Service for Durst Enlargers

Mahler_one · Aug 19, 2008

Is there anyone other then Durst-Pro-USA who services Durst enlargers in the USA?

Edwin

frotog · Aug 19, 2008

What do you need done?

Mahler_one · Aug 19, 2008

Simply a general question...no specific needs now.

frotog · Aug 20, 2008

Mahler_one said:
Simply a general question...no specific needs now.

Sounds like something for this forum, no?

Mahler_one · Aug 20, 2008

To be more specific, it's well known that Durst equipment is thought of as being the "premier" when it comes to enlargers that are built to exacting specifications. However, now that Durst is no longer in business, owning Durst equipment obviously might make ANY service-including replacing of parts-more difficult. I have a Durst 1200 which is currently working to specifications. However, whom do I call when the inevitable need for replacement parts or repairs occur? One can use Ebay for parts, of course. Are there any known and respected Durst "specialists" other then the one noted? Research shows that the company noted is both acclaimed and reviled...acclaimed for having parts and expertise, criticised for being slow to respond and some what aloof.

Ed

frotog · Aug 20, 2008

Yes...understood...acclaimed but reviled; after a handful of transactions with said organization I can say that I've experienced both. In fact I have a few horror stories but this is not the place to get into it. Fortunately, there are few things to go terribly wrong in the mechanism itself. But then there are the electronics. I had a blown out est 1000n power supply and I was looking at a $1,500 replacement cost from our friends in the n.w. not to mention an indefinite back order (and I've already already been there before). I was able to get the schematic from Barry Neuhard of Neuhard assoc. Barry used to be a licenced Durst service man. Barry is good people. Not only did he hook me up with an original schematic for the power supply as well as the maintenance manual but he also sold me an extra power supply for parts, all to the tune of $200. Once you have the schematics repairs can be done by any qualified electrical engineer. I found a very competent circuit board repair shop in South Bend, IN. They got my power supply up and running in no time...I didn't even need to send in the head. The only other guys I know of are Stonemills in Canada and Glennview in IL. Stonemills bought out a distributer some time ago. They have an entire file cabinet full of Durst manuals as well as some schematics. Glenview has a smattering of used stuff sold at a premium but actually very reasonable when compared to that other guy. Hope this helps you see a little further down the road.

Bob F. · Aug 20, 2008

I bought a spare enlarger. Of course, if it is rare and/or expensive that may not be practical, but L1200's were being sold for 100-150 GBP or so here at the time. I also managed to buy a spare power supply for my AC1200 on the auction site recently (thanks to a tip-off) for peanuts so I have a spare should my existing one fail.

It's often worth keeping an eye on the auction site in case something useful comes up for little money that you can store until needed, or to be sold on later with or without the enlarger.

Good luck, Bob.

Mahler_one · Aug 20, 2008

Where is Neuhard Associates located frotog?

Ed

gordrob · Aug 20, 2008

I have had dealing with both Barry Neuhard and Stonemills and have had good experiences with both in regards to Durst parts and manuals. I use both a Durst 138S and an AC800 and have stockpiled some extra parts and manuals because of parts starting to become harder to find.

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Gord

Mahler_one · Aug 20, 2008

Thanks so much for helping Gord! I'll take a look about.

Ed

johnnywalker · Aug 22, 2008

Mahler_one said:
Research shows that the company noted is both acclaimed and reviled...acclaimed for having parts and expertise, criticised for being slow to respond and some what aloof.
Ed

I've talked to Mr. Jensen at Durst Pro USA a few times during the last year and that hasn't been my experience. In my case he's been nothing but helpful, and I would not describe him as aloof or slow to respond.

Mahler_one · Aug 22, 2008

johnnywalker said:
I've talked to Mr. Jensen at Durst Pro USA a few times during the last year and that hasn't been my experience. In my case he's been nothing but helpful, and I would not describe him as aloof or slow to respond.

That's good to know. Did you have any need for repairs or equipment?

johnnywalker · Aug 23, 2008

Yes, I bought an enlarger lens that needed a rare-ish lapla lensholder for my Lab 1000. He didn't have one, but ended up having some made, mine included. The machinist screwed up and put the wrong size thread in, I returned it and the replacement is on the way. He has been good to deal with throughout, and at one point even offered to loan me a lens that would fit a lensholder he did have in stock while mine was being made. I already had another lens and lensholder that would work together, so didn't need to take him up on his offer.

He told me that he spends 200 days a year on the road, servicing and installing Durst equipment, but he has never failed to return my calls and has kept me up-to-date on the status of the lensholder. I was impressed, especially considering that this is a pretty small and inexpensive piece of gear.

Mahler_one · Aug 23, 2008

Thanks Johnny....by the way, have you ever had "The Blue"...had some in Chile a few years back....very smooth blended Scotch, but more expensive then some of my enlarging lenses...I'll give Mr. Jensen a ring about a few things.

Ed

johnnywalker · Aug 28, 2008

Nope, Blue came out after I found I had exceeded my lifetime limit of Scotch.

frotog · Aug 28, 2008

Mahler_one said:
Thanks Johnny....by the way, have you ever had "The Blue"...had some in Chile a few years back....very smooth blended Scotch, but more expensive then some of my enlarging lenses...I'll give Mr. Jensen a ring about a few things.

Ed

If you're sipping JW Blue in Chile you'll get along very well w/ Jensen...or rather he'll get along very well with you. Good luck!

Mahler_one · Sep 2, 2008

Actually, an interesting story. I had never had that scotch, and without a thought I ordered one dram. When the price came I almost fell over....asked if they had made an error....answer was "no" of course....a valuable lesson to ask the price before ordering...I must have been carried away by the view from the mountain in the center of Santiago de Chile!

Ed

Richard Wasserman · Sep 2, 2008

johnnywalker said:
Yes, I bought an enlarger lens that needed a rare-ish lapla lensholder for my Lab 1000. He didn't have one, but ended up having some made, mine included. The machinist screwed up and put the wrong size thread in, I returned it and the replacement is on the way. He has been good to deal with throughout, and at one point even offered to loan me a lens that would fit a lensholder he did have in stock while mine was being made. I already had another lens and lensholder that would work together, so didn't need to take him up on his offer.

He told me that he spends 200 days a year on the road, servicing and installing Durst equipment, but he has never failed to return my calls and has kept me up-to-date on the status of the lensholder. I was impressed, especially considering that this is a pretty small and inexpensive piece of gear.

I'm glad Jensen came through for you, this was not my experience. Without going into too many details, I just want to say that I placed a very significant order with Jensen and the lack of communication, delays, and outright fabrications (lies?) was astounding. It took almost a year to receive items that I initially thought were in stock. I never did receive part of my order and had to make some parts myself. I will never buy from him again and urge others to use great caution. He is very knowledgeable though....

Richard Wasserman

frotog · Sep 2, 2008

disfromage said:
I'm glad Jensen came through for you, this was not my experience. Without going into too many details, I just want to say that I placed a very significant order with Jensen and the lack of communication, delays, and outright fabrications (lies?) was astounding. It took almost a year to receive items that I initially thought were in stock. I never did receive part of my order and had to make some parts myself. I will never buy from him again and urge others to use great caution. He is very knowledgeable though....

Richard Wasserman

Notice JW says "the replacement is on its way". Lots of sweet talking and promises being made is hardly "coming through". I'd rather crawl to Oregon through broken glass than deal with that man again and I dare say that I'm not alone in having this opinion.

davidjfthomas · Apr 13, 2013

I have a developed an original user guide for black and white printing with the AC800. Please feel free to view and download at www.durstac800.blogspot.ca

chip j · Apr 15, 2013

Anyone know where I can get a Durst MilbelenAns negative carrier(anti-newton)for my M-35 Micromat?

Service for Durst Enlargers

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