Needing advice on which enlarger to keep

[Brian Gatien]

In starting my journey in photography, I have somehow ended up with two enlargers: a Superchromega C760 and a Chromega B. I now have to make a decision as to which one to keep. I shoot B&W with a Hasselblad (6x6) and a Mamiya 645AF. Occasionally, I use 35mm.
I would like advice from the sages on the site; either on which one is the better enlarger or what criteria I should use to make a decision.
Thanks
Brian

 

[glbeas]

I've had a Chromega B but know nothing of the Superchromega. Look at the column height, bellows draw, and largest format it'll do. My Chromega had an XL column that made doing large prints much easier so which one goes taller?
The bellows draw will limit in one way or another your selection of lenses. A bulky bellows will restrict a short focal length at maximum height and a short bellows will restrict a longer lens from doing very small prints so check that against your wants and needs. My Chromega was a 6x6, I've found the Super is 6x7 which may make it a better choice as it give you more options for formats.
Hope this helps.

 

[wfwhitaker]

At one point in this life I had nine enlargers. You only have two? What's the rush? Then again, leave two enlargers alone in the dark and you'll end up like me.

 

[eclarke]

At one point in this life I had nine enlargers. You only have two? What's the rush? Then again, leave two enlargers alone in the dark and you'll end up like me.

HaHA, I'm up to 6 and looking for a couple more..it's a disease...EC

 

[Brian Gatien]

I get the GAS stuff; I am accumulating on the taking side. However, I have been reading the other current thread on why we collect gear - which is making me re-think some things - and I am running out of space in the darkroom. And I am adding larger format.

 

[David Brown]

The Chromega B and C are very similar except that the B is 6x6 and the C is 6x7. But, you know that. There were variations and some are on better columns and chassis than others, but the heads are not materially different. Besides the good advice already offered by Gary, I would keep the one that is in the best condition and/or I had the most/right neg carriers for, and/or the one I liked the best. Essentially, it's up to you.