Photo lab enlarger

canned · 2004-08-19T12:12:35+00:00

Hallo, Welches sind die notwendigen/zusätzlichen Bestandteile eines Fotolabor Vergrößerers? Woran kann ich Qualitätsmerkmale erkennen? Bin Einsteiger und m...

canned

Hello, What are the essential/additional components of a photo lab enlarger? How can I identify signs of quality? I’m a beginner and would like to be able to produce prints up to around 40x60 cm myself. Best regards & thanks for any tips, Canned

Urnes

Hi Canned, I think the first thing you need to decide is what you want to print. Colour or black and white? And what film format you use or might want to use – 35mm, medium format or large format. If you want to make prints up to 40x60 cm, that narrows down the choice quite a bit, as you’ll need a fairly long column to which the enlarger head is attached. Then, of course, you should also decide whether you want a new or a second-hand one. Generally speaking, an enlarger consists of an enlarger head that is mounted on a movable column, from which the negative is projected onto the screen. Regards, Sven.

canned

Thank you for your reply. I plan to work with 35mm and medium format film, in colour and black and white, up to 6x6. What parts does the enlarger consist of? The head, the lens... Best regards and thanks! Canned

cfb_de

Hello canned, Why not pop into the local library or a bookshop? Otherwise, your question here will result in everyone here having to copy out an entire book. It’s interesting, mind you, but I doubt anyone’s up for that. An enlarger consists (from bottom to top) of the following parts: base plate, height-adjustable column, mount for the magnifying head, magnifying head with lens plate, lens and stage (sometimes also a condenser system), lighting system (either an opal lamp with a filter drawer underneath if required, or a colour-mixing head, multi-gradation head, cold light source – each with either an Ulbricht sphere, condenser system or mixing box). Then you just need to fit a light source and connect a cable. That’s it. The devices differ in their build quality, possibly sheep tracking, maximum magnification scale, manufacturer, cabinet design, material (Meopta = sheet metal, Kaiser = plastic), any electronics present in the head, price and stability. Generally speaking, you should be able to find an enlarger suitable for your requirements, e.g. from Durst, for around 100–400 marks in a standard second-hand shop. The devices from Durst’s ‘Laborator’ series, which are frequently on offer, should usually be treated with a degree of caution: They should really be complete sets. They are floor-standing units and therefore only practical for use in a fixed-location darkroom with sufficient space (including headroom!). If you mention where you’re from, someone might be willing to show you the ropes first. That might be the best option. Best regards, Franz

canned

Hi Franz, thank you very much for your detailed reply. Well, for now I’m just looking for an overview and some keywords to help me continue my search. For example: What is a condenser system and what is it used for? Is it an essential accessory? What is a mixing box and what is it used for? What is a multi-angle head? What do I need to bear in mind when choosing a lens? Does every lens fit every enlarger? What are the relevant norms/standards? Best regards, Canned (By the way, I live in Dresden.)

CarstenM

Hello canned, Franz is right to suggest you check with a local library or bookshop. But you can also find quite a bit of information online. For example, at: www.fotolaborinfo.de and under the ‘Photography Course’ section on the website, under ‘Darkroom’ / ‘The Enlarger’, you’ll find explanations of all the basics about an enlarger. If you still have questions after that, we’ll certainly be able to help you here. Best regards, Carsten

GerdK

Hello Franz, thank you very much for your detailed reply. Well, for now I’m just looking for an overview and some keywords to help me continue my search.

Hello Canned, The library and search functions on this forum and at www.google.de are excellent resources for getting an overview and finding keywords. It’s also a good idea to pop into a photography club if you’re looking for practical advice. Kind regards, Gerd