Oh happy day!/A question about filters

Matthew Allen · 08-23-2008

I got a call from my parents in Luxembourg today to say that they'd found me a Durst M305 in a bin at the recycling centre. I was well pleased as I've been looking for an enlarger for a little while now and I can't wait to try my hand at printing.

Now the question: the Durst has a b/w head but it didn't come with any contrast control filters. Are these difficult to get? Are they manufacturer specific? Obviously I can use fixed grade (is that the right term?) paper for the time being but I would like to be able to use Multigrade if possible.

Also, the M305 came with a Schneider Kreuznach lens. Is this likely to be good? I've heard the name often enough but I've no idea what their enlarger lenses were like.

Thanks,
Matthew

bsdunek · 08-23-2008

Here in the U.S.A. printing filters are available from Freestyle. http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_pro...t_id=&pid=1792
I would think there would be a place to find them in your country.
As for Schneider Kreuznach lenses, they are some of the finest. The top of the line is Componon, and the Componar is a lower cost. I have both for my Durst 606, a 50mm Componon for 35mm and a 75mm Componar for 6X6. Both are sharp for 16X20 enlargements.
My Rollei has a 75mm Schneider Xenar which, while it may not be as good as the Zeiss version, again makes 16X20 prints with no problem.
Hope you enjoy your 'new' enlarger!

Matthew Allen · 08-24-2008

Thanks Bruce. You're quite right, there are a few places selling the filters - I just needed to search with the right terms.

Cheers,
Matthew

titrisol · 08-25-2008

should not be hard to get those, from either Ilford, Foma or any other brand.
Fotohuis in netehrlands or FotoImpex in Germany, should have them.
In the UK there's a few merchants that should have them

Matthew Allen · 08-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by titrisol

should not be hard to get those, from either Ilford, Foma or any other brand.
Fotohuis in netehrlands or FotoImpex in Germany, should have them.
In the UK there's a few merchants that should have them

Yes - Silverprint and Firstcall both have them in the UK. You can get cheaper Jessops ones or pricier Ilford ones.

Matthew