Durst Pro enlarger condenser placement

[smeylan]

Hi all,

I just picked up a Durst Pro on Craigslist as my first 4x5-appropriate enlarger. The challenge, however, is that it was largely disassembled and the previous owner, who was using it for 35mm, wasn't totally sure it had everything necessary for 4x5. I am having a VERY hard time finding a manual for this enlarger.

I managed to put it back together and can get it to focus with a 4x5 negative but the illumination is very uneven (see attached). From what I can surmise, this is because I only have one of the two "Camcon 150" condensers -- that they are supposed to be in a matched set (convex-downwards above convex-upwards) and for some reason I only have the bottom one. In any case, I can't find any instructions on where the second condenser is supposed to go -- Any help appreciated!

Every piece is very enthusiastic about being made in Italy, so I guess that's cool!

Thanks!
Stephan

[mihag]

Hi Stephan, I have the same device. Indeed you need two condensers, please see the photos below on how to assemble them:



And a closer look:



Hope this helps.

Miha

[smeylan]

Thanks Miha! That's super helpful.

Also curious about placement of the Unicon 50 for 35mm or Unicon 85 for medium format if anyone knows.

[ic-racer]

This is for a slightly different Durst 4x5 enlarger (L1000) but based on that the 50 and 85 likely go under the 150.

[mihag]

Hello again Stephan,

My MF condenser is the Uniocon 105. You would also need a Camuni adapter which allows the Unicons 50, 85 and 105 to be used. The Unicons are quite common, made for the M800 originaly. And the pics:





Camuni is a double condenser (one piece), it goes to the same place as the Camcon 150: