What enlarger to buy?

[pedro.m.reis]

Hi.
Since im moving to a new home that has room for a darkroom, i need an enlarger.
The problem is, i dont know what i need, what to look for.....
All i know is i want o start printing my own photos, and my budget for the enlarger goes up to €200...
Need some advice on brands, types of lamps, etc. Or a good website(link) that i can go :)

Thanks

[terrafirmanada]

Are you going to be doing colour or just black and white? My focomat 1C is great, but I only print black and white. It is simple, built like a tank, is fun to use and was only $100 usd.

[pedro.m.reis]

Color? I think not... dunno :)
Is anyone making color prints at home??

[ruben]

Even more than with a camera, or at least as with a camera, the issue is not the enlarger but the lens you put in.

Cheers,
Ruiben

[venchka]

I have owned and used two: Omega D2 condenser (any format up to 4x5) and a Beseler 23CII (up to 2 1/4x3 1/4 format). Both did a very good job with graded papers.

YES! The lens is everything.

There are diffusion light source enlargers out there too. I have no experience with them. Nor do I have any experience with variable contrast paper. Either of those variables might affect your choice of enlarger.

Good luck!

[Pablito]

The lens is not everything. There is a big difference between a difussion and condenser system, you should read about this. Condenser or diffusion is a matter of personal choice but they will produce different looking prints. For the price you cite you'll probably be looking at condenser enlargers, but consider the Saunders, a diffusion enlarger which you can get with a variable contrast head. I preer the Schneider enlarging lenses. Good luck!

[markinlondon]

Leitz, Meopta, Durst, you name it. Lenses to choose from are EL-Nikkor, Rodenstock Rodagon, Schneider, Meopta Meogon. Avoid the slower lenses, they tend to have four elements and are soft in the corners., go for f2.8 versions (except longer lenses designed for MF negatives). Fortunately, the lens that cost ¢300 new two years ago now costs ¢30 from eBay or any real photographic dealer.
On the whole go for a enlarger that is sturdily built and can be aligned accurately. A condenser head will need a set of multigrade filters while a "colour" enlarger can be used with multigrade papers by dialing in the magenta and yellow filters.
I have a Meopta Opemus 6 with a multigrade head. It cost about 1/5 of its list price used.

[pedro.m.reis]

do all the enlarger lens fits on all enlargers? There is only 1 mount?

[mikeh]

Just watch out for missing neg carriers.....tough to replace on a lot of models.

[drewbarb]

Pablito is right- the condensor vs. diffusion enlarger issue is a big difference- read up on it. I know this will start a fight which I'm not interested in getting into, but most of the best printers in the world prefer cold-light or other diffusion heads over condensors. I'm firmly in this camp. But by far the most important point is to get one which is in good physical shape. The most important point is that the film plane, the lens plane, and the paper/easel surface are all perfectly parallel. You'll almost never get good prints with any enlarger no matter how good or bad if it's out of alignment.

Other than that, yes, spend money on good lenses- this doesn't have to be expensive. The best lens made for 35mm printing costs less than $400 new, which is a lot less than many shooting lenses. Kerry Thalman of View Camera Magazine has done a lot of testing over the years in regards to enlarging lenses, and his advice is to look for the classic 6 element/4 group lenses which have been most popular over the last 50 years or so. They are plentiful and cheap.

The last thing I would suggest is to get the largest enlarger you can. This will allow you to move up in formats later if you like, and also make large prints. You can still make small 5x7 and 8x10's from 35mm, no problem. Size and mass also contribute to stability, and this will help, too. Good luck getting wet!

[markinlondon]

do all the enlarger lens fits on all enlargers? There is only 1 mount?

By and large, yes! Most enlarger lenses are 39mm screw mount except some very old ones. Meopta do an adapter for older 23mm enlarger lenses, but really they're not worth the effort.

[pedro.m.reis]

dammm, why didnt they do the same with cameras :confused::confused:

By and large, yes! Most enlarger lenses are 39mm screw mount except some very old ones. Meopta do an adapter for older 23mm enlarger lenses, but really they're not worth the effort.

[pedro.m.reis]

Another (stupid) question: why do we need diferent focal distante lenses on an enlarger?
Diferent enlargements need diferent lenses? is not only push up and down the thing?
:angel::angel:

[Fred]

Color? I think not... dunno :)
Is anyone making color prints at home??

Err...., yes I do but not that ofen these days. A well printed home colour enlargement takes some beating. It just costs. It's cheaper these days to scan, and print via PC.

[Fred]

Another (stupid) question: why do we need diferent focal distante lenses on an enlarger?
Diferent enlargements need diferent lenses? is not only push up and down the thing?
:angel::angel:

Different focal lengths are usually for different film formats, i.e 50mm for 35mm, 80mm for medium format 6 x 6. Hope this helps. This does not reflect on the enlargment size paper wise.

[pedro.m.reis]

haaaaaaaaa!
So if i only need print 35mm film, i only need a 50mm lens!
Whats the 3/5 best 50mm enlarger lens made?


Different focal lengths are usually for different film formats, i.e 50mm for 35mm, 80mm for medium format 6 x 6. Hope this helps. This does not reflect on the enlargment size paper wise.

[drewbarb]

haaaaaaaaa!
So if i only need print 35mm film, i only need a 50mm lens!
Whats the 3/5 best 50mm enlarger lens made?

Nominally, the best enlarging lens made for 35mm is the 50mm Rodenstock APO Rodagon. It has the highest resolving power available. But the Schneider competitor for this lens is probably just as good.

You might want a different focal length to print from a given format to different sizes, though. I frequently use my 105 lens (normally for meduim format enlarging) to make small 4x7 work prints, for instance, since I can't get that small with the 50mm lens.

[ChrisPlatt]

Condensor enlargers are fine for most home darkrooms.
Buy a model that you can still find parts and accessories for.
Don't skimp on the lens(es) - buy the best you can afford.

Chris

[ruben]

The lens is not everything................. I preer the Schneider enlarging lenses. Good luck!

If the choice is between a good lens such as a Nikkor and a very good lens, better than the Nikkor, then and only then "the lens is not everything".

But if you happen to purchase a lens below the Nikkor quality, such as the "Schneider Kreusznach Componar S 4.5/80" (Schneider manufactures lenses of different types, some are among the worst and some are among the best - so if it is a Schneider, new from the store, price may tell) - then you will waist years and years of mis-educating your eye at the darkroom, with all the expense attached. Specially consider paper expense.

Sorry, no compromise here. Within the above clarified parameters, a decvent lens is the first issue to consider. When enlarging you are E N L A R G I N G the image. If your lens is unsharp and lacks minimum contrast, then you will be multiplicating unsharpness and softness.

Pedro, I dont know your budget, nor the surrounding possibilities you will have to use it. Given that you are not poor, and a decent lens is granted within your budget, then you can deal with a decent enlarger too, and the Saunders color one, with its fine focusing arm, is a pleasure I enjoy.

On the other hand, if you happen to be streched budget like I was when I started, these days and for several years already, people are selling darkroom used gear at very low prices, and on some occasions giving it for free. If you are within a stretched budget, the lens is the issue.

Cheers,
Ruben

[pedro.m.reis]

Thanks everyone for the nice advices.
In a few weeks i'll start looking for the anlarger and lens, just after i've light sealed the corner in the garage :).

Thanks

[LazyHammock]

Pedro,
I would echo that the Omega D2 and Beseler 23C enlargers are good choices. Both are sturdy and reliable and it is very easy to find spares, lensboards, carriers etc. The D2 also gives you the advantage of enlarging up to 4x5. I have been using Schneider Componon enlarging lenses and have been very happy (I print up to 16x20).
Good luck,
Nick

[Tim Gray]

A lot of times you can get the enlarger for very cheap or free. I would also consider getting a color enlarger for B&W work. The filters are nice for VC paper.

If you look on ebay, a lot of new Nikkor 50mm/2.8N enlarging lenses come up. I got mine with a Buy it now for about $60 - I could have gotten one for cheaper if I had have waited longer, but the extra $20-30 spent saved a lot of hassle...

[crawdiddy]

Pedro,
I would echo that the Omega D2 and Beseler 23C enlargers are good choices. Both are sturdy and reliable and it is very easy to find spares, lensboards, carriers etc. The D2 also gives you the advantage of enlarging up to 4x5. I have been using Schneider Componon enlarging lenses and have been very happy (I print up to 16x20).
Good luck,
Nick

I thought the Beseler 23c II was also capable of printing from a 4x5 inch negative?

[sevo]

I thought the Beseler 23c II was also capable of printing from a 4x5 inch negative?

That would be the 45C, IIRC. If you have the space and manage to get hold of a enlarger with condensors/diffusors and film holders for smaller formats (if components like these are missing, a seeming bargain can turn quite expensive) buying a large format enlarger is a smart idea - these are invariably high quality professional tools and currently they cost next to nothing, their devaluation in the digital boom makes them a much better bargain than small format enlargers.

Sevo

[kipkeston]

The 23cII is a 6x9 enlarger and built like a tank. The omegas are good too. Buy whatever you can find in good condition locally.

[pakeha]

Hi Pedro, being in Europe you may find that the Meopta enlargers are in plentiful supply, they are very solid and well made. Axomat or Opemus perhaps. You will get an adjustable 35/120 neg carrier and parts ,if for some reason you need them are available. There is also a colour head for these. I use an Opemus 6 with nikkor lens, 50mm/80mm, you will have euros left from your budget for a rodenstock lens.
regards
CW

[parsec1]

If your wallet will allow it buy any Leitz enlarger. In my experience all the National Newspapers used them when they had 'wet darkrooms' and for good reason.

[Roma]

I prefer a condenser. It makes punchy prints without as much filtration as a diffuser requires. Omega D2 is a great one and it's easy to file the negative holders if you want to print full-frame.
It's easy to change filters on a D2 as well.
An El-Nikkor lens is a very, very good one and can be found for around US $100.

I also have a nice Focomat V35, but it's not easy to find and you can only do 35mm film.

Best wishes and it's nice to hear someone's looking for an enlarger!

[ChrisN]

The OP started this thread in 2007. I suspect he either has an enlarger by now or has given up on the idea. Are you still out there Pedro?

[Steve M.]

I had a Beseler 45 that turned out to be just too big for my needs. Are you shooting 35mm and 6x6? A Durst 606 is a good enlarger. I bought mine for $70 shipped, but decided to upgrade the lens(es). Here's where things get tricky. An El Nikkor 50mm for 35mm printing was $50, but then it wouldn't fit the lens board that came w/ the enlarger. That cost me another $35, shipped, for the lens board. I wanted to use the Componon S 80 f4 lens from the Beseler ($160), but needed a different lens board for that. Another $35 shipped. So already my $70 enlarger has cost me $350. It didn't have to, I could have printed w/ the 75mm Componar that came w/ it, but why shoot Leica glass and use anything but good glass on the enlarger?

Whatever you decide to get, make sure you get a complete enlarger w/ negative carriers and lens boards, or at least understand what these things are going to cost individually before you buy. I love the Durst. It's small and light, yet extremely well designed, and it will print up to 16x16 w/ the present setup. But it won't print 6x7 or 6x9, so I knew that going in. As far as the different types of light sources, I wouldn't worry about that. A properly aligned enlarger w/ good lenses and a good negative will give you good prints regardless of the light source.

Oh, and congratulations on going to darkroom printing. I think you'll be thrilled w/ the results.

[crawdiddy]

The OP started this thread in 2007. I suspect he either has an enlarger by now or has given up on the idea. Are you still out there Pedro?

I suspect you're right, Chris. I found the thread when I began thinking of enlarger upgrades.

[crawdiddy]

I had a Beseler 45 that turned out to be just too big for my needs. Are you shooting 35mm and 6x6? A Durst 606 is a good enlarger. I bought mine for $70 shipped, but decided to upgrade the lens(es). Here's where things get tricky. An El Nikkor 50mm for 35mm printing was $50, but then it wouldn't fit the lens board that came w/ the enlarger. That cost me another $35, shipped, for the lens board. I wanted to use the Componon S 80 f4 lens from the Beseler ($160), but needed a different lens board for that. Another $35 shipped. So already my $70 enlarger has cost me $350. It didn't have to, I could have printed w/ the 75mm Componar that came w/ it, but why shoot Leica glass and use anything but good glass on the enlarger?

Whatever you decide to get, make sure you get a complete enlarger w/ negative carriers and lens boards, or at least understand what these things are going to cost individually before you buy. I love the Durst. It's small and light, yet extremely well designed, and it will print up to 16x16 w/ the present setup. But it won't print 6x7 or 6x9, so I knew that going in. As far as the different types of light sources, I wouldn't worry about that. A properly aligned enlarger w/ good lenses and a good negative will give you good prints regardless of the light source.

Oh, and congratulations on going to darkroom printing. I think you'll be thrilled w/ the results.

I don't have any 4x5 negatives, but I did acquire a Kodak Medalist a while back, which produces 6x9 cm negatives. I think that may be too large for the small to medium format enlargers. I currently have a Beseler Printmaker 35, and I don't believe it can handle it.

Btw, the Medalist produces huge, beautiful negs, and it's driving me crazy that I can't print them. But even the contact prints look huge.

[mh2000]

el-nikkor 50/4 is quite good budget priced, the 50/2.8 might be a touch nicer in the corners, but not much.

People are throwing away enlargers... if you are lucky, it will be free.

I have a classic Omega B-22, I really like it. I use the nikkor 50/4.

haaaaaaaaa!
So if i only need print 35mm film, i only need a 50mm lens!
Whats the 3/5 best 50mm enlarger lens made?

[mh2000]

el-nikkor 50/4 is quite good budget priced, the 50/2.8 might be a touch nicer in the corners, but not much.

People are throwing away enlargers... if you are lucky, it will be free.

I have a classic Omega B-22, I really like it. I use the nikkor 50/4.

haaaaaaaaa!
So if i only need print 35mm film, i only need a 50mm lens!
Whats the 3/5 best 50mm enlarger lens made?