What enlarger(s) do you own/use?

bdial

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LPL 4500 with a VC filter module. Its predecessors were a Beseler 4x5, and an Omega D2
 
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henryyjjames

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Apr 12, 2022
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Dublin, Ireland & CT, USA
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ic-racer said:
Nice enlarger. Any story to go with it?
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Thanks. There is always a story!
I bought this enlarger from an older gentleman (I think he was in his 80s) who is a retired Kodak lab tech. I drove 6 hours (one way) to pick this up from him, along with a darkroom sink he was giving me that he built himself. The enlarger is in pristine condition; he took very good care of it, and it looks like it just came out of the box. I was really happy to find him, and he was glad that his equipment would be used and taken care of by someone who would appreciate it.
 

moggi1964

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snusmumriken said:
I have a simple but good Philips PCS130 from the early 1980s. Note the Soviet-era Czech clockwork timer!
View attachment 325476
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I have the PCS130 too and was fortunate enough to get the PCS150 unit to accompany it.

It's very easy to use.

I also have an LPL7700MX and a small 35mm Meopta that I should sell on to someone as I don't use them.
 
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chippewa309

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Sep 18, 2011
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Cincinnati, OH
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Multi Format
I have an Omega C760XL condenser that I bought new 1986(?) and used for years and an old DeJur Professional with cold light head that I picked up super cheap about 10 years for 4x5. In recent years we've moved from a 4 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom apartment so those have been stored and I've downsized. Several months ago I found a Bogen X-35B for $35 in an art thrift shop and I'm getting set up to print 35mm and 110/16mm in my bathroom. Hoping to finally get to do some printing this week!
 

GregY

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Apr 12, 2005
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Alberta
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Large Format
Beseler 45MXT with the Zone VI VC head, and a Durst 138 5x7" enlarger with a colour head.
 

Joel_L

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Mar 12, 2011
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Colorado
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Vivitar VI color, Paterson PCS-2000, Omega D5 with condensor and Dichro heads, Omega D5500 with CLS head. Currently the D5 and D5500 are in use.
 

MattKing

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Delta, BC Canada
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I'm using an LPL 7700 with the variable contrast head.
I have in storage another LPL 7700 with a colour head.
I also have an original version Beseler 67C - the one with the massive single column - that I bought new in the 1970s. In relatively recent years, I acquired two different colour heads for it, to go along with the condensor head that came with it new.
I miss my Omega D6 with condensor and Ilford Multigrade light sources - a recent downsize meant it needed to be passed on to someone with room for it.
I really like the LPL 7700s, but would have gone back to the Beseler if it too didn't take a lot of space. Here is a photo of it in my old darkroom/bathroom.
 

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Doremus Scudder

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Sep 10, 2002
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Eugene, Oregon
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4x5 Format
My primary enlarger is an old blue Beseler 45MCRX that has been fitted with a Chromega E 5x7 dichroic color head. The extra coverage is really great for 4x5 negatives. Chromega D heads are often just too small for full-frame 4x5; there's just not enough illumination at the edges of the neg. I've got an adjustable lensboard so alignment is easier too. It's mounted on a counter with a drop-bed and adjustable projection surface so I can make up to 20x24 prints. Favorite enlarging lenses are my EL-Nikkor 150mm and 135mm lenses.

Best,

Doremus
 
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henryyjjames

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Dublin, Ireland & CT, USA
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Doremus Scudder said:
It's mounted on a counter with a drop-bed and adjustable projection surface so I can make up to 20x24 prints.
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Ooooo those are big prints!

I also have a De Vere 504 Dichromat that needs some fixing up, but once I get it in a little bit better shape, I plan to try making some BIG prints. The 504 is so massive, and it also has a height-adjustable baseboard, so I think it can make prints up to 30x40 (not that I am ever going to make them that large). I need to find the proper lens panels for it as well before I can try making prints.
 

mshchem

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Nov 26, 2007
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Iowa City, Iowa USA
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Medium Format
Mal Paso said:
Beseler MCRX but the C is sitting on the sidelines replaced by a LED diffusion head built for split printing Multigrade paper. Did anyone ever use the "R" Resistrol? I turned mine all the way up and left it there.View attachment 325528
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Ah the 1970's Beseler blue. I bought one brand new in 1973, $400 IIRC, a friend is still using. I never used the Resistrol, the voltage meter either . I have 4 Beseler MXT variants, 2 in use 2 as emergency backups.
 

Rrrgcy

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Mar 10, 2016
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210
Location
So FL
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Medium Format
I just spent $157 at the lab on B&W prints and several enlargements. That‘s no longer sustainable. Negotiated a Beseler 23C. Arrives next week. I’ll need to try to hide it in the garage. Madam says don’t bring anything inside. I don’t think it’ll fare too well in the South Florida heat.
Q. Anyone (mshchem) know the year range on this one (70’s)? What parts should I keep inside under A/C (lens and condenser)?
 

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Randy Stewart

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Jan 1, 2006
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Medium Format
Primary enlarger is a modified Durst M800 with dichroic colorhead, for which I have I think every accessory Durst every made for it. Modification was replacement of the standard focusing knopb with a Saunders two speed planetary knob, which both allows easy fine focus adjustments and removes the slight focus backlash in the Durst knob. Yet to be tried: Ilford 400 B&W variable contrast head system.
 

miha

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Feb 15, 2007
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3,005
Location
Slovenia
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Multi Format
Kaiser V-System for 135 & 6x6 with El-Nikkors and Durst Laborator CE 1000 for 6x7 and 4x5 with Durst componons. All purchased S/H (the Kaiser already in the early 90s).
 

Doremus Scudder

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Sep 10, 2002
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Location
Eugene, Oregon
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4x5 Format
Here's a photo of my darkroom dry side with the old blue Beseler and its Chromega E head. It's on the drop table and the 20x24 easel is on the shelf under the baseboard, which is easily removed. The shelf has several positions.

The enlarger on the left is an older Beseler, fitted with a Chromega D head and the bellows stage from a newer Beseler MXT. I've got the turret, but don't use it much. Instead I just fitted a normal lensboard to it. I use it mostly for flashing and making smaller prints.

Best,

Doremus
 

Treebird

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Jan 4, 2023
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Albuquerque, NM
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Medium Format
 

Erik L

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May 9, 2007
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833
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Grand Junction CO
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8x10 Format
My two print makers. An 8x10 Fotar with a Super Chromega F head on left and an Omega D5xl with Super Chromega D on the right. Many enjoyable hours spent with them!
 

ic-racer

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Feb 25, 2007
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USA
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Chromega E, very nice those are not that common!
 

Don_ih

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Jan 24, 2021
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Ontario
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35mm RF
Leitz Focomat 1c, a Leitz Valoy 2, an Omega D2 (I think) and a Chromega B. I have a 5x7 enlarger not set up. The other 4 enlargers are set up and used when appropriate. The two Leitz enlargers are side-by-side and were used a for the postcard exchange a while ago, when I wanted two exposures per card.
 
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