I have the opportunity to buy a large format package,camera, lenses and enlarger, at the right price. The only problem is that I don't know much about the enlarger. From the vendors description I believe that it is an MPP Microtech. He describes it as "A substantial wall mounted enlarger with a cold cathode head". Does anyone out there know anything about these enlargers (I suspect it will be over 30 years old). I am particularly interested in whether I can replace the tube when it fails, also whether I can fit any other light sources to it.

-- Adrian Twiss (avtwiss@ukonline.co.uk), March 21, 2001

Answers

I used one of these when I was at college 30 years ago, and it wasn't new then. MPP went out of business around the same period of time, so the tube might well be on its last legs, unless someone had the foresight to buy in a couple of spares.
It's a well made enlarger, but spare parts are now like the proverbial hens teeth. A condenser head was available for it, at least for formats up to 6x9cm.
Check it out. If the tube's still bright, and the coating's not falling off it, it may last another 30 years.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), March 22, 2001.

You might want to contact the people at Aristo. They are great people and will help out alot! http://www.aristogrid.com/

-- Scott Walton (f64sw@hotmail.com), March 22, 2001.

I have and still use the MPP cold light enlarger, no problem with the lamp just call on your local neon sign maker take the lamp with you and explain what you need, he will be able to retube the housing with whatever spectrum you need, ie VC or graded, cost for my last retube (when I broke it) was £70 The head will fit other enlargers but it is a good idea to remove the transformer from the housing by building a remote housing make sure you follow the electrical regs as high voltage is involved. removing the transformer reduces the weight considerably, I use the head on the MPP chassis and a devere chassis.

-- Ken Nolan (kencam@mac.com), March 25, 2001.