I am looking at the above mentioned enlarger and am interested in what the group has to say. Does anyone have any experience, or information with this enlarger? (good or bad input wanted.) It comes with some kind of timer/ power thing, and three lenses. It appears to be in pretty good shape. What sort of price range should I expect to pay? Is there anything I should be wary of? Thanks to the group, d

-- d.seegers (deesee@pinn.net), March 02, 2002

Answers

I have this kind of enlarger. It is great, and has been a work horse for many printers.

Things to be aware of: There are two mixing boxes, one for medium format and 35 mm and one for 4x5. If it only has one, it should be the 4x5 as it can be used for printing all formats. The medium format mixing chamber cuts down exposure time, but I have found myself using the 4x5 box in order to lengthen exposures a bit (when printing 8x10, I often want exposures of at least 15 seconds at a fairly open aperature).

You can use the dial in filtration for contrast control, or the standard 5x5 filters fit in the slot on the bottom of the mixing chamber. You can also dial in neutral density to increase exposure time by adding equal amounts of Y and M (I think about 30 each for one stop difference).

The power supply with the timer incorporated is the top of the line. However, the drawback is that you can't use another timer with it. (I have never tried to attach a different timer, but have been told by an expert with Omega enlargers that this is the case). Also, there is no LED display, so you can't see seconds count down. Makes for some inconvenience with dodging and burning. A foot pedal that controls the timer is a wonderful accessory if it comes with one.

This is one big, heavy piece of equipment. You need to make sure the baseboard is stable and secure or it may rock a little. Also, you need to make sure it is aligned properly. Classic Enlargers has a kit with simple instructions for about $50 or so for doing this.

You say it has three lenses. I am also assuming it has a three lens turret. This is great as you can mount different format lenses and change them with out having to remove the lens board.

Look to see if the gaskets between the head and the negative stage are in good condition. They can be repaired or replaced, but it is nice if they are in good shape or you could have a problem with light leaks.

For price, there is a pretty big range. On eBay, I have seen these types of units, with a three lens turret and lenses, power supply, three negative carriers, baseboard, and both mixing boxes go for anywhere from $500 to $1,400. I bought mine for $520 in excellent shape and felt like I stole it. I would have happily paid twice that much and thought I was getting a good deal.

Hope this helps. Some of the best printers have used this enlarger. Parts and accessories are easy to find, either on eBay or certain camera shops.

-- Jim Rock (jameswrock@aol.com), March 02, 2002.

I think that Jim's response is right on the money. I use the same setup and think very highly of it. Price will probably depend largely on what goodies come with the package. I paid $900 for mine which included two Rodenstock Apo lenses in perfect condition, several carriers and other darkroom goodies. After printing with a condenser for several years, I much prefer the diffused dichro head and the ease of dialing in filtration.

-- Arden Howell (Serenisea@aol.com), March 02, 2002.

thanks for the info guys. d.

-- d.seegers (deesee@pinn.net), March 03, 2002.