I'm looking for an inexpensive enlarger but I don't want something that will fall apart or not serve my needs as I get better at this. I'm a newbie to developing my own prints. So what I'm looking for is the basic intro darkroom kit.

Any thoughts out there on the Beseler Printmaker 35?

thanks.

-- David Parmet (dparmet@interport.net), March 26, 1998

Answers

I would suggest trying to buy a used enlarger. Alot of people dream of being the next Ansel Adams. They buy all the equipment and never learn to use it properly. It is possible to buy virtually brand new equipment for a fraction of the price. I have 1 Omega D with a coldlight head that I paid $100 for and a color Omega D that I paid $250, all with many lenses and negative carriers. The biggest problem with buying used is that you have to keep your eyes open and wait for the right one to come along.

-- Jeff White (zonie@computer-concepts.com), March 30, 1998.

Jeff has given you some good advice. The PrintMaker 35 is OK if you are limited on space and never plan to go beyound 35mm. I recently purchased a Beseler 4x5 with all negative carriers for $600, and added a Nikkor 80/5.6 lens on a Beseler board for $120. The same equipment would be $1700 new.

-- Darron Spohn (sspohn@concentric.net), March 30, 1998.

Hey... when I can afford a medium format camera I'm sure I'll be able to afford a 4x5 enlarger! ;)

Meanwhile, I'm not looking to be the next Ansel Adams, one is enough. I'm just looking for something for the basement. I've seen some used ones at Calumet so I'll keep my eyes open, thanks!

david

-- David Parmet (dparmet@interport.net), April 10, 1998.

I'll second the recommendations for looking at used rather than new. Enlargers don't have much complexity in their mechanisms so there isn't a lot to get out of whack, but the new ones do lose a lot of value as they are first carried out of the store. So much the better for you.

Do consider getting at least a 6x6 model though. My experience is that they are usually more capable than the 35mm only designs, even if you only use them for 35mm. And if you really get into darkroom work, some day you'll see a nice used roll film twin lens reflex camera so cheap that you won't be able to pass it up, and if you have an enlarger that can take the film you won't have any reason not to get it. (You've got to plan ahead in this area, you know.)

I too got a well used Beseler 4x5 many years ago, for not very much money. Before that I was using a Beseler 23, which I think would go to 6x7. These are both classic, standard, popular designs which have been in production for decades, so there are lots of them around used and you can still get accessories (mainly lens boards and negative carriers) new if you can't find them used. Beselers may not be the snazziest enlargers around but they do just keep going and going.

-- Kip Babington (cbabing3@swbell.net), April 11, 1998.

Enlargers etc..

Thanks everyone.

After careful consideration, I found a Omega C700 display model for half price at a shop down the street from my office so it may be moving into my basement pretty soon.

I'll be back with questions on printing ASAP...

-- David Parmet (dparmet@interport.net), April 13, 1998.

I use a Saunders D6700 with is a color model capable of up to the 6x7 film size and would be great for doing B&W. It is very well built, and smaller than the equivalent Beseler. I would highly recommend this enlarger. I got mine in mint condition for only $175 including a Nikkor lens! Look around and buy used. Good luck

-- Bob Hall (for7@aol.com), September 02, 1999.