pj81156 Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

I have decided to get start developing and enlarging photos again, but I parted with all my gear years ago. So, step one. An enlarger. I will be doing b&w only, 35mm only. So, I need recommendations for an enlarger. Not an “entry” unit, but a quality unit. Suggestions? I did a WTB on the Hog and got some interesting but not quite right answers. So, I am still looking. Thanks.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

I have seen some professional models at the local thrift store in the past year absent the lens. These were dirt cheap. If you can find one you can probably find a lens somewhee.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I would agree with Bigmike that the local thrift stores, Craigslist, and yard sales are your best source, because the dang things are so expensive to ship. I've seen them for a nominal price, just as long as you pick them up yourself.

Saunders-Omega, Durst, and Beseler are among the top names for BW printing. You can buy an excellent enlarging lens cheap from eBay or one of the online dealers. There may be others, but you can generally afford a top of the line model in this day and age. Just because they're so cheap, I'd go for one that's capable of 6x6 cm - there seems to be virtually no difference in price.

Andy

Gianfranco47 Loc: Senoia GA

You can buy a good enlarger for b&w , I suggest Durst 600 or 601 just for 35mm and with the apposite condenser useful for 6x6 too , pay attention to shipping expenses since the item is heavvy , usually over 30 pounds including the table o good enlarger lens like El Nikkor F2.8 or Componon . Good luck

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I would just add a couple of things. Since enlargers are now dirt cheap, consider where you may go in the future with your hobby and buy accordingly. For example, it would be worth getting an enlarger (and a negative carrier) that will handle 6x7 (medium format) in addition to 35mm. Film medium format cameras and lenses are now very inexpensive, and after you deal with the relatively small 35mm negatives (where every dust speck will be obvious on the print), you’ll appreciate the larger negative. Also, while you may never do color, a dichro head allows you to use variable contrast papers and change contrast on the fly between prints without worrying about filters. Durst, Bessler (67 or 23) or an Omega are good choices and readily available. Be sure to get an easel.

I’d love to sell you my extra Bessler Dichro 67 with carriers and lenses, but the shipping will kill us 😹.

Here’s a link you may find useful: http://www.jollinger.com/photo/enlargers/guide-to-enlargers.htm

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

This post piqued my curiosity enough that I went on CL to look at available enlargers. There were four or five across New England, ranging in price from $20 to several hundred dollars. Most were in the fifty dollar and below range. If you're patient, I thinkn you can find a cheapie of excellent quality.

Andy

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

The finest enlarger I have ever used is the Leitz Focomat. The models IIc that I had could accommodate 35mm and medium format negatives. It had a double condenser system which makes for extremely sharp renditions, a bit more accentuation of grain and dust. You need to operate fastidiously clean- an anti-static, clean air blower supply and an anti-static cloth are required accessories. The machine enables extremely high-quality enlargements. I routinely made 20x24 prints right on the baseboard. I had 2 in my black and white lab for 1975 up until 1995 when we converted to digital.

For heavier production, we used Omega and Chromega models. We had 2 4x5 condenser models with interchangeable cold-light heads. We operated 3 Chromagas in the color lab, 2 4x5s and an 8x10 with dichroic heads. The color has yielded results similar to a diffusion enlarger in color and black and white. Omegas are industry workhorses, the chassis is built like earth moving equipment- they seldom go out of alignment, are easy to load with glass or glassless negative carriers, and the lifting mechanism
operates smoothly.

Another workhorse is the Bessler 4x5- it has a motorized lift.

Durst has some nice models as well but I only had limited experience with them.

Nowadays, well-used enlargers come inexpensively on the used market. If you can find any of the above-mentiond models that have not been abused, you'll end up with a decent enlarger. Make certain it has a good quality lens. The Leitz glass is superb. An EL- Nikor is excellent and there are good issues by Rodenstock, Schneider, and Omicron.

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

Mostly I owned the Omega D2V for B/W so I am unfamiliar with other top brands. I have used others and can only say there are few things more frustrating than working with a flawed enlarger. I loved D2V's solid construction, planar stability, large, ergonomic controls, and how marks on Polycontrast filters would not appear in the print. If I did it again, I would go for a smaller model of similar design. There may be others equally good, but I would not deviate unless I had a chance to try them out. Do not skimp on the lenses. A poor lens is equally frustrating and not worth the time you put into the darkroom.

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers.htm

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

beseler 23C
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beseler-23C-II-Darkroom-Negative-Enlarger/303567861948?hash=item46ae0df8bc:g:N8oAAOSwISJevakA

BebuLamar

I have only used Beseler enlargers. All of them I have color head with them. I have used the 67, 23CII, 45 MX and CB7. I liked the CB7 best as it has both motorized column and motorized focusing and all the controls are in the base board.

warrenvon Loc: Ellicott City, MD

My last enlarger was made by Minolta Mod III and it was a perfect setup for my needs.
I. it was modular and could be changed from 35mm to 6X6 in a minute.
2. it had a color head module.
3. It was a combination of both condenser and diffusion.
4. It had a small foot print and was it self very compact.
Would I recommend it . . . ? heck yes. It was very modern and very well made.

None listed on Ebay only a few parts for it are to be found.

gmango85

The first 600's are good for straight 35mm and will handle 2 1/4. But I suggest the beseler 23c. Some great buys but watch freight charges, many have a $196 freight charge with the enlarger costing under $100. Message me as I have a first 600 with lensboards & lenses collecting dust.

User ID

Stay away from durst Minolta Leica etc. go with only beseler 2x3 or 4x5 and omega 4x5. Accessories and parts for those extreeeeemly common three are easy to get. Everything else can be a nightmare. You are now scavenger so get a big old Chevy, not an Alfa Romeo.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

For B&W, choice of light source matters a lot. In order of diminishing contrast:

Condensor (I have an Omega B-22 XL)
Dichroic Color Head (useful for dialing in variable contrast filtration) (I had an Omega C-700)
Cold Light Head (minimizes grain; essentially a fluorescent lamp assembly with diffuser)

Beyond that, the LENS is where you need to spend the most money. It's hard to go wrong with an EL-Nikkor 50mm f/2.8 — Get the Series 2 version if you can. Either version is sharp, contrasty, and has a diaphragm that is smooth to operate. Mine is sharpest at f/5.6 to f/8.

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/index.htm — good source of Omega information and parts

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Don't tell me you are still printing.