Enlarger choice

[fw1]

Hi ; for the first time I'm in a position to set up my own darkroom. I do both 4x5 and 6x17, and I have been tempted by a floorstanding Durst Laborator 138S, with 2x240 condensors, which I saw this morning and which looks clean and sturdy despite being about 40 years old ; the price was about US$1,000 equivalent.<p>

 

My questions ;<p>

 

- is this a good choice for black and white printing in the formats I use (I do not intend to get into colour), ad is the price reasonable?<p>

- the head is not kitted out with variable contrast filters, so changing variable would probably be a matter of replacing the red filter with the reqired colour as required, and swinging this under the light beam - is this realistic?<p>

- the original bulb is obsolete ; the guy selling it told me I should keep the original bulb for 6x17, and use a separate newer bulb for 4x5 - again, is this realistic?<p>

- the guy recommended to me a 180mm f/5.6 Rodagon for about $320 equivalent - is this a good choice for my formats?<p>

 

Thanks for any input.

[ellis_vener_photography]

That is an incredible price!<P>

A1.) Yes.<P>A2.) Use the yellow (low contrast grades) and

Magenta (higher contrast) filters for multi contrast control. <P>

A3.) Don't know.<P>A4.) I'd want a 210 or 240 lens for 6x17cm

but a 180 might do it. You'll have to try it to be sure.

[name_unknown55]

The 138S is a 5x7 enlarger that can be used for all formats from 35mm

to 5x7. The two 240 mm condensors are required for 5x7. For 4x5 you

would need a 240 mm and a 200mm. For 6x17 you would probably use the

pair of 240 mm condensors (which is what I use).

 

<p>

 

There should be a filter drawer on the side of the head that takes vc

filters.

 

<p>

 

The "standard" bulb for 5x7 is a 200W to 300W opal of 110mm diameter.

90 mm bulbs were recommeded for 4x5 -- but it is generally not

necessary to fine tune the light coverage so finely. The 110 mm buln

will work fine for all formats -- you just have to adjust the bulb

height and location for each set of condensors you use.

 

<p>

 

The 180 mm Rodagon is more than enough coverage for 4x5 and should

cover 6x18 format which has a diagonal of about 189 mm -- but I would

check this.

 

<p>

 

Make sure that the film carrier is in good condition -- they are very

difficult to fond and expensive. Condensors are available but also

expensive.

 

<p>

 

The Durst 138S is a great enlarger -- it it is all together and in

good condition, $1,000 sounds like a good price -- I paid considerably

more for mine.

[fw1]

Thanks for the replies ; will 2 x 240 condensors not work properly

with 4x5, and would I need to find a 200 condensor for optimum work

in that format?<p>

 

Also, the Rodagon was slightly scratched on the rear element - would

that make much difference in practice?

[name_unknown55]

2 240 mm condensors will produce an illumination circle to more than

cover a 5x7 negative -- so they will more than cover a 4x5

negative. Using a 240 mm and 200 mm condensor allows you

to concentrate the light into a smaller circle.

 

<p>

 

I doubt that a small scratch on the rear element will be noticeable in

any print -- but I would want to use the lens before purchase. Yopui

also need to use it to check out the coverage of a 6x18 negative -- it

may be close.

[cesar_barreto]

Just a couple of suggestions: 1- VC acetate filters sandwiched

between glasses fit nicely on the side slot; 2- using 240 condensers

only may print AN glass texture on borders, if lens is too short. To

avoid trouble you may use a diffusion sheet above condenser house,

what can also help with light distribution with small bulbs.

By the way, it's a great machine!

 

<p>

 

Cesar B.