Shortest Lens on Devere 5108 enlarger?

Tom Stanworth · Mar 3, 2009

Hi,

The shortest lens I have been able to use on this enlarger has been 105mm. Does anyone know what I need to be able to use an 80mm or, preferably a 50mm. Is this even possible?

Rgds

eclarke · Mar 3, 2009

I am using an Nikkor 180mm APO and thought that was short...EC

Tom Stanworth · Mar 3, 2009

I am wondering if there are heavily recessed panels available? If not, I might be better off picking up a used 6x7/35mm enlarger for my negs. I can get nice big enlargements off MF but with 35mm I have to drop the board and rack up the head to the point of it being bigger than me! I can get a 20x16 from 35mm and the results are just fine with the 105mm rodenstock with teack sharp grain, but still its not a nice way to work. I am building up quite a few 35mm negs that need the 20x16-20x24 treatment and this just is not a workable solution for more than the odd print. might try to pick up a used Meopta 7 or something like that.

eclarke · Mar 3, 2009

Tom Stanworth said:
I am wondering if there are heavily recessed panels available? If not, I might be better off picking up a used 6x7/35mm enlarger for my negs. I can get nice big enlargements off MF but with 35mm I have to drop the board and rack up the head to the point of it being bigger than me! I can get a 20x16 from 35mm and the results are just fine with the 105mm rodenstock with teack sharp grain, but still its not a nice way to work. I am building up quite a few 35mm negs that need the 20x16-20x24 treatment and this just is not a workable solution for more than the odd print. might try to pick up a used Meopta 7 or something like that.

I bought a really nice 670 LPL VCCE on e**y for $75.00, bought a glass carrier for it and am much happier with my prints from roll film...EC

Ian Grant · Mar 3, 2009

Strange I answered this eraler today. There's a recessed lens board that allows use of an 80mm & 50mm. My 5108 came had been used for 6x6 before I bought it, but I only use it for 6x9 and 6x17 & LF preferring to use my Durst for 6x6 & the odd 35mm.

Ian

Tom Stanworth · Mar 4, 2009

in reality it would probably be easier to find a cheap used 6x6/7/9 enlarger and use that than to chase down elusive recess boards I suspect. The other downside to the 5108 is that if uses four 300w bulbs which is a huge waste on 35mm! A used enlarger it is. Kinda makes sense as i will be selling up most of my darkroom soon due to in preparation for moving countries. I'll get the 5108 ready for sale. I don't want to because it is a fantastic floor standing unit and has worked nicely for me. I can't imagine trying to find another! These days I am shooting 35mm and 6x7 so it makes little sense; however, when I am resettled I will be hunting for something to cover 5x7 as my walker 5x7XL won't be going up for sale that's for sure!

Tom Stanworth · Mar 8, 2009

Ian Grant said:
Strange I answered this eraler today. There's a recessed lens board that allows use of an 80mm & 50mm. My 5108 came had been used for 6x6 before I bought it, but I only use it for 6x9 and 6x17 & LF preferring to use my Durst for 6x6 & the odd 35mm.

Ian

I logged onto ebay last night and guess what were for sale? Recessed Devere boards. I have hardly ever seen these about and so I picked up the shallow recess (looks like an inch, which should allow use of the 80mm) and a very deep one that looks like about 2.5-3+ inches which I hope will be good for the 50. 20x24s off 35mm (without dropping the bed to the floor and crashing the head into the ceiling) here I come!

A smaller enlarger might make more sense but I know the Devere and before i sell up and move hosue it makes sense to use what I know. It is also perfectly aligned, which can save hours or days of infuriation trying to make small adjustments that the enlarger does not want to make!

Ian Grant · Mar 8, 2009

You did well Tom, I saw those boards, that deep one looks just the job for 35mm and the shallow one for 6x6.

Ian

Shortest Lens on Devere 5108 enlarger?

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