I'm looking for an enlarger that handles up to 4x5 negatives (as well as smaller formats). I'm thinking diffusion, dichroic at this time, even though I am mainly interested in B&W. But, I'm open to suggestions.

Anyone have preferences or recommendations they'd like to share?

Thanks.

Robert

-- Robert Hubbard (bobh@ile.com), February 26, 1999

Answers

I've always been very very low on funds, so I buy whatever I can afford when I need it and it's available. With that in mind....

I used to own an Omega Universal Pro-lab, not a D-2, but close. I had no complaints with it, but now I'm using a late 70's Besseler 4 X 5 in immaculate shape that my wife found for $500.00 with lenses, etc. The Besseler strikes me as simpler and sturdier, and if I can ever afford it, I can get the Alan Ross designed 8 X 10 cold light head, although I don't know if that is a VC head or not.

Both of these enlargers are available used and unless you really know you're gonna be doing this seriously for a good while, I'd suggest the used market and one of these two very available tried & true workhorses.

On the other hand, if tomorrow I won the lottery, I would take a long look at the Zone VI. I've never seen one in the flesh but if you only do B&W, I'd think that'd be a good way to go. Then of course if price is no object, there's DURST!

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), February 27, 1999.

My favorite is the Beseler, for the reasons Sean mentioned and because it just looks like a classic enlarger. For more reasoning see my Brilliant Mistakes series in the archives on this site. Omega and Saunders also make excellent enlargers at reasonable prices. Durst enlargers are great lab machines but overkill for home use. Then again, if you have the budget...

I've seen the Zone VI enlarger in person, but haven't had a chance to use on in a darkroom. The Zone VI is my first choice for a home darkroom, but the Beseler 4x5 has myriad advantages as a production tool. One of the main advantages to the Beseler is the availability of excellent used equipment.

-- Darron Spohn (dspohn@clicknet.com), March 01, 1999.

I struggled with the same question for over six months. I asked everyone that I knew the same question and I researched the net extensively. I finally settled on the Saunders/LPL 4500 VCCE. I installed it about two weeks ago and have printed over 200 prints with it already. This enlarger is much higher quality than I expected. I never actually inspected one before I ordered it. It was extremely easy to install and worked perfectly the first time. The only plastic parts are a few knobs. I particularly like the variable contrast head. One channel is calibrated for Kodak and the other is for Ilford papers. Other brands of paper are included. This enlarger is extremely solid and enlargements have been beautiful from it. At around $1500 it is a bargain. If you have any specific questions I will be happy to try to answer them for you......highly recommended.

-- Bob Bedwell (rbedw51767@aol.com), March 09, 1999.

I bought a Beseler, without further looking and comparing. I use it for 10 years now, without any problem from 35mm to 4*5. Never experienced any shortcomings or technical flaws. I feel I could sell or change all my camera-gear but my Beseler stays, it's real timeless. I've got the condensor version (MX45 I think), never felt the need to add a coldlight head, or a colorhead, because the condensor is not that hard. Colorprinting with a condensor head has is charms. Working with gelatine filters under the condensor is handy with the Beseler.

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.nl), March 10, 1999.

I've used a Zone VI for six years now and it is quite simply the best enlarger I've ever used for 4x5. The only drawback I've found is that it's hard to reach the focus knob and keep my eye on the grain magnifier when the head is near the top of its range. In conjunction with a compensating metronome, I get perfect exposures every time. Mounted on the wall, it's steady as a rock. And the ability to align the lens plane with the easel makes a big difference.

-- Ed Pierce (edpierce@together.net), March 11, 1999.

I have used Omegas and Beselers for years, and both have many benefits and not many drawbacks. Both will suit you well. I use an Omega D-2 with a Zone VI cold light head and am extremely happy with it. I have a Beseler 4x5 V, condensor variety with a Componon 135 for sale right now, cheap, if you are still in the market! It is the Harley of enlargers-not the fanciest or fastest but a real horse!

-- Bill Nolan (bnolan@bsc.edu), March 16, 1999.

Durst. I've never come across a Beseler or Omega that operates as smoothly and stays in alignment. Durst doesn't have to be outrageously expensive; look for a clean Pro or Ce 1000. Aside from that, the Saunders/LPL 4500 series have a really good reputation and are often less expensive than the comparable Omega or Beseler.

-- John Hicks / John's Camera Shop (jbh@magicnet.net), March 17, 1999.

The workhorse of the commercial lab is the Omega Super Chromega D Dichroic II. I don't know about the rest of the world but the west side of Canada and the USA has an abundant supply of these. Because they are the most commonly used pro lab enlarger there will always be a market for them and you will sell it for same price you paid. Lots of parts and accesories readily available. Obviously reliable or they wouldn't be used in so many labs.

-- Tim Ruck (auroraphoto@compuserve.com), March 18, 1999.

I use an ancient (mid-seventies) Beseler 45H with a Zone VI cold light head and Componon-S lenses. It was $300 used at my favorite, now defunct, camera store.

The reason I bought it is that I can still get parts! (I'll order a new bellows when I get around to it.) However, if I had a grand sitting around with nowhere to go, I get an MXT, since my cold light head will fit, my Tic Toc will work, etc.

Happy printi

-- Nancy Goldstein (nfayegold@earthlink.net), April 24, 1999.

The Omega D2 two is the muscle car of 4x5 enlargers. And a good used one can be had for $400 anywhere in the USA all day.

-- Les Warren (eyeseales@netscape.net), September 23, 1999.