, you can get one for next to nothing, so you should try find one close to where you live.

Regarding a filter drawer, I will have to disagree that you need one. I have used multigrade filters below the lens for years without problems. You should just take care to keep them dry and clean.

Trond

RobertV · Jun 30, 2009

I forwarded some Meopta enlargers which are for free and a new Opemus 6 incl. clocks, filter drawer, MG filters, trays from Dutch marktplaats/e-bay. The biggest problem is that people who offered for free normally do not want the hussle to make a package and sent it away, especially not when it's abroad.

paul_c5x4 · Jun 30, 2009

After boxing up an LPL C7700 to ship to Ireland, getting some interesting quotes... With minimal insurance, a 25Kg box on a 3-5 day service would cost £54 or £75 if tracked - Yet a 24Hr service with tracking is also £54.

If it were possible to ship to an address north of the border, say to Belfast, a 48Hr service would cost £33.

Mirko - If you have an account with someone like DHL (via your workplace), it may work out cheaper to do what they call "an out of area collection".

Mirko Lazzarin · Jun 30, 2009

RobertV said:
I forwarded some Meopta enlargers which are for free and a new Opemus 6 incl. clocks, filter drawer, MG filters, trays from Dutch marktplaats/e-bay. The biggest problem is that people who offered for free normally do not want the hussle to make a package and sent it away, especially not when it's abroad.

Robert,
I have seen your email and I thank you a lot for that.
I have tried to contact few of the users, let's wait now
Cheers

Mirko

RobertV · Jun 30, 2009

I have tried to contact few of the users, let's wait now

It's a pity they are located on the other side of Holland otherwise I could have a look at it and make the transaction for you and prepare an international shipping so that the enlarger will reach Ireland in good shape.

Inigo_Questa · Jul 29, 2009

Sorry this is a bit late

Hi,

I have an Opemus 3 enlarger with 70mm and 35mm lenses, and 35mm and medium format negative carriers.
I removed the red glass from its holder, and perched multigrade filters there instead, using an inline switch to control exposures. It worked fine.

I also upgraded to a Nikkor lens, it cost £90 about twenty years ago, but was not as sharp as the original lens and I sold it for a lot less.

The whole kit is now surplus to requirement: enlarger in it's original suitcase style box, and all developing equipment for prints and film.
If anyone is interested and wants to collect from Glasgow, let me know.

Need advices: Enlarger Meopta Opemus III

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