i have an old durst Laborator 139 black and white head. consist of gracon 240 condenser (2 pcs) gracon 200 (1 pcs) and latico 130 (1 pcs) my problem is when printing in 24x36mm negative. I can't focusing it. may be it happen because i haven't "85" condenser? if vthe answer is yes,where i can get it? or it's better to use aristo cold light? what type and lamp code that relevent tomy old durst? and can i still using below the lens multi contrast filter when using single color in cold light? thank you

-- handoko njotomuljono (morning_glory14@lycos.com), April 20, 2002

Answers

Which lens are you using?

-- Matthew Runde (actorm@hotmail.com), April 20, 2002.

Handoko,

if you can't focus your lens is most probably to short for the bellow. You will need either SEIPLA, LATUB or DITUB2 recessed lens mounts, depending on the focal length and whether your had is a 138 or a 138S (there is no 139 head - a 139 has got a 184 Stand and 138 (S) Head). You will need condensors 200/130 for 80mm and 130/85 for 50mm focal length.

Regards,

-- Thilo Schmid (tschmid@2pix.de), April 20, 2002.

Check out Mr Cad in the UK for used Durst 138 condensers. Mr Cad.

-- Erik X (xx@xx.com), April 20, 2002.

The answer about the recessed lens tube likely nails your problem. The shortest lens that enlarger can focus on a flat board is about 100mm. Another source for durst parts like this is photo-graphic systems in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Call or e-mail and explain your problem, they'll steer you in the right direction.

On the condensers---using the "wrong" condensers should not result in gross focus problems. Problems related to the condensers would be either be obvious light falloff at the edges (if the condensers don't cover the negative, and you are fine in that regard), or very subtle differences that you might not even consider problems.

Get a lens tube and see if that makes you happy before spending anything on condensers or cold lights.

--clyde

-- Clyde Rogers (xrogers@nospam.attbi.com), April 26, 2002.