Which enlarger do you print with

RichardH · Jun 21, 2013

I am wondering which enlarger do others print with.
At the time being, I am using a Beseler 23CII with a color head.
I have in storage a Beseler 45mbx with color and condenser heads, 1 more 23CII with condenser head, 2 Omega B22's ( one xl ).
And most carriers for them.
I have been thinking about just going back to the B22 since I don't print color anymore and my darkroom has downsized to a spare bathroom now.
If I go back to the B22, I'll have to support the column to keep the vibration down and help support it. I do like printing large and the B22XL would ( I think) suffice.

This is somthing I have been wondering about and how well you like what you use.

Any response on this will be interesting to know.

Richard

Ghostman · Jun 21, 2013

I use a Durst Laborator 1200 with an Ilford Multigrade 500 head. I love it and use it exclusively. I also have an LPL 6700 which I have never used since I got my Durst. I only do BW printing.

removed account4 · Jun 21, 2013

hi there

it depends what i am enlarging to be honest ...
durst m601 ( >6x6 ); omega d3v-m/c ( <6x6-4x5 );
and a omega e4 ( <4x5 - 5x7 )
the durst is condenser, the omegas are both condenser + cold light ..

these days i must admit i contact print more than enlarge .. but i can't bear to get rid of the 3 magi

Alex Muir · Jun 21, 2013

I use the Leitz V35 for 35mm and a Durst M601 for 6x6. I like both of them, but rarely make very large prints. The V35 can do 17x enlargements on the baseboard which is quite impressive. It only does 35mm(or smaller) negatives. I only make B&W prints. Alex

darkosaric · Jun 21, 2013

V35 Focomat and Axomat 5a for 35mm, magnifax 3 for 120 films.

Rick A · Jun 21, 2013

At one time I had and used 12 enlargers in my dark room. I have downsized considerably, and only use an Omega D-6 Pro Lab with two turrets with my favorite lenses. I still have an Omega C-700 and Beseler 23CII in storage(both are for sale).

jerrybro · Jun 21, 2013

Beseler 45, I can never remember all the letter codes, but it is motorized, square bellows, and I have computer and condensor heads for it.

Klainmeister · Jun 21, 2013

Big Ol' D6

mooseontheloose · Jun 21, 2013

In Canada I was using a Beseler 45MX but it's a beast and there was no way I could bring it to Japan. Then I found someone who wanted to give away their darkroom and now use an LPL 7700 when I can (usually during my holidays).

NB23 · Jun 21, 2013

Ditched a V35 for a Ic color.
But I'm always on my IIc altough i use my Ic when I must.

Tom Kershaw · Jun 21, 2013

De Vere 504 with Multigrade 500 head for the most part although I have 4 enlargers in the darkroom, including a 5108.

David Brown · Jun 21, 2013

RichardH said:
At the time being, I am using a Beseler 23CII with a color head.

I have been thinking about just going back to the B22 since I don't print color anymore and my darkroom has downsized to a spare bathroom now.
If I go back to the B22, I'll have to support the column to keep the vibration down and help support it. I do like printing large and the B22XL would ( I think) suffice.

Richard: For your circumstances, I would keep using a 23C if you leave it set up all the time. This would be better than having to support the B22.

Just my opinion, of course. I currently am using two Beseler 4x5s, one with a condenser, and the other with a dichroic head. I also own an Omega D5, and 3 Omega B22s, but the Omegas are all stored. The only one of those 6 I've ever had vibration issues with is the D5. It's a big tuning fork!

The B22, even the XL, didn't ever seem to be a problem. YMMV

Also, (and you probably know this), you can print black and white with a color head.

Jesper · Jun 21, 2013

Focomat V35 and DeVere 5108

Mainecoonmaniac · Jun 21, 2013

Beseler 45MXT with a dichroic head. It wasn't my first choice, but I've been using it for over 30 years. My first choice was a Durst Laborator.

R.Gould · Jun 21, 2013

Opemus 6 for both 35mm and 120

Richard

Mark_S · Jun 21, 2013

Beseler 45MX with an Ilford MG600 head and controller.

Bob Carnie · Jun 21, 2013

I use three types

11x14 De Vere
8x10 Durst 2000
4x5 Omega Condenser

The De Vere 515 is an amazing enlarger. Back in the day it was purchased by BGM Colour Labs for over $80000 , it was gently used and they gave it to me when they moved from enlarger base work. I treasure it, I think I will melt it down , reform it , and use it as the box for our ashes.
I also love the Omegas, easy to maintain , level and work split printing.

RichardH · Jun 21, 2013

David Brown said:
Richard: For your circumstances, I would keep using a 23C if you leave it set up all the time. This would be better than having to support the B22.

Just my opinion, of course. I currently am using two Beseler 4x5s, one with a condenser, and the other with a dichroic head. I also own an Omega D5, and 3 Omega B22s, but the Omegas are all stored. The only one of those 6 I've ever had vibration issues with is the D5. It's a big tuning fork!

The B22, even the XL, didn't ever seem to be a problem. YMMV

Also, (and you probably know this), you can print black and white with a color head.

Hey David
Just a little history. My first enlarger in the 60's was the B22 in a bedroom closet. Man, that was tight. Life went on and after a couple of moves, I had a big darkroom in a basement. In the 80's, I had a studio and a color lab. Fully automated (roller transport, Durst printers) that I printed for mine and other studios that was fairly local to me. Finally shut the lab down after some retired and others changing over to digital.
Now I am retired and like to try different things. I'll probably keep using the 23C with the Dichroic head but still in my mind I want to experiment a little with the B22XL. It wouldn't be much trouble to swap out but I don't have the room for 2 enlargers.

Lots of different ones are being used that have posted so far. Very interesting.

Thanks
Richard

Pasto · Jun 21, 2013

Durst L1200 with CLS450 for 4x5 or 2 1/4 x 2 1/4, Durst L184 with CLS2000 for 8x10, although I'm spending a lot more time contact printing 8x10 negatives....and really like it.

jumbosilverette · Jun 21, 2013

Omega B66 Pro for 35mm and 2 1/4.

DREW WILEY · Jun 21, 2013

I'm currently using four of them. I have a basic ole Omega D 4x5 with colorhead for small b&w work, then a Durst hi-output 8x10 coldlight unit,
then my two "hotrods": a 5x7 Durst with custom additive colorhead for critical film work, and "Ole Zeke": a 13 ft tall additive 8x10 color printer
which I built from the ground up - maybe one of the best enlargers on earth for color quality, and built to withstand an earthquake; but has
its idiosyncrasies in the electronics. Thinking of adding another 8x10 Durst dedicated to dye transfer printing once I can clear a path to install it.

Slixtiesix · Jun 21, 2013

Kaiser VCP 6000 and Rodagon 50/2,8 + 80/4.

removed-user-1 · Jun 21, 2013

Right now I use an ancient and battered Omega D2 with an Aristo VC54 cold light head. Thinking of turning my D2 into a source of parts for several other D2s at the school darkroom (that need help), and moving the Aristo over to a Beseler 45V-XL that also belongs to the school. I just need to find the proper adapter ring for the head.

ac12 · Jun 21, 2013

Durst M600 (6x6). Easy to pack and store away.

In the works for the under construction darkroom are: Omega D5 (color head) and Durst L1000 (condenser). This will let me print bigger than 6x6 negs up to 4x5. Just have to get the darkroom finished so I can use them.

MattKing · Jun 21, 2013

An Omega D6 with an Ilford Multigrade 400 head plus a couple of lens turrets.

If I had the room, I would also set up the Beseler 67C with dichroic head I have in storage.

Plus lots and lots of related fiddly bits for both of them.

Which enlarger do you print with

removed-user-1

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