I want to set up a temp darkroom in my bathroom and right now I'm looking for a used enlarger, but, since I'm a beginner and don't know what I'm doing I'm not sure of what to look for in an enlarger and in anything else I'll need to develop. Can someone give me some advice or at least some good resources?

-- Brandi Morris (punky7882@msn.com), December 20, 2001

Answers

An Omega 760XL is a great enlarger that will print up to 16x20. Not to heavy either. It will also print up to 6x7 negs once you are well intrenched into photography! Cheers

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), December 20, 2001.

I second Scott's recommmendation of the 760 XL, although I won't put it in the lightweight category. Heavy is a good thing for enlargers. I've had one for about 4 years and love it!

-- Gene Crumpler (hassieguy@att.net), December 20, 2001.

I also suggest you look at the Omega B-22. It will accomodate up to 6x6 negs and IMHO is a little sturdier than the newer Omega C760. For Omega enlargers try Harry Taylor at www.classic_enlargers.com. Lots of parts and accessories are available from him.

-- Robert Orofino (minotaur1949@iopener.net), December 21, 2001.

If you explain exactly what kind of camera and film you use now (and are likely to use in the future), and what kind of photographs you are trying to create (fine art, photojournalism, portraits, just for fun, etc.), what size prints you want to make, what your budget is, and any other information that could possibly be relevant, then you will get a lot of good suggestions.

It is not likely you can provide too much information, and sadly, most people do not provide enough information to get good answers. Also, there are usually photographers who are willing to help you in the area you live, if you can somehow find them via a club, community college class, etc.

-- Michael Feldman (mfeldman@qwest.net), December 21, 2001.

Enlarger selection is important, but make sure adjustable parts move smoothly and fixed parts do not move at all. Precise alignment, even illumination, good negative carrier and lens are basically what you need, not the specific model. However, pay enough attention so that you can buy necessary parts (especially neg carrier and lens board) when you need later.

What I think also important is to make your temp darkroom accessible and easy to use. Otherwise you won't use it after polishing the enlarger.

Mine is nothing special, but I have a very compact setup that takes about the same space as a refrigerator (excluding washing area which is a bath tub). You can see it at it HERE. That slot processor wasn't cheap as a chunk of plastic but saves a lot of space and effort.

-- Ryuji Suzuki (rsuzuki@rs.cncdsl.com), January 05, 2002.