Aristo EK57SP or 1212?

[Nick_3536]

Anybody have any feedback on the EK57SP head? Some claim it covers full plate? So more then good enough for 5x7. Right?

How hard was it to mount? Looks like just a box. I figure if I build a wooden spacer and drop the head into the spacer that's it? Other then neg carrier of course.

Or would the 1212 make more sense? The 1212 is about twice the price but covers a full 10x10 [I think] so would work for everything smaller. The 1212 would be useful for 4x10 .

http://www.ebb.ns.ca/general/tech/enlargers.htm

That site shows a 1212 conversion of a Beseler 4x5. I was thinking of making the spacer straight sided to ease construction. I can't see the need for the sloping sides. Wouldn't a square section be just like square bellows?

One more question. These heads seem to come in two parts. The head and the power supply. Can the 110V heads be used with 220V power supplies? Or does anybody know how well these would work with a step down transformer?

[evan clarke]

I ordered the EK57SP from Aristo and after months of silly excuses, gave up on it and cancelled. I am still mad, I bought an enlarger chassis and a Nikon 180 lens and these people bailed on me. The first story was that they only had one person to make the light and he was out on leave, small operation manufacturing. The next excuse was that production and engineering could not acquire a transformer, their stock of these transformers was bad. Are they a homespun outfit or a corporate giant?? Sorry for the rant but be ready to wait if you order. I bought a Beseler 810 cold light in new condition and am building an adapter for it. Let me know how you fare with Aristo..Evan Clarke

[Nick_3536]

Not good. So you ordered direct? I was planning ordering with a dealer.

I tried to get Aristo to give me a time line on getting the head but they said nothing.

[evan clarke]

Not good. So you ordered direct? I was planning ordering with a dealer.

I tried to get Aristo to give me a time line on getting the head but they said nothing.

The dealers must order it and you will get the same runaround. I would not be suprised to see them fold this enlarger light business..EC

[Nick_3536]

I've got an email into B&H asking about time lines. Maybe they can run interference and speed things up. If not I'm back to building my own.

[Nick_3536]

They got back to me. 6 to 12 months. I'm back to building my own then.

[evan clarke]

They got back to me. 6 to 12 months. I'm back to building my own then.

Too bad. I don't know much about the lamps and wiring required. How are you going to approach this??..Thanks..Evan

[Nick_3536]

My intial thought was to buy a bunch of 12+" tubes and fill up a box.

http://www.1000bulbs.com/products.php?cat=F15T8

Those things aren't that expensive. Just need to figure out all the issues. Colour. Cooling. Ballast.

[jnantz]

hi

i have an ek57sp that i bought from aristo 4 years ago ..
i bought it direct from aristo and had no problems.
i just called and asked for rick.

[Nick_3536]

I wish I'd ordered then to -( B&H contacted the factory for me and that's the source of the 6-12 month number.

I've also committed the money towards a camera right now so the head is back on the back burner.