suggestions needed on new Darkroom setup for larger prints

[avm]

I am setting up my new darkroom so far I have been using mostly my 50 years old soviet enlarger which is very faithful, but I want to upgrade.

I would like to hear all kind of ideas and suggestion on equipments for a black and white enlarger (35mm, 6x6 and 4x5) for even XL size photographs. I will need some solution how could I safely develop multiple films 35mm and medium formats (this might be a machine - any suggestion on that perhaps?)

And all others.

I am now aiming at mostly finer based, warm toned photographs in high quality and any help which you could give would be highly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Adam

 

[dasBlute]

if only going up to 4x5 I'd say LPL 4550 if you could find one used, I've printed 16x20 on one with great results from 4x5.

I've got a monster Durst 138s which I've learned to love for 4x5 and 5x7.
For 6x6 I use an LPL 670 I got for $100, best deal ever.

I use a motorized uniroller base + jobo 3010 for 4x5/5x7, for 120 I use a paterson.

-Tim

 

[avm]

Hey Tim!

Thanks for the great info! I think I won't be gong bigger than 4x5 just yet, so the LPL might be a good idea - I have used one of those before and they are pretty precise.

That uniroller base, you ave mentioned. Where did you get it from?

thanks
Adam

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

LPL enlargers are without comparison. Just perfect.

Uniroller bases are very common on Ebay and Craigslist.

 

[avm]

Thanks for the hint, Parker! I will look it up!!

cheers
Adam

 

[Mark Fisher]

If you are doing black and white only, go with a VCCE version of the LPL. Those have filters built in and that makes it so pleasant to use.