I am in the process of setting up a first darkroom in my laundry room. I have ventilation, water, and a socket for my safelight. What equipment is needed? Specifically, the enlarger. I want the capability to make up to 11x14 prints, and I know that the quaility of enlargers varies significantly. Used is okay, but I don't know where to find one or what brand is even acceptable. I am looking for middle of the road with a good service record. What comes standard with an enlarger? Do the negative holders, timer, etc.? Any suggestions of where to locate new and used equipment is much appreciated.

-- Karee Valek (kjvalek@home.com), September 12, 2000

Answers

Visit local camera stores in your area and examine enlargers. Beseler, Omega, and Durst are widely used enlargers available in several models new and on the used market. Also look at the web sites of B&H and Calumet, who sell all sorts of photo gear (there are many other sites, too). Enlargers are fairly simple and last a long time, so service isn't really an issue. An enlarger may come with one or two negative carriers (for 35mm and 6x6cm, maybe) and a lens. A timer is not standard equipment and will probably have to be picked up separately. I've used a Beseler 23C enlarger for many years with good results. I have a 50mm and a 75mm lens for 35mm and 6x6cm negatives respectively. You might be wise to join a camera club that has a darkroom, if one is available to you, and do some printing to see how enlargers work. First-hand experience is a big help in deciding how to equip a darkroom.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), September 12, 2000.

Also check local flea markets/tag sales and Penny Saver type newspapers. You can find enlargers (along with everything else needed to start your darkroom very cheap).

I would stick with the more common enlargers (Omega, Beseler, Durst) since parts and accessories are more available. I know of no enlarger that will not do 11x14. The big thing is format, I would get at least a medium format capable enlarger, even if you only shoot 35mm. Who knows, you might find a nice TLR at the same flea market. :)

Also, even though you are doing B&W, pick up a color enlarger. Not much more money, but infinite contrast adjustments with VC paper, and you may want to do color one day.

The BIG thing is the enlarger lens. Stay away from the lenses branded by the enlarger maker (Omegar, Beslar, etc). They are not very good. El Nikkor is about the best from a price performance standpoint. They are VERY good, and fairly inexpensive.

-- Terry Carraway (TCarraway@compuserve.com), September 13, 2000.

I agree with Terry. I did exactly that. Got me a color enlarger, to have a diffusion enlarger and a dichroic head for VC papers. The enlarger lens is indeed the most important part. Other than the El-Nikkors consider for enlarging lens a Schneider Componon-S 50mm (this is the one I use) or a Rodenstock Rodagon 50mm.

-- Marc Leest (valdez68@hotmail.com), September 13, 2000.