Need help/advice on new darkroom

[TheTrailTog]

Thanks Louie I have a couple friends that work in construction. I should just bribe them with a 6 pack to make me something...LOL

 

[bdial]

I should just bribe them with a 6 pack

That would be a good way, I bought a kit from Home Depot that cost 10 $'s or so, my screen is about 5 feet by 3 feet to fit the top of the tub enclosure. In addition to the kit, you may need to buy the little tool that forces the fabric into the channel in the frame, plus you might need a hacksaw. The six pack might be cheaper, although there is a lot to be said for projects that require additions to your tool collection

FWIW, I agree with Monophoto and John, ferrotyping is too much of a hassle for a learning experience, when you can get a nice glossy surface with RC and no effort or hard to find equipment.

 

[TheTrailTog]

...The six pack might be cheaper, although there is a lot to be said for projects that require additions to your tool collection...

True but, I already most everything I need. I would like to get a nice bandsaw and tablesaw but, living in an apartment, I don't exactly have room. Besides, the more I spend on tools and other crap, the less I have to spend on the necessities... film, paper, and chemicals Priorities, it's all about priorities...LOL

 

[TheTrailTog]

Alright, I've been doing a lot of reading/researching on different enlargers and I think I have narrowed it down to 2. Right now I'm leaning towards either an Omega B-22 or one of the Beseler 23C versions. Both are plentiful and reasonably priced on the used market and seem to have plenty of spare parts available if needed. Does anyone have any thoughts on these one way or the other? Thanks again for all the help.

Aaron

 

[Konical]

Good Morning, Aaron,

Assuming that you can get a good price (shouldn't be too hard) and the enlarger is in good condition, favor the 23C; if you succumb to GAS and get into larger-format negatives, the 23C will handle them, up to 6 x 9.

Konical

 

[TheTrailTog]

Thanks Konical I do have GAS but, I think next on the list is going to be a Mamiya 645 Pro TL or maybe a 'blad. I really need to get something with interchangeable backs and lenses. I love my Rollei but, just need something a bit more practical. I can't see myself going any larger than 6x6 though. If I do, it will be when I move up to 4x5 or 8x10 but, that's more of a very distant goal at this point.

Aaron

 

[John Koehrer]

What Konical said.
I used a B22 for years for 35mm. Nice basic enlarger. Good quality, although the XL version I tied to a wall for stability. I'm not sure I had a problem with vibration but did it anyway.
If you look at either the 23C or B22 and get the standard height with either of them You will be limited in size of print to around 11X14 the taller versions will get you bigger prints.
If you're going to be moving the enlarger around the B22 is much easier to deal with than the 23C. It's lighter and more compact with it's single column.
The 23C is more robust & allows you to print from a larger neg.
Back to the screen project.... Parts can be bought at any of the home center stores. I prefer the aluminum framing because it's thinner than the wooden variety which means it stores in less space, is cheap enough & is easily worked. Spline tool, hacksaw & screwdriver is all you need.

 

[TheTrailTog]

Hi John, that was what I was worried about with the 23C. They both seem like great enlargers. The 23C seems like it would be more stable with the split columns but, the B-22 seems like it would be much more portable. Not sure I have seen an XL version of the 23C but, if I decide on the B22, it will definitely be the XL version. I don't plan on doing anything bigger than 11x14's for the foreseeable future but, the option to go bigger would be nice.

I think I pretty much have my screen set-up planned out. Just one question though, how much space do you recommend in between screens to allow for good airflow and drying?

Another thing you guys have me debating, after much back reading here, is what to get for enlarging lenses. I can't afford the high end lenses but, would like to get something decent in the mid range. Guess I'll have to wait and see how the budget goes when the time comes.

Thanks again guys
Aaron

 

[pesphoto]

B-22's are nice and compact. Ive used one for a while and like it.
I bought some nice Nikon lenses on ebay for maybe $40-$50.

 

[TheTrailTog]

Thanks Pesphoto Any recommendations on which Nikon's are worth picking up? Is it the f/4's that I read are best worth skipping???