Good enlarger that holds 35 and 6x7 ?

[joeswe]

Originally Posted by Soeren

Ill second Roger Hicks suggestion on the Magnifax enlargers especially if one is readily available. The Magnifax is Meoptas largest enlarger, The Opemus goes to 6X6 and the Axomat is 24X36 only.
Best regards

Another vote here for the Meopta Magnifax 4 or 4a! It should not be too difficult to find in Europe. I would stay away from the older models because of the parts situation (they are mostly not interchangeable with the M4/4a, IIRC). But the 4/4a are really nice enlargers that will go up to 6x9 and are available relatively cheap now. For printing multigrade, its advisable to have the color head #3 besides the condensor head, also available cheaply. The color head #4 is newer, but not necessarily better (in fact it has some disadvantages compared to the #3). Get a good lens (Schneider, Nikon or Rodenstock 6 element), they are cheap nowadays.
Fotoimpex in Germany an Nova darkroom in the UK stil have parts for the Magnifax 4/4a available. One notable exception is the 6x9 light box for the color head which is a bit scarce and no longer available new. It was sold out in Germany and I was able to secure the very last one from Nova in the UK. But since you do only 35 and 6x7 you should be fine, the smaller light boxes are still available new.
John

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted by 135format

... durst L1200 which is great for bigger negs but bigger than you need and really a bit too big for 35mm.

How is it too big for 35mm? I use mine for printing 35mm, medium format and the occasional 4x5. Very solid and stable, and the focus adjusts very smoothly and accurately.

[135format]

Originally Posted by ChrisN

How is it too big for 35mm? I use mine for printing 35mm, medium format and the occasional 4x5. Very solid and stable, and the focus adjusts very smoothly and accurately.

The neg holder is so big it can be difficult to adjust the position of a 35mm neg strip whilst its in the enlarger, especially if your neg strip is less than 6 negs long. Apart from that its fine for 35mm. It's only a minor consideration.
I would add that if you have no intention of doing 6x9 or 4x5 then really an L1200 is too big and so much heavier than something like a Modular 70 or an M670 that unless you have the space and a very strong bench to put it on I wouldn't consider it. But on the other hand, if you think you may want to do some 4x5 in the future then go for it.

[sircarl]

I have a Magnifax 4 with the VC Meograde head, and I'm very happy with it. Dial-in filtration is easy, and the light output can be reduced through a separate control wheel -- permitting longer exposure times and the use of larger, more optimal lens apertures. The double-glass negative carrier keeps negs flat. The whole thing is solidly constructed and works very smoothly. Meopta's top-of-the-line Meogon lenses are superb too. Only (small) problem is that the head leaks some light, but with a home-made strap and some velcro fasteners it is easy to block it.

[Fotohuis]

Opemus goes to 6X6

For a short production period there even was an Opemus 7 (6x7cm). But in the Meopta range the Magnifax 4A was the best (till 6x9cm).
Their Meogon lenses are good. I even have the Meogon 2,8/80mm. But in preformance a little less then my Rodenstock Rodagon 4,0/80mm.

Indeed good other suggestions apart from Dunco II and Kienzle; M70, M670, M805, Kaiser 7xxx serie.

A Laborator L1200 is a bit overdone. And almost impossible to ship from Germany, Holland to Croatia. Maybe check out Czech Republic or Slovakia too for a good Meopta. I have worked with Meopta (6x6cm) for a very long time, then Dunco II 67 and I am aware about the L1200 from Durst.

[fidget]

I had a Durst M670C (colour head) gifted to me (no longer used, but still got it). It was good for up to 6x7, aside from trying to print onto 16x12 paper and bigger, when I had problems with the column getting in the way.
I bought a Magnifax 4a and later replaced the colour head for a Meograde head. Good equipment, sadly underused........

Dave

[---f]

anyone have any feedback on the Federal 450?

[PMCC]

Originally Posted by cary

Can't go wrong with an Omega D2 series, great build quality, strong, a lot were made and parts are easy to find.

+1. A tank. Also easier to keep aligned than Beseler 23C. But probably too thin on the ground in Croatia.