Looking for information on different models. Any suggestions/info greatly appreciated.

-- curt millington (curt@toad.net), November 22, 1999

Answers

Get a good, solid one, and bolt it to the wall. There are second-hand bargains to be had.

That is about a specific as I can get without knowing more about your needs. What format film do you use? I personally use Durst for 35mm and 120 up to 6x6, and DeVere up to 5x4, but that is partly because they are quite cheap second-hand here in the UK.

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), November 23, 1999.

I recently got an Omega D-2V. It has a great reputation, has been around forever, and is built like a tank. After studying the situation for a few months, I think that "built like a tank" is probably an enlarger's most important feature. I've got mine on a sturdy stand and have cables running to the wall from the girder. The most important add-on component is a good lens. I got my D2VXL for $375.00 and paid almost $300.00 for the lens !

-- Craig Brown (csbrown@tastybuzz.com), November 23, 1999.

Curt, everything I've read points to an Omega D-2 as a great buy for the money. (I'm in the market for one myself and would be grateful if anyone could tell me where to find one. I've tried the usual sources to no avail.) Your budget limitations will of course dictate your choices.

I think there is another thread here with quite a few entries that might help you out, by the way. Good luck.

-- Richard Evans (evans@dbtech.net), November 23, 1999.

The D2 is a wonderful machine, but it is most definitely overkill if you only plan on using it for 35mm. Something more compact that can handle up to medium format negatives, like a Durst M600 or Beseler 23C, is a better choice, especially if you have limited space and budget.

Hey, I use an Omega D3 for everything from Minox to 4x5 negs and love it, but you really don't need something that large and tank-like if you're never going to make the jump to 4x5...

-- Michael Goldfarb (mgoldfar@mobius.com), November 25, 1999.