Setting up a darkroomm - again. Enlarger...

[Stu01]

Hi all
I'm (very) new to this site so please excuse me if I'm not doing things correctly.
After 40 years, I am getting back into film photography witn my newish Nikon F6, and I need to set up my darkroom.
I am quite experienced in B&W enlarging and developing, but also want to get into colour.
After all these years, I still have a lot of basic darkroom equipment, but I want to get a good enlarger. I will only shoot 35mm and I would love advice on what enlarger to get - 35mm, good for B&W and a colour head good quality.
Can anyone advise?
Thanks in advance
Stuart

 

[Paul Howell]

You have 2 choices, a basic black and white model with a filter drawer and use a stack of filters, or a model with a color head. I have a Saunders LPL 6700 with color head, takes up to a 6X7 negative, I only have the 35mm carrier and use for 35mm, larger negatives I use my 4X5. If you look on U.K Ebay what makes are readily available?

 

[Donald Qualls]

There's a new option about to hit the market via Kickstarter (from a company with a proven track record, Intrepid). it's a 6x7 enlarger (with negative carriers for 6x6, 6x4.5 and 35mm), digital controlled LED color light source (also does VC contrast grades). This is new equipment. Video I've seen from early testers is very positive. It mounts on a tripod, which is very nice for a darkroom that needs to be something else when you're not actually printing, and it's compact enough to drop into a drawer when off the tripod smaller than a 4x5 monorail camera), because no column or baseboard).

The bad news is that the Kickstarter hasn't even started yet, and these things usually involve some time after the Kickstarter window closes for the makers to actually obtain the parts and materials and build the units -- but if you're not in a hurry, and have a copy stand or nice steady tripod, this might be a bargain alternative to buying a used enlarger without being sure what's actually wrong with it until it arrives.

 

[Martin Rickards]

I would go for, if economy is important, for the Czech Meopta Opemus 5 or 6 with a colour head. It's a ..serviceable, no frills enlarger. Krokus in Poland also made cheap, but serviceable enlargers. Failing that you have a good range from Durst, LPL etc.

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
As you are in the UK, most likely you will be looking to UK sources, as enlargers are somewhat awkward to ship. In addition, you will need something that works with the UK electrical system.
I've seen this source referred to regularly here before, although they are apparently in the midst of a move: https://www.secondhanddarkroom.co.uk/product-category/shop-here/s-h-enlargers-shop-here/
And here is a link to FADU - a UK based forum that several members here also participate in: http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/fadu_front_page.php
If you were local, I would be reaching out to you to talk, because I've got an extra Beseler 67 that would be perfect for what you need .

 

[ic-racer]

Just about anything "Local" would be a good choice.

 

[Stu01]

Thanks for all your help. I'll look further on eBay and check out those sources.
Thanks, again.

 

[Renato Tonelli]

This place (in the UK) usually has a very good selection of enlargers and other darkroom equipment:

https://www.secondhanddarkroom.co.uk/

they are in the process of moving at the moment but it might be worth the wait.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

The two enlargers I have set-up are De Vere models which are extremely robust but probably rather over-the-top for 35mm work. In your situation I might be tempted to look at a 'Kaiser' model as these are still available new, have spares, and also a large range of accessories. Another enlarger I have, the Meopta Magnifax 4a, is also solid, but slightly agricultural in construction, and while Meopta were a popular make in the UK, spares and accessories don't seem to be available in over-abundance today.

https://www.kaiser-fototechnik.de/en/produkte/index.php?s=19

 

[ruilourosa]

For the low prices i have been seeing... i would get a Focomat V35... its a must...

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

For the low prices i have been seeing... i would get a Focomat V35

Ditto on the V35.

I take it money isn't a major concern, if it is I second the Meopta.

I too once thought to try color. So I tried it. Now I don't think about it anymore.

 

[Greg Kriss]

For the low prices i have been seeing... i would get a Focomat V35... its a must...

A while back I decided to go through my old 35mm negatives and reprint or finally print a lot of them. When I was a professional printer, I used the V 35 exclusively for printing 35mm negatives. Acquiring my own Leitz FOCOMAT V 35 was a no brainer.

A couple of things to consider:
1. Look for one in mint condition, they are out there. Last year when I got my V 35, I had a choice of no less than 4 within my price range. I got a really good deal on one because the autofocus was a bit sluggish from non use. I always had double checked the focus so its sluggishness wasn't even worth fixing. With use it will probably be smooth again, and if this happens I will still manually check the focus.
2. Don't buy one that has been "reconditioned".
3. Optional (B&W) Multigrade is a rare accessory. If you find one, great go for it. For B&W printing the color head works just fine. I actually prefer it to the B&W head since I had used the color head for years and dialing in the needed filtration was second nature to me.
4. Make sure it has the OEM 40mm Focotar lens. The condenser system is optimized for this optic. Some people have adapted other lenses to this enlarger and this negatively alters its very even illumination.
Good source of info on the V 35 at:
https://www.bonavolta.ch/hobby/en/photo/v35.htm

 

[Dusty Negative]

There's a new option about to hit the market via Kickstarter (from a company with a proven track record, Intrepid). it's a 6x7 enlarger (with negative carriers for 6x6, 6x4.5 and 35mm), digital controlled LED color light source (also does VC contrast grades). This is new equipment. Video I've seen from early testers is very positive. It mounts on a tripod, which is very nice for a darkroom that needs to be something else when you're not actually printing, and it's compact enough to drop into a drawer when off the tripod smaller than a 4x5 monorail camera), because no column or baseboard).

The bad news is that the Kickstarter hasn't even started yet, and these things usually involve some time after the Kickstarter window closes for the makers to actually obtain the parts and materials and build the units -- but if you're not in a hurry, and have a copy stand or nice steady tripod, this might be a bargain alternative to buying a used enlarger without being sure what's actually wrong with it until it arrives.

New? Is that a thing? Sign me up. Never was a particularly gifted tinker, which I am learning one must be to suitably continue in this hobby.

 

[grat]

There's a new option about to hit the market via Kickstarter (from a company with a proven track record, Intrepid). it's a 6x7 enlarger (with negative carriers for 6x6, 6x4.5 and 35mm), digital controlled LED color light source (also does VC contrast grades). This is new equipment. Video I've seen from early testers is very positive. It mounts on a tripod, which is very nice for a darkroom that needs to be something else when you're not actually printing, and it's compact enough to drop into a drawer when off the tripod smaller than a 4x5 monorail camera), because no column or baseboard).

The bad news is that the Kickstarter hasn't even started yet, and these things usually involve some time after the Kickstarter window closes for the makers to actually obtain the parts and materials and build the units -- but if you're not in a hurry, and have a copy stand or nice steady tripod, this might be a bargain alternative to buying a used enlarger without being sure what's actually wrong with it until it arrives.

The good news is, Intrepid has a track record of bringing items to market. They've progressed beyond "two guys and a shed" status. Since prototypes are out and about (I've seen a couple of the early reviews as well), it appears that this is primarily to raise capital for the production line.

Personally, I'm hoping they'll circle back, and combine this head / control unit with their existing "use your 4x5 camera as an enlarger" kit.

I believe one of the early reviewers mentioned 6x9 as a possible format as well.

 

[logan2z]

The Leitz v35 is a great enlarger for 35mm and I see it has been recommended by several people in this thread already. One word of caution, though: The original bulbs haven't been made for years and new ones are almost impossible to find. The replacements that are on the market are not the same and result in relatively long print times. I got tired of the long print times and subsequently haven't used my v35 for a couple of years.

I'd personally look for an enlarger that takes a more commonly available bulb and supports larger format negatives in the event that you start shooting MF film at some point..

 

[Donald Qualls]

The good news is, Intrepid has a track record of bringing items to market. They've progressed beyond "two guys and a shed" status. Since prototypes are out and about (I've seen a couple of the early reviews as well), it appears that this is primarily to raise capital for the production line.

Personally, I'm hoping they'll circle back, and combine this head / control unit with their existing "use your 4x5 camera as an enlarger" kit.

I believe one of the early reviewers mentioned 6x9 as a possible format as well.

I think the control unit for this new enlarger is (almost) the same as the one they offer for the 4x5 kit's light panel (except for the built-in safelight) -- but the light panel itself is smaller, and without supporting 4x5 the whole unit can be smaller and lighter. Shoot Film Like a Boss tested it hanging well out horizontally (to clear the legs) on a carbon tripod top tube and appeared to get good prints (though my experience with the world suggests it would be a Very Good Idea to have a more rigid mount, if possible -- that head on the end of a couple feet of carbon fiber boom could keep vibrating for a couple minutes after any touch).

 

[ruilourosa]

in V35, Focotar 40mm lens can be substituted for apo componon hm 40mm, its marginally better in resolution, but i must say that i prefer the focotar...

Maybe the wa 40mm from rodenstock can also work...

light fall off might be a problem... but with the apo componon or the focotar 40mm it´s nothing i would car about.

other than v35 i would not recomend a 35mm only enlarger... deVere, Durst, Dunco, make pro grade 6x7 or 6x9 enlargers that are really good. I can recommend Durst M805.

Meoptas are nice... i have 3 or 4, all packed for workshops. opemus 7 or magnifax seem a bit better than others...

 

[Don_ih]

If you have a Facebook account, look on Facebook marketplace for an enlarger. Any day of the week, here, I could find a dozen Saunders or Omega enlargers. Of if there's Craigslist/Kijiji, look on that. I'd check ebay last.

 

[138S]

Hi all
I'm (very) new to this site so please excuse me if I'm not doing things correctly.
After 40 years, I am getting back into film photography witn my newish Nikon F6, and I need to set up my darkroom.
I am quite experienced in B&W enlarging and developing, but also want to get into colour.
After all these years, I still have a lot of basic darkroom equipment, but I want to get a good enlarger. I will only shoot 35mm and I would love advice on what enlarger to get - 35mm, good for B&W and a colour head good quality.
Can anyone advise?
Thanks in advance
Stuart

This is not an specific recommendation but choice you have... after 40 years (personally, I returned to the darkroom after 25 years...) a way to make a soft landing in the BW it may be having a Variable Contrast head, personally I use an LPL VC6700 that makes 35mm and MF, a good choice if you plan to upgrade to MF at some point.



With a Variable Contrast head you simply dial the BW contrast grade you want to print, easily changing grade to burn highlights at 00 or shadows at 5 grade... without having to compensate the general exposure when you change grade, without changing filters or dialing RGB values that have to be well balanced to work effectively.

I would recommend that choice in case you want to do things one after the other, later you may get a color head for the same enlarger when you feel prepared for it, but probably you will be quite busy with BW for perhaps six months or one year until you want to engage RA-4, just guessing from my own experience in the return to wet, but of course for everyone it's different.

I say this because (IMO) it's quite rewarding to get the job very will done and crafting impressive BW prints, if you spend much effort in the Color right now this will delay your BW progression, and this may decrease the joy you are to experince, still this is quite personal, only suggesting (from my very personal view) that a two steps approach can be considered.

Anyway you can print C-41 film in genuine RA-4 in frontier/noritsu minilabs, lightjet, lambda or (top notch) polielettronica machines. Most of RA-4 color papers available today are optimnized for digital light printers, as saturation can be adjusted in the digital edition then available papers tend to be quite saturated so any print can be made from the same roll... so while you are perfectioning BW in the darkroom you may be printing RA-4 in a light printer service, until you feel prepared.

This is my very personal view, nothing wrong in being brave and engaging all at the same time...

Anyway I would start with a cheap choice, as soon as possible, to have time to think well what kind of enlarger you want, there are many personal preferences for that, and a sound decision IMO it may require some time and some hands-on.

 

[MattKing]

The LPL 7700 enlargers listed on the secondhand darkroom site are really good, and currently being manufactured.
I found a couple of used ones, at a much lower price.
They are badged differently as a 670 if they were sold by the US distributor Saunders or Omega, but they are the same.
In your case, you would need a UK compatible power supply.
For any enlarger you are considering, pay attention to the availability and cost of accessories like negative carriers, lens mounts, light sources and bulbs.

 

[logan2z]

For any enlarger you are considering, pay attention to the availability and cost of accessories like negative carriers, lens mounts, light sources and bulbs.

That's one of the main reasons I continue to use a Beseler enlarger. My 23c II XL is not the Cadillac of enlargers - it can be a bit clunky in operation and not the easiest to align. But it works well when setup correctly, and Beseler is still in business so parts and accessories are easy to come by. I have also found Beseler's customer service to be exemplary.

 

[grat]

I think the control unit for this new enlarger is (almost) the same as the one they offer for the 4x5 kit's light panel (except for the built-in safelight) -- but the light panel itself is smaller, and without supporting 4x5 the whole unit can be smaller and lighter.

It's a very different control unit-- the 4x5 is a basic B&W enlarger. The new one is variable contrast B&W and color capable. There are CMY mixer knobs on the new one.

According to https://emulsive.org/articles/annou...trepid-colour-enlarger-coming-march-19th-2021 there are plans for a 4x5 version.

As for mounting it, it would be pretty easy to use some aluminum extrusions to create a pretty stable, lightweight and portable stand for it.

 

[Paul Howell]

The Leitz v35 is a great enlarger for 35mm and I see it has been recommended by several people in this thread already. One word of caution, though: The original bulbs haven't been made for years and new ones are almost impossible to find. The replacements that are on the market are not the same and result in relatively long print times. I got tired of the long print times and subsequently haven't used my v35 for a couple of years.

I'd personally look for an enlarger that takes a more commonly available bulb and supports larger format negatives in the event that you start shooting MF film at some point..

Can the lamp socket be replaced? I've changed sockets in older Federal and Kodak enlargers, a good lamp should be able to swap out for not much money.

 

[logan2z]

Can the lamp socket be replaced? I've changed sockets in older Federal and Kodak enlargers, a good lamp should be able to swap out for not much money.

My understanding is that the v35 requires a bulb with a certain 'beam angle' in order to get enough light into the light box. The replacement bulbs available at places like KEH fit the bulb socket in the v35 just fine, but they don't seem to get enough light where it needs to go in order to keep exposure times fairly low. The bulbs work, and prints look fine, but I felt the exposure/burn-in times were too long and so I mothballed the enlarger for the time being.

 

[ruilourosa]

No issues with V35 bulbs on europe, readly available...

VC and Color heads make up a so so substitute for filters under or over the lens.

use filters for 4-5 years and then buy a new set!