What's a Durst Laborator 138S worth?

big_ben_blue · Oct 9, 2006

I might have the opportunity to buy a used Durst Laborator 138S from a local institution.
But ... the seller is still figuring out the price they want and I don't quite know how much these things are realistically worth today.
A quick google search suggest the price ranging going from "free for the taking" to upper four figure values. But what are these enlarger really worth, at what figure should I draw the line? ANy suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

Claire Senft · Oct 9, 2006

It will depend a lot on condition and how it is equipped.

Donald Miller · Oct 10, 2006

A reconditioned 138S at Jensen Optical/Durst Pro will cost you upwards of $6500.00

As with all things that are bought and sold, the market determines the price. By that I mean, how badly you want to buy it and how badly the seller wants to sell it.

It shoud have a set of five condensers. The Thorn lamp is no longer available. Condensers are not all the same...the T and PT designation are much higher priced since they are coated. Preferably a Tripla turret.

Philippe-Georges · Oct 10, 2006

About 15 years ago I bought a 138G (not a S) at an Airforce sell out for 2 Euro the kilogramme, thus 226 Euro in total.
The 6 condensers, cold light head (Lacoli), colour filter head (Agfa/Lavaco) and for spare bulbs included, but no lenses, in working shape.
They use satellite pictures now, an other 'advantage' of technology's progress...

Tony Egan · Oct 10, 2006

I did a lot of Googling and eBay surfing around March before I bought one in Australia. I paid AUD 650 for a 138 (not S) (around USD 500) for a unit which included a full set of condensors, tripla turret but no lens. I also got two lamps and have since picked up another on eBay for $15. Overall condition was average but everything was in place. Good bellows, mirror, heat resistant glass filter in place etc. Given size of US market I would suggest you should not have to pay more than USD 750 for a good, complete working unit with all condensors. I would offer $500 as a starter!

Phillip P. Dimor · Oct 10, 2006

I too would suggest $500 to start. I'd pay more for one that was real local.
I'd also drive eight to ten hours for one as I am seriously jonesing for one.
I handled one in a cancer research lab and it was just awesomely smooth and sturdy.

Claire Senft · Oct 10, 2006

Given the way the market is going perhaps $125.00 for a start.

big_ben_blue · Oct 10, 2006

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
Well, the enlarger is local (a large museum I do some work for occacionally). It's actually sitting in one of their work area hallways since months (a leftover from their film days - they still have an awesome huge darkroom too, which sadly just collects dust since the advent of digital). I would love to just back up my truck at their loading dock and fill it up, but that's pipe dreaming, LOL.
I'll have to check on the number of condensors and the lamps. It does have a 210 or 250mm lens if I recall correctly.

Thanks,
Chris

What's a Durst Laborator 138S worth?

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