Best Enlarger for Polaroid 665 P/N

[rob_weisel]

Please Help!

 

I am a serious amature who has finally decided to build my first

darkroom (just bought my own house!). I have spent the last 2 weeks

researching enlargers and checking used prices on Ebay, so I have a

fair idea of what is out there. I will be developing primaraly

Polaroid 665 P/N negatives that I shoot with my converted 110a or

other packfilm cameras. I assume I need an enlarger capable of 4x5

negatives. The Durst II and Durst 2 series appear that they will do

the job, but the prices seem kind of high. Am I stuck in the $400-

$600 range for a 4x5 capable enlarger? I realize that you get what

you pay for, and know that these are great enlargers, but it seems a

little expensive for my already overpriced hobby. Any advice?

 

Thanks,

Rob

[rob_weisel]

Oops...I meant to refer to the Omega D2 or DII, not a Durst. Can you tell that I've spent to much time trying to figure all of this stuff out!

 

Rob

[j. rivera]

Yes, don't buy on ebay! Ron Lun (http://members.home.net/rlun) can set you up for a lot less. Ebay is a great place to sell but buying there requires patientence and great care. Look to the established dealers for a better price and a warrenty.

[patrick_drennon]

In my experience, Jeff is dead on correct. In answer to your other

question, yes, a good 4X5 enlaeger in good to excellent condition that

costs $2000+ new can be had for $400-$600 but not much less. Most of

the equipment cheaper than that is either impossible to allign (kiss

of death for an enlarger) or limited to 120 formats. My recommendation

would be to wait and find a DV-XL instead of a DII, you'll quickly

appreciate the longer column and the used, good condition prices

aren't drastically higher. Don't be surprised if your lens cost makes

your eyes bug out a little too. Good luck and have fun

[barry schmetter]

Maybe there's two eBays, because the one I use has very reasonable prices on darkroom equipment that are much better than *any* dealer I've found. I see D2 kits selling all the time in the $200-400 range. For comparison, Rod Lun wants $595 for for a D2V with one carrier and one lens cone.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1237584208

 

The URL above shows an example of a D2 w/ Zone VI cold light head, voltage stabilizer, multiple neg carriers and lensboards, 100mm lens and timer. This was sold about a week ago on eBay.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1236140495

 

Here's a D2V with lens and carrier that sold for $315, also about a week ago, and I've seem many D2V's sell in the $200 range.

 

It just takes a little effort and patience to find what you want.

[j. rivera]

Barry,

 

I agree, if you are careful, you can get good deal. However, I've sold stuff for a lot more than I paid new or used for it on Ebay. Buyer beware!

[barry schmetter]

Jeff,

 

Absolutely, it's not lost on me that at the bottom of every eBay listing, it says "Caveat Emptor". However, as with Middle Eastern markets, airline tickets, and cars; some get deals and some get hosed.