Old Enlargement equipment and lights from 1950's to 1960's

Where could I find out what they are worth...or whether

to just donate to a school...?<div></div>

Also, lights...<div></div>

<p>Both of those are potentially usable but essentially worthless.<br /><br />The enlarger is a no-name amateur unit. It appears to have a lens. Not clear if the metal case is the base that the metal column would attach to. If it is, you could probably still use it. But there are many better units available, professional equipment that originally cost hundreds of dollars that is now available for pennies on the dollar.<br /><br />The lighting unit is a four-light light bar of the type that was typically used on home movie cameras. The bulbs are photoflood reflector bulbs. Probably around 300 watts each. Very bright but also very harsh with no diffusion. If the bulbs are still good, you could use it. Photoflood reflector bulbs were sometimes used in individual sockets, either on light stands or with clamps, for both movie and still photography. But the multi light bars like this were rarely used for stills.<br /><br />I doubt either of these would be of interest to a school today because better and more appropriate equipment is easily available at little cost.</p>

<p>Although the day when schools. labs, and so on would actually pay you to take away their darkroom equipment is now pretty well past, there is really no market for anything except the most elite and expensive dark room gear.<br>

You might put it up for free (with pickup) on a home town listing sort of board.</p>

<p>Actually, I have two of those Federal enlargers, a condenser model and a diffuser. They are great enlargers. Mine will take negs up to 6x9, and the enlargements are tack sharp. Unfortunately (but fortunately for me), many people like Craig think they're no good, so you can usually pick them up for a song. They're impossible to get out of alignment unless they're bent, and my 16x20 fiber prints look just as nice from the Federals as they did from my Durst. Enlargers are all about the lenses. If it's straight and has a good lens, it doesn't matter how much it costs, it will make beautiful photos. But no, it isn't going to make you much money, so donate it to someone that will use it.</p>

<p>Here, just for fun, is an ad for Federal enlargers from October, 1940, in <em>Popular Photography.</em></p><div></div>