randymoe

Well I found my 8x10 camera this way.

Now I am looking for a 8x10 enlarger.

All types and models considered.

Age is not a problem.

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

Well, I'd recommend going digital:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/426128-REG/Epson_B11B178061_Perfection_V750_M_Pro_Scanner.html

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738110-REG/Epson_SP9890K3_Stylus_Pro_9890_Wide.html

It should satisfy your need for working large.

Just a thought,

Richard Brown

randymoe

Thanks Richard.

I have a Epson V700 which does 8x10.

I have a Canon Pixma Pro 1 printer which makes very nice B&W prints on http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/659556-REG/Canson_Infinity_00002273_2273_Baryta_Photographique_Inkjet.html

My D800 produces large files for digital printing and any bigger than 13X19 I use a lab.

I simply want to experiment with 8x10 enlargers. I got a great deal on a pile of Ilford MG Matte 20x24.

I like a lot of black in my images and I think wet printing may be cheaper than digital.

The only wet work item I am missing is an 8x10 enlarger.

Thanks again!

Eugene G Campbell

I would recommend just make contact prints like E.Weston did with a 60 watt light bulb or use a flatbed scanner and make digital files. I've scanned some of my 8x10 Velvia transparencies on a Epson 2450 flatbed film scanner (had to do in 3 sections and stitch because scanner will only accomidate 4x10 strips of film) but without spending a fortune on equipment this seems to render adequately detailed images. I've got a like new Saunders 4x5 LPL Dichro enlarger collecting dust very reasonably priced, but can't afford to ship, which would work well for contact printing color 8x10s. Well, this may sound ammaturish at your level but just thought I'd add some ideas. Thanks for reading and good luck finding the Monster Truck of enlargers.

randymoe

Hi Eugene,

Thanks for your reply.

I do make 8x10 contact prints. They come out very nice. I also use an Omega DII VC for 4x5.

As you may have noticed I am pretty well equipped.

I am setting up a community use darkroom for my (duh) community.

I have 4 enlargers now.

Leitz Focamat V35
Omega 22
2 x Omega DII VC

I have plenty of all other darkroom equipment.

The idea is to promote film photography and old process.

I am retired and happen to like teaching and photography.

I want a 5x7 and a 8x10 to fill in the gaps.

The 5x7 since I have a lot of old 5x7 film. I have a line on a 5x7 enlarger.

The 8x10 because it is a printing challenge.

Thanks for your advice!

Eugene G Campbell

Good Luck to you and I hope you have lots of interested students who want to learn the rewards of working with film photography. I enjoyed it for over 20 years but since printing material has become so expensive and I'm retired also (on SS), I found the digital system is more affordable and easier to correct for errors made in exposure to bring out detail I'm able to salvage images that would take hours in the darkroom trying to make an acceptable print. Looking forward to seeing your posts, Gene C.

randymoe

Thanks Gene,

Since so few people have a working darkroom these days, I have many people wanting to use mine.

Where I live there are artists and photographers who cannot afford college level photography classes.

Materials are expensive, but art is always expensive.

Thanks for your interest.

randymoe

Well. Now I have done it. Last night eBay did me in. I found the 8x10 enlarger of my dreams. It is not complete, they sold off the good parts, but the chassis is all there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320907455477?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_4532wt_1194

This thing is 8 feet tall and the legs are filled with concrete. I go get it next week.