Seeking folks who may have used a Durst PICTOCHROM CL

[Sean]

At this stage I have one main concern, and that is how basic can you make this beast? I do not want all the bells and whistles and auto junk getting in the way. Is it possible to use it for VC papers in a basic way? For example set the color head for grade3 and an exposure of 15 seconds and be done? Or will it try to auto expose and force me into some kind of sequence based on negative density, etc? Thanks!

I've included a screenshot:

 

[rbarker]

(In your best HAL 9000 voice) "I'm sorry, I can't do that, Dave."

I'm confident you can disable most or all of the fancy stuff (just crawl inside and start removing his memory cards). Doing so in a reversible way (in case you need the features later, or wish to sell it) may be more of a challenge, however.

 

[clogz]

Sean,
Did you try and contact Durst? www.durst.it

 

[rjr]

Sean,

according to their website Durst ceased servicing that PCCL in 2002 - which usually means a "Nono" in terms of buying one. You´d be screwed if some electronics or mechanics breaks and that will happen sooner or later - they are Pro-grade enlargers, saw a long life of usage and some Durst enlarger types are known for failing electronics (IIRC the AC-Autofocus types).

See for yourself at

Dead Link Removed

PICTOCHROM CL E 10 x 12,5 1990 1992 2002 P

It was made for only a short period - my Duomat D659 was made for a soaring twenty years from 1949 to 1969 and there is NOTHING that can break on that tank.

OTOH - if the price is right.... IF THEY PAY YOU TO TAKE IT... ;-)

HTH.

 

[Sean]

IF THEY PAY YOU TO TAKE IT... ;-)

I'm pretty sure it might get in that range and that's the only reason I was considering it. But I really don't want to be stuck with this thing if I can't dumb it down -a lot-

 

[jd callow]

I'm pretty sure it might get in that range and that's the only reason I was considering it. But I really don't want to be stuck with this thing if I can't dumb it down -a lot-

I don't think dumbing it down is going to be much of an option, but I think using it for B/W might be the easiest way to circumvent some of the auto annoyances.

 

[Sean]

are you saying straight black and white or VC black and white with color head as well? thanks

 

[jd callow]

Sean it seems to me that you choose a 'channel' which includes the neg size and whether it is colour or not, and then a print size. The enlarger head starts jumping up and down (until it thinks its got the correct height for the enlargement), test the neg for density and makes its best guess on filter pack.

If you tell it that the neg is B/W, I would hope that you can bypass the density/filter pack.

I know you can tweak the filter pack and density (length of exposure) so you should be able to apply equiv filtration for contrast.

I have access to some durst propaganda for this system (if not this enlarger). Monday I'll try and dig it up to see what I can learn. I do know that the Durst Reps here in Ann Arbor are really nice folks but not too useful about any enlargers that are out of service.

 

[Sean]

thanks, it's a toss up right now between that one and the Durst ac707, the 707 seems a bit more manual and less gadetry that can break..

 

[Rombo]

Durst Pictochrom

Hello to all Durst users.
I am also owner of this enlarger, but sometimes I have some problems. This enlarger is very compicated to operate. Does anyone use Durst Probe on it?
And how this works?

Thank You for answers. Peter

 

[Sean]

Hi Peter, I use none of the bells and whistles on mine so can't offer much help. I only use it for B&W vc papers and love it. I'll see if any of my documentation involves the probe and get back to you.

 

[Sean]

Hi Peter, I had a look through my manual and there was no mention of the probe, it must have it's own manual.

 

[Petzi]

At this stage I have one main concern, and that is how basic can you make this beast? I do not want all the bells and whistles and auto junk getting in the way. Is it possible to use it for VC papers in a basic way? For example set the color head for grade3 and an exposure of 15 seconds and be done? Or will it try to auto expose and force me into some kind of sequence based on negative density, etc? Thanks!

The Pictochrom CL enlarger isn't as automatic as it seems. You can hack in your exposure time and filter values via the keyboard and expose. Piece of cake. Other than that, it operates much like a Laborator 1200.

The successor has autofocus, the CL only has the closed loop system in the color head.

There used to be a Durst Pictograph enlarger, it was a model specialized in VC papers, but you can use the Pictochrom just as well for b/w stuff, like any other color enlarger.

 

[Rombo]

Hi Sean!

I have Pictochrom Plus Elite, as writen on original manuals. If You have manuals, it is something writen on page 44, about Probe.

This enlarger (mine), it seems that was calibrated before. If I have normal developed negative, it is quite simple to print corect image. At any height of the column. This enlrger recalculate time by itself, when I move head up and down.

By the way, about contrast control, could You tell me, what kind of data You set for grades? Which paper You use mostly?

About electronics: this enlarger is built for last..... And I believe, that could not be difficult to find electrician to do the service.

See You, Peter.