I have just moved to Indonesia and am in the process of setting up a darkroom. I met a photographer that uses a Dunco enlarger, the only one he was able to buy in Jakarta. It is German made. I have always used either Beselers or Omega but that is not a buying option for me here. I would appreciate any information someone may have on this enlarger. Also I just ordered a fibreglass sink, as I could not find a stainless steel sink large enough. Was this a mistake? I'm afraid it will be too rough for washing prints. Lea Sexton

-- Lea Ann Sexton (sextonlj@ibm.net), November 15, 1999

Answers

Dunco is a respected name in German enlargers. Their enlargers are not available in the U.S., though a few of their other products, such as enlarging easels, are. I don't think you will have a problem with a fiberglass sink--I have used one for years. If the surface is rough, just make sure your prints remain face-up.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), November 16, 1999.

As Ed says, the German Dunco has a very good reputation. In fact, if I could save up the money for it I would buy one of Duncos 6x7 enlargers, the extra stable +20 kg monster machine they make.

By the way, in a test in Color Photo last year a 6x7 Dunco with extra large base board came out as the winner when compared to other high end enlargers such as Durst Modular 70, Kaiser 6x7, LPL 6x7. That dunco also had a 250 W light, which makes for short exposures when wanted.

-- Peter Olsson (peter.olsson@lulebo.se), November 16, 1999.