Recommendation on first enlarger?

Drewdoo · Feb 22, 2017

Very excited to venture into the world of analog printing, as I have finally begun to develop B&W 35 mm at home. I suspect I will be limited to 35 mm for some time to come and honestly, I prefer working with those cameras. I have no experience, no one to teach me and am slightly overwhelmed at the number of choices. Recommendations for a good enlarger for a beginner? Also, what are the 'best' enlargers for 35 mm? A man can always dream...

MattKing · Feb 22, 2017

Your location will help us answer your question, because "best" often is connected with issues of availability of parts and accessories, and that varies greatly around the world.

Drewdoo · Feb 22, 2017

MattKing said:
Your location will help us answer your question, because "best" often is connected with issues of availability of parts and accessories, and that varies greatly around the world.

Fair point! I am in Knoxville, TN.

MattKing · Feb 22, 2017

In that case, you want to pay more attention to Beseler and Omega choices than some of the choices like Durst where there is more availability in Europe and Canada. That being said, if you find a well equipped Durst, they are good machines.
I wouldn't normally recommend a 35mm only enlarger, because with a few exceptions they tend to oriented toward the beginner market.
I've had good luck with Craigslist. When I search on your local Craigslist I see a few in the "nearby" listings that I would consider.
And a Google search indicates that there are some people trying to set up a community darkroom in your city. Most likely they would at least be good to talk to.

adelorenzo · Feb 23, 2017

The free one. If you beat the bushes you should be able to get an enlarger and possibly an entire darkroom for little to no cost.

Soeren · Feb 23, 2017

adelorenzo said:
The free one. If you beat the bushes you should be able to get an enlarger and possibly an entire darkroom for little to no cost.

Yup, most of what I have was given to me for free.

canvassy · Feb 23, 2017

+1 on getting a free one. Mine's a Besseler 23C II, and I really like it. Check your local craigslist.

jimjm · Feb 23, 2017

If you're going to stick to 35mm for awhile, I'd look at an Omega B600 or C700. Good quality, easy to use, lots of parts available. I used to have a temporary darkroom set-up in the bathroom, and my B600 was very easy to move around.

When I made the jump (and you will) to medium format, I got an Omega B-22 which is a bit larger and heavier and can handle up to 6x6 negatives.

There are a lot of used enlargers out there, and if you are patient you should be able to find a good one for very little cost, or for free. Just make sure it is undamaged and has all the parts, like condensers, negative carriers, filter holders, etc. Even if it doesn't have a lens, you can also find top quality lenses for fairly cheap. Anything from Nikkor, Schneider or Rodenstock will be great quality. You want a 50mm lens for printing 35mm negatives.

If you haven't seen the Omega Enlarger Guide, check it out here http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers.htm

tedr1 · Feb 23, 2017

Make sure it has the facility to use the common multigrade filters, above the negative, for paper contrast adjustment. The majority of papers are now multigrade, the Ilford system is the most common and is well supported with filters and papers.

Some 35mm enlargers will also do some of the 120 roll film formats, 6x6 and 6x7 with the addition of a lens and a negative carrier sometime down the road. The popular Beseler 23C is one of many of this type.

Some enlargers are quite bulky and at risk from damage in transit when shipped.

The KHB website is a good resource on what is available and they are good to deal with.

ac12 · Feb 23, 2017

As was said, get a 6x6 to give you the option later to go medium format.
I would put the Omega B (6x6) or C (6x7) series and Bessler 23c at the top of your list. Both are US made/distributed, so parts are easier to find than European enlargers like Durst.
If you can find a Durst M600/601/605 that will handle up to 6x6. But as was mentioned Durst parts in the US can be difficult to find and expensive.
Durst has a 35mm enlarger, I think it was the F60 and M300. Nice small enlargers.
Whatever you get, make sure that you get a complete kit, or almost complete. If you have to start replacing missing parts, a good deal can turn sour/expensive.

As others, I got my enlargers via Craig's List.
Be patient, and you can find a good deal (cheap or free).

mgb74 · Feb 23, 2017

I'll offer a partially contrarian view to the "free enlarger". Most (not all, but I'd argue most) have been sitting unused and unloved in damp basements. The may be missing necessary accessories like negative carriers and lensboards. They may appear fine but small items (such as a carriage lock) may be broken. The seller may no nothing about it. If you're not familiar with the enlarger, you may have issues using it and think the problem is you and not the enlarger.

I think, for most people starting out, it's best to find an enlarger that has been recently used by an experienced darkroom worker. One that has the lensboards and neg carriers you need. This assumes you can find one at a reasonable cost - not always possible.

So, if you go for that free enlarger (and I'm guessing you will), stick with the Omegas and Beselers mentioned above. You can find manuals online and there is a wealth of knowledge about these here on APUG. Study the manual and test all the controls. Learn how to align it.

You asked about the best enlarger for 35mm. I don't have one but from those I've spoken to, it's the Leitz Focomat (latest version). Dream on.

Harry Stevens · Feb 23, 2017

The Durst F60 will do 120 and 35mm assuming all the parts are there......... The F30 is 35mm only.

John Koehrer · Feb 23, 2017

Durst F60 or F30. The 30 can be stored in a dresser drawer if your short on space. The column is attached with a couple of knobs.
The Omega B22 or B22XL are decent too.
IF you consider either of the Durst, make sure it's complete with negative carrier, lens board and any supplementary condenser for the
format you use.

Andrew K · Feb 23, 2017

honestly the enlarger is not as big a deal as the enlarger lens. I've used many different brands ove rthe years (Ilford, Durst, Bessler, Chromega, De Vere, Leitz, LPL, Meopta, Lusca, Polaroid and Ocean) and all have been able to produce good results - because of the lens I've fitted. You need a GOOD one!

Generally any lens with a f2.8 aperture will be good (personally I use Nikon and Minolta 50/2.8's, but have also had Schneider and Rodenstock ones which were as good)

I have a old Leitz Focomat I use for 35mm. It has the accessory anti-newton ring glass on the bottom of the condensor. It holds negatives flat.

As it's your first enlarger I would suggest getting a enlarger that takes 120 because it is easier to get the lamp adjusted to provide even illumination for 35mm.

Dream enlarger (which I had when I ran a black and white lab) - a Polaroid MP 4 copy camera with XL column fitted with an Ilford Multigrade 500 head. Not the best for printing larger that 12x16 from 35mm, but a dream to use for 120 and 5x4...

Drewdoo · Feb 23, 2017

Thanks all! Lots to consider. What should I make of this option?

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/pho/6009650000.html

mshchem · Feb 23, 2017

Drewdoo said:
Thanks all! Lots to consider. What should I make of this option?

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/pho/6009650000.html

God no! !!
Find a nice 6x7 enlarger with a dichro color head, Beseler, LPL, something that works well. You can use the color head for variable contrast. Get a modern timer and some Paterson trays. Free isn't always free. You waste the one thing you can't get back time. I'm not an Omega expert but they made great product.
And get a really nice lens 6 element El Nikkor, Rodagon etc.
Best Regards Mike

rthollenbeck · Feb 23, 2017

Drewdoo said:
Thanks all! Lots to consider. What should I make of this option?

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/pho/6009650000.html

So what's good about going with the Omega B22 and Besler 23c, is that you won't have any problem getting parts and you can rest assured you got an item well tested. They are comon enough to buy cheeply.

Definitely find a good lens.

If your only going to do 35mm you may want to consider a press enlarger such as those from Leitz/Leica or Durst.

MattKing · Feb 23, 2017

Drewdoo said:
Thanks all! Lots to consider. What should I make of this option?

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/pho/6009650000.html

I looked at that, but wouldn't recommend it.
I'm not sure how close this Beseler 23CII is, but if in good shape it would be a good choice: https://asheville.craigslist.org/pho/5953133887.html

Hilo · Feb 24, 2017

mgb74 said:
You asked about the best enlarger for 35mm. I don't have one but from those I've spoken to, it's the Leitz Focomat (latest version). Dream on.

I agree and, respectfully, disagree: yes, the Focomat 1c is one of the very best enlargers for 35mm. No, you do not need their latest version, because basically nothing is different from early versions, except the grey colour.

What is good to have is the version, black or grey, with the filter tray. However these can be pricey. The round head version without the filter tray is less costly, and a filter holder under the lens is easy to make. After that you will have one of the finest systems when it comes to how the negative is pressed flat with only one glass side to clean; how the enlarger is moved up and down while maintaining basic focus and how easy it is to print with, or without, black border.

And this goes for all enlargers you are considering: before buying anything, learn what they must come with in terms of parts. And find out which lenses make most sense.

MattKing · Feb 24, 2017

This enlarger in the APUG classifieds is an excellent if somewhat large choice, if Nashville isn't too far: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
I'd be all over that paper box if I was local.

Drewdoo · Feb 24, 2017

You guys are freaking incredible! The Leica sounds amazing... short of being very lucky to find one locally, is there a good way to track one of these down ? Sent a note to The for a member with a 4 x 5 enlarger in Nashville. Will let you guys know how I make out!

Drewdoo · Feb 24, 2017

One final question...do all enlargers allow you to print a black border around a 35 mm negative?

bdial · Feb 24, 2017

More or less you can do it with any enlarger. Most enlargers have fixed-size negative carriers, and getting a black boarder is a matter of enlarging the opening so that it's bigger than the negative's image area. A few enlargers, particularly some Dusts use carriers that have moveable masks, so you'd just set the leaves of the mask. Another possibility would be using a glass carrier larger than the negative with a mask cut to whatever size you need to include the rebate area of the film.

You can also create a black boarder by using a mask over the paper, by exposing the image then placing a mask over the image area of the paper, then opening the easel blades some and doing another exposure for the border.

Nodda Duma · Feb 24, 2017

Drewdoo said:
One final question...do all enlargers allow you to print a black border around a 35 mm negative?

You can cut a custom negative carrier out of cardboard to do that

Drewdoo · Mar 15, 2017

Update time! I missed the boat on the enlarger Matt King found in Nashville. But, I found an Meopta axomat ii for$25 but the lens seems dubious. So I kept looking just for grins and giggles...and stumbled across a v35 focomat. Few issues to get it going (fingers crossed) but. Among progress.

Can you recommend 3-4 papers to start with? I think I will prefer fiber vs rc it would like to try 2 good versions of each. Any recommendations on developers?

Recommendation on first enlarger?

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