Upgrading to a DA 900?

I'm currently using a lowly LPL 6600, so far only for 35mm. I'd like to be able to enlarge 6x7 MF as well so I'm looking to replace my enlarger. Finding a decent MF enlarger is proving tricky, most of the better ones are interstate which means a leap of faith to purchase them sight-unseen, plus shipping hassles.

After some searching I've come across a nice Durst DA 900 locally which looks quite tempting. It includes a pair of Componon lenses plus various accessories such as holders, condensers, etc. From what I've read online it looks like it will suit me well, but I'd like to seek any second opinions before I commit.

My enlarging will be a mix of 35mm and 6x7, only in B&W and using contrast filters with multigrade paper. Mostly enlarging to 8x10 or 11x14, maybe larger prints in the future.

I'm almost definitely going to go ahead and buy this one, but thought I'd better double-check with the knowledgeable folk here to make sure I'm not missing any show-stopper issues. Better late than never!

So, are there any major issues that I need to be aware of with these big heavy Dursts?

Also, the bulb looks to be a standard kind of bulb, are they easy to source should I need a replacement at a later date?

cluttered said:

I'm currently using a lowly LPL 6600, so far only for 35mm. I'd like to be able to enlarge 6x7 MF as well so I'm looking to replace my enlarger. Finding a decent MF enlarger is proving tricky, most of the better ones are interstate which means a leap of faith to purchase them sight-unseen, plus shipping hassles.

After some searching I've come across a nice Durst DA 900 locally which looks quite tempting. It includes a pair of Componon lenses plus various accessories such as holders, condensers, etc. From what I've read online it looks like it will suit me well, but I'd like to seek any second opinions before I commit.

My enlarging will be a mix of 35mm and 6x7, only in B&W and using contrast filters with multigrade paper. Mostly enlarging to 8x10 or 11x14, maybe larger prints in the future.

I'm almost definitely going to go ahead and buy this one, but thought I'd better double-check with the knowledgeable folk here to make sure I'm not missing any show-stopper issues. Better late than never!

So, are there any major issues that I need to be aware of with these big heavy Dursts?

Click to expand...

Only that once you start using a big, heavy Durst, everything else will seem like a toy.

The main thing to watch out for is that parts and accessories can be hard (and expensive) to come by. This is especially true for negative carriers, masks, and condensers. Lens boards are less dear, but you can still end up waiting weeks for the right one to show up on an auction site. So, make sure that the seller is including everything that you need to make prints.

BTW, the standard opal bulbs are still readily available.

quine666 said:

Only that once you start using a big, heavy Durst, everything else will seem like a toy.

Click to expand...

Yep, it's a big solid unit. Hopefully we don't need to move house any time soon!

BTW, the standard opal bulbs are still readily available.

Click to expand...

That's good to know, thanks.

Things to look for

I have actually got 2 of these. The first, which I use all the time, has a Multigrade 500 head; the other has a condenser head which I bought because it was going so cheap I couldn't resist it, and I haven't quite got around to selling on yet.
Get a manual from Old Timer Camers or this site - see recent revival of an old thread.
Things to check on are noted below.
The Autofocus was set up at the factory. If 1. the serial numbers on the lenses match the serial numbers on the front panel and 2. the red paint dots on the 3 screws on the lens panel are unbroken (ie the screws which fine adjust height of the lens panel haven't been tampered with) and 3. the serial number on the Negative holder (should be an Autoneg) matches the enlarger serial number on the front panel (so that Autofocus was set up with that same neg holder), then you should still have perfect Autofocus when you tighten the locking screw on the focus shift into the hole drilled into the focus post. If the lenses have been changed perhaps for Rodenstocks or Nikkors you may still be able to get autofocus but don't forget the nominal focal lengths of lenses are approximate and the flange to infinity focus distance will vary between lenses. So if 1, 2, and 3 aren't satisfied you can still get autofocus by playing with the cams under the head cover and fiddling with the 3 screws on the lens panel or putting shims between the flange and the lens panel - not recommended as it takes hours, but it can be done.
The negative holder supplied was usually an Autoneg which has an upper anti-Newton ring glass and a lower plain glass; and adjustable masking blades. Other neg holders such as Daneg or Duoneg have removable glassless inserts for 35mm and 6x6cm but I think autofocus is specifically set up for the glassed Autoneg; a tiny bit of negative bowing in a glassless holder would throw autofocus out.
Finally for Autofocus you need to set the Focus Variator to the exact height of your easel (knob at top back of column).
The filter holder, assuming you are going to be doing multigrade, takes 12 x 12 cm filters, which means cutting down 15 x 15 acetates if filters aren't supplied. Consider buying new either way - quite expensive but acetates fade; I bought a set of lemons on the auction site. The filter drawer was missing on mine but with a surgical knife, a tube of glue, a steel edge, and stiff 1mm card a replacement is easily knocked up.
Look at the mirror between bulb and condensers - mine looks pretty clapped out but works perfectly well. I believe you can get mirrors re-silvered though I have never done it; or get a replacement cut.
The manual says that various combinations could be supplied with options of 28, 50, 80, and 105 lenses. Mine has 50 and 80 lenses and came with Unicon 85 condenser for 35mm and 6x6cm negs. The condenser hooks onto a bar at the back of its compartment; with the 80mm lens in place it sits at the base; when you swing in the 50mm it rises up. Insert filter drawer above or below the Unicon depending on whether it is in up or down position. If you have 50mm and 105mm lenses you should have Unicons 50 and 105 for 35mm and 6x9cm negs; insert the Unicon 50 with 105mm lens in place after hooking on and it will rise as you switch over to the 50mm lens. The Unicon 105 doesn't have a bar. The 80mm lens and Unicon 85 combo seems to work OK up to 6x7 without too obvious light fall-off, but I am pretty sure you would need the 105 lens and condenser for 6 x 9 cm negs.
It is a really solid piece of kit, and I love Autofocus; one less thing to worry about.
Richard

youngrichard said:

Get a manual from Old Timer Camers or this site - see recent revival of an old thread.

Click to expand...

Yep, I've downloaded the PDF, it's good to have it as a reference.

Things to check on are noted below

Click to expand...

[SNIP lots of very helpful information]


Great, thanks for all of that info, it's exactly what I was hoping for.

And sorry for the late response, I've been out of town for a few days, but I do appreciate your help; I'm going to print it out to help me once the enlarger arrives this week.

By the way, this particular enlarger has a pair of Schnieders (50+105), I haven't yet checked the serial numbers to see if they are the original ones, but at least they're the right type.

Thanks once again.