Which enlarger do you print with

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mwdake

Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
779
Location
CO, USA
Format
Multi Format
An Omega D5 Pro Lab, I have 3 of those.
I also have a 4x5 Durst that i really don't use and can't remember which model.
 
Joined
Mar 30, 2011
Messages
2,147
Location
NYC
Format
Multi Format
I have only one enlarger setup now, a LPL 670 DXL, its the dichroic model with the longer focusing column, I have also installed the fine focusing knob. Its used together with a pair of the glass universal negative carriers with AN glass top, one with the vanes, the other with them removed to print 6x9.

I have a besseler 67XL in storage, was my older enlarger as is a backup, but without baseboard now. I also have an old Durst 4x5 Pro I picked up, but I cant find enough space to set it up, its also missing its baseboard.
 

winger

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 13, 2005
Messages
3,975
Location
southwest PA
Format
Multi Format
I have a Beseler 23CIII and 45MX. I tend to use the 45MX only for 4x5 or to expose my few remaining T55 sheets (stick a slide in the elarger, turn off all the lights, etc..). I've had the 23CIII longer and am used to it.
 

Chris Lange

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
770
Location
NY
Format
Multi Format
I have a Beseler 45M, an Omega DII, and a Leica V35.

The Beseler has the condensor head, the Omega has a Super Dichro II on it, and the V35 has the color head. I just got the V35, but am really looking forward to using it...
 

chip j

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2012
Messages
2,193
Location
NE Ohio
Format
35mm
Focomat 1c color & Durst M-35 Micromat w/a slew of lenses that fit each.
 

gleaf

Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
273
Location
Kentucky
Format
Large Format
Durst Laborator 1000 with a Zone VI Variable Contrast Head. Lenses and negative carriers for 35mm 6 x 6 and 4 x 5.
 

L Gebhardt

Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
2,363
Location
NH
Format
Large Format
I just retired my pair of Omega D5s since I started shooting 5x7. One had a ZBE Starlight color head and the other had an Ilford 500 head.

I am now using a pair of Durst 138S enlargers. One with a home made variable contrast LED head, and the other with the Starlight head (only does 4x5).

I really liked the Omegas, but I think the Dursts are even better.
 

grahamp

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 2, 2004
Messages
1,697
Location
Vallejo (SF Bay Area)
Format
Multi Format
Currently two Beseler 45s. One early (tapered bellows, front supports), one late (square bellows, rear supports). Both have 45s heads, one with a 6x7 mixing chamber, and the other set for 4x5. I also have a condenser head and an early cold light for them, but rarely pull them out.

I have a Durst F30 and M605 tucked away - the F30 column makes a good copy stand.

I had an old Russian 'suitcase' enlarger once, and an MPP 6x6.
 

Bill Burk

Subscriber
Joined
Feb 9, 2010
Messages
9,220
Format
4x5 Format
An Omega DII that I bought shortly after my second job out of school. I am still exploring the mysteries of cold light with an old Aristo grid. I know how I keep exposure consistent but I wonder how anybody else did.
 

Trond

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 21, 2004
Messages
854
Location
Harestua, Norway
Format
Multi Format
I have two enlargers set up in my darkroom. IFF Ampliator colour enlarger for 6x6 - 5x7" negatives and a Dunco Modell-II 66 multigrade/colour enlarger for 35mm and 6x6. The IFF is a large floor standing enlarger, so heavy that I hope I'll never have to move it again... The Dunco is also very nice, and I think you can still get it new (as Modell-II 67).

Trond
 

Ed Bray

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
352
Location
Plymouth, UK
Format
Multi Format
I use a Devere 507 for 5x7 and 4x5 and an LPL7700 for 120 and 35mm. Both have dichroic heads and use the same filter settings for the required multigrade grades.
 

clayne

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
2,764
Location
San Francisc
Format
Multi Format
De Vere 504 dichromat. Best enlarger I ever used. There's a certain thing about De Vere's that just feels like a dependable friend.

I also have a modern Kaiser VCP9005 which goes up to 6x9 and while not as tractor-built as the DV, is still quality. Any enlarger is my friend.
 

baachitraka

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2011
Messages
3,552
Location
Bremen, Germany.
Format
Multi Format
Focomat Ic and Durst M600
 

mr rusty

Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
827
Location
lancashire,
Format
Medium Format
Vivitar V1. Bit of an odd-ball but I love it - nice piece of kit. I have the dichroic head with the unique "light pipe" which means a totally cold light and glassless neg holders.
 
OP
OP

RichardH

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
172
Location
Morganton, N
Format
Multi Format
There has been a lot of variety on enlargers. I am famaliar with a lot of them but there are a few I haven't heard of. I was given an old Elwood. When I got it home, I couldn't get it in the darkroom. Had to scrap it.
It felt like it weighed a ton.
This post has been very informative on what is being used now.

Thanks for all the post.

Richard
 
Joined
Jul 1, 2006
Messages
875
Location
Oklahoma, US
Format
Multi Format
I enlarge with a LPL 670 condenser for medium format and 1c or Valoy 2 for small format. I have the dichro head for the 670 which I use for some negatives. I bought a Durst 601 thinking it would be easier to move when I switch to the Leitz enlarger for -135. I have limited space and can't install a two enlarger setup in the DR. I went back to using the 670 for MF mostly because I got to my final print faster using familiar equipment.

I like condensers because I get a touch higher contrast in the shadows and the prints have more snap. I know the research will say you can't tell the difference between light sources if you adjust development.
 
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bsdunek

Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
1,611
Location
Michigan
Format
Multi Format
Durst 606 for 35mm & 6X6. Just change lenses and film stage. For my 6X7 & 6X9 I have an old Kindermann I bought used about 10 years ago. Great old enlarger - built like a tank. If I ever go to larger film, say 4X5, I'll have to enlarge my darkroom.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,297
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Chromega Dichro II on the Omega 5D-XL just like I had available after hours for my personal work when I worked at Kodak.
 

Neil Poulsen

Member
Joined
May 28, 2005
Messages
520
Format
4x5 Format
I use a Zone VI Type II fitted with a 45S Beseler color head for B&W. I purchased the last Beseller adapter for this enlarger from Calumet. It's a nice combination.
 

ataim

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
50
Location
Fort Worth,
Format
8x10 Format
Dust 184 with CLS 300 and Beseler 45 with Zone VI coldhead.
 

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