wolfmark
Hello everyone,
I’ve picked up a Rajah 5 on eBay. I’m actually quite familiar with enlargers, but this thing is driving me crazy. Can any of you tell me how to remove the image stage so I can clean or replace the lenses? There’s this flimsy wire bracket on it that spreads the stage open by maybe a millimetre. But I can’t get a 9x12 cloth in there, let alone get the dust out. If anyone has a user manual, I’d be very grateful for a scan.
Thanks in advance and best regards,
Markus
wolfmark
I’ve managed to pull the stage outwards now. The tension springs were completely rusted shut. Looks like I’ve got a bit of work on my hands. The hammered finish is flaking off, revealing rust underneath.
What would you do – apply a rust converter and touch up the damaged areas with a brush, or have the whole thing sandblasted (without the lenses, of course)?...........or maybe just scrap it and buy a Laborator or a Fujimoto 450 instead??? The Bildbühne looks pretty much like a wreck already; no comparison to my Varioscop.
I haven’t even introduced myself yet:
I’m 43 years old and developed my first black-and-white photo in the school lab almost exactly 30 years ago, and I’ve never really stopped doing analogue black-and-white photography since. In recent years, I haven’t had much time for the darkroom because of the kids, and now I’ve accumulated quite a few negatives that need enlarging. I also want to have a go at large format (that’s why I got the Rajah).
Best regards,
Markus
Urnes
Hi Markus,
It all depends on your motivation and your budget. The Rajah 5 does, after all, have a large negative stage that accommodates 4x5 film. I used to have the smaller one for 9x12, though, in better condition. I got it cheaply and it was fine for a start. If you’ve got a soft spot for old technology and can do some work yourself, or know someone who can do it for you cheaply, it’s fine. You just have to weigh up whether it’s worth it financially (or for the love of it). Fujimoto, Durst or De Vere are in a completely different league, though. If you’re looking for something newer, always think about the accessories straight away; if they don’t fit or you’re missing something, it can end up costing a bit more. Do you know the Large Format Forum? http://www.grossformatfotografie.de/ That’s always a good source of information too.
Regards, Sven.
wolfmark
Hi Sven,
Thanks for your reply. I also picked up the Rajah for a song. The seller was just round the corner. He didn’t know what he was talking about, though, and didn’t describe it quite correctly (supposedly fully functional). Well, without the lens board and with a rusty and jammed image stage, enlarging doesn’t really go so smoothly. I should have had a look at it first.
I see the large-format thing more as a long-term project, so there’s no rush. Before I invest much more time and money in this old banger, I’d rather take photos with the Hassi and enlarge them with the Varioscop.
Maybe I’ll put a bit of money aside and buy myself a new Kienzle. Then hopefully I’ll have peace of mind and spare parts won’t be a problem either.
Regards
Markus
