Zone VI Enlarger 4X5 or 5X7?

[Inayat Noor]

Saturday I bought a Zone VI Print Washer and Rotary Cutter from an advertiser on Craig's List. The seller's cousin had passed and he was selling the Deceased photography equipment.

Included in the equipment was a Zone VI enlarger which he wants $50.00. The enlarger was hardly used. Is there a way I recognize if it is a 5X7? The light source had an opaque plastic plate which was more than 5X7 inches. The area where the negative holder would recede was also the same dimension. the pillar supporting the head from the base was one beam. There was no information if this is a 5X7. We couldn't find a model number or serial number. He also had three lense, the largest being 115mm.

I already have a Durst 139 and an Omega 4X5. But for this price I may purchase it.

Inayat Noor

 

[Anscojohn]

I cannot believe I am saying this, because I already have a Zone VI 5x7 still in the boxes. But for fifty bucks for that outfit, I'll drive to Florida to pick it up. That outfit cost thousands.

 

[Alan9940]

The Zone VI enlarger was for up to 5x7 format from the beginning. If this equipment is in as good of condition as reported, for the price I'd snap it up QUICK!!!!!!!

 

[Inayat Noor]

I'm picking it up tomorrow. Can't wait. I even have the last Zone VI catalog where Fred says his final good bye. the enlarger new was $1195.00.

 

[Inayat Noor]

I picked up the Zone VI enlarger yesterday. It is all in pieces and needs assembled. Included I got the compensating timer with foot pedal, the variable contrast control for the lighthead and a laser alignment device. The person had a large counterweight and asked if it was part of the enlarger. At the time I said no, but when I got home I pulled out my last issue of my Zone VI catalog. It mentioned the counter weight so I'll have to go back.

Does anyone know where I can get the manual? And if negative carriers are still available? I shot an email to Calumet to see what they have. I picked up the lens holder and the 135 enlarging Schneider componon-S lenses. He had the 50 and 80mm enlarging Schneider lenses so I may get them at $50 each.

If I get this up and running I wonder if I should keep my Durst 139!

I also bought a Caltar 75mm lens. And he still has a Cambo View Camera in the Case. Plus the 90, 115, 135, 150 and 210mm Caltar lenses. He wants $200 for the camera and $200 for each lens. I don't know if this is a good deal or not but all the equipment is in excellent condition and was hardly used.

I'm starting to be a fan of Craig's List.

Inayat

 

[rmann]

Manual - try Calumet, they may be able to help - but call - they are a little slow on email at times. Also, the auction site has a 4x5 negative carrier currently up for sale.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

The Zone VI enlarger was for up to 5x7 format from the beginning...

That is not correct. The Type 1 enlarger, identifiable by a single upright post on which the focus mechanism rides, had a light source that was oversized to ensure full 4x5 coverage but could not evenly illuminate the corners of 5x7. The head was later redesigned for complete 5x7 coverage; that version is known as Type 2 and has two upright posts on which the focus mechanism rides. I haven't looked lately, but a year or two back Calumet still offered negative carriers for Type 2 enlargers. It stopped selling carriers for Type 1 enlargers quite some time earlier.

 

[Rich Ullsmith]

PM me for the manual on the Zone VI, I will see if I can find it and scan/copy for you.