Which enlarger do you print with

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David Brown

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Hi David,

I also have an RHDesign timer that I would be interested in switching between two enkarger. Is it just a matter of switching the output?

claudio
Claudio: Yes. Keep it simple. Everything is external to the timer, so my device would work with any timer. Basically, I built a box with two plugs and a toggle switch. This plugs into the enlarger output from a timer and the toggle switch sends the connection to one or the other enlarger.

One caution. Even though this is simple and fairly straight forward, I would not attempt it unless you are confident in your electrician skills. Cheers.
 

jim10219

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My main enlarger is my computer, since I do more alternative process contact printing than anything else. My most used proper enlarger is my Beseler 23 III. I installed some large swivel wheels to the bottom of the baseboard so I can move it around easily. Currently, I'm working on restoring my old Beseler 45M, trying to get it back into reliable shape so I can get back into large format silver gelatin printing, instead of being forced to scan everything. The one enlarger I never use is my Omega C760. There's nothing wrong with it, in fact it's probably in the best shape of all of my enlargers, but I don't do much color, and am not a fan of diffuser heads. That's why I'm getting rid of my Ilford Multigrade 500H head. It's a great setup, but I just like the look from condenser heads too much to use it.
 

Bob Carnie

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I am happily married but thanks for the offers , I am blushing with pride.
 

CCLA

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Claudio: Yes. Keep it simple. Everything is external to the timer, so my device would work with any timer. Basically, I built a box with two plugs and a toggle switch. This plugs into the enlarger output from a timer and the toggle switch sends the connection to one or the other enlarger.

One caution. Even though this is simple and fairly straight forward, I would not attempt it unless you are confident in your electrician skills. Cheers.

Thank you David.

claudio
 

mklw1954

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I use a Minolta MODIII for color and b&w. But I'd really like to have this Elwood 8x10 (on ebay).

Elwood Enlarger.jpg
 

Svenedin

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Still using my Kaiser system V multigrade head but have recently acquired a 6x9 base unit complete with a stabilised transformer. Now 2x Kaiser system V enlargers. I did have to drive 350 miles for the latest one!
 

MattKing

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Arklatexian

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I didn't know Elwood made hair dryers.
Yes, and dam...er...darn good ones too if you have a darkroom with a 15' ceiling and a 12" thick concrete floor. Almost kidding. Those that I have known who used Elwoods (usually 5x7) printed 35mm, MF, 4x5 and 5x7, all on the same enlarger using the correct lenses and all that........Regards!
 

images39

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I use a Saunders/LPL 4500 II with VCCE head. Man, I love using that thing, it's beautifully designed.

Dale
 

mshchem

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Since 1973 Beseler 4x5. I think I have 5 or 6 by now. 3 of the newer ones are setup. For last 20 years have used dichro heads for everything B&W VC and color. Couple years back I found a gold mine of Darkroom stuff somebody wanted rid of. I now have a Zone VI VC head with a Metrolux timer on one Beseler, Fabulous for split printing. I have a Zone VI 8x10 type II (Calumet era) with the VC head also controlled by the Metrolux. A really cool Beseler Universal 45 head, closed loop, 3 lamp additive light source with both the VC and the color controller, I've been so busy that I have yet to print with it, but it is really cool. Still have nice Dichro S color heads, One of them setup. I currently have 3 Beseler 4X5s and the Zone VI 8x10 setup and ready to go.

I have 2 Metrolux timers, these things make cold lights workable for me. The Beseler 45 Universal has it's own timer built into the controllers.

I started out with a Vivitar Japan made 6x7 enlarger. That was a great little enlarger, 211 bulb, acetate filters, El nikkor 50mm f4.

You can have next to nothing for equipment and make beautiful prints. I'm a scrounger, the aforementioned was accumulated over 50 years. Everything bought used.

Mike
 

mshchem

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I've used one of those. They work great. Belongs to a friend, we even projected horizontal to make 6 foot long pan shots. I had a couple 5x7's . The mirrored dome and the sand blasted diffuser glass made darn nice prints. They are man portable. Made out of cast aluminum. I'm glad to have it behind me. I still have lensboards with ILEX 10 and 12 inch lenses.
Need to find one that hasn't been painted
 

rjmeyer314

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4x5 Format
I have 4 enlargers in my darkroom. 2 Beseler 4x5's, a 5x7 Elwood and an 8x10 Elwood. I have an Omega D2V with the D2V head, space head, and point source head in storage.
 

CMoore

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I have 4 enlargers in my darkroom. 2 Beseler 4x5's, a 5x7 Elwood and an 8x10 Elwood. I have an Omega D2V with the D2V head, space head, and point source head in storage.
Can you post a few pics of your Darkroom.....?:smile:
 

glbeas

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Beseler 4x5. Ive had Bogen, Omega, Minolta, Elwood, but the Beseler has been the hardiest and most versatile for what I like to do.
 
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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
Durst 707 colour bed
 

mrosenlof

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I use an LPL 4500 with the color head. I have a chart of the filter combinations to emulate VCCE. They came out with that module about six months after I bought mine. I'm very happy with the enlarger. I print 35mm to 4x5 using it. For 5x7 and 8x10 contact prints, I use the enlarger as my light source.
 

Mark77

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Kaiser VPM 9005 with a Rodagon Apo-N 50mm and Schneider Componon-S 80mm. Printing 35mm (including panoramic) and medium format only.
 
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I added a Mamiya Enlahead recently to be able to print Minox negs. Jury is still out on it, but the lens is sharp at least. Of course I had to disassemble it and clean it and I had to make a custom neg carrier for it since the Enlahead is designed for Mamiya 16mm negatives. Fun Fun Fun!

I just did some work on my Saunders 4550 today as well. I pulled apart the bulb/fan housing to black out the fan. Lots of light leaking out through the fan entrance and I figured it was from the interior silver sides of the fan. We'll see. I put some telescope flocking on the interior of the housing too just to be sure. PITA.
 

ruilourosa

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durst 138, 2 durst lab 1000, durst m601, durst f30, 2 opemus 7, axomat 3, leitz v35

i mainly use laborator 1000 (both) and leitz v35
 
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