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Thread: Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    280

    Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

    Ok, if you take off the heavy condenser or color head of a Durst 8x10 enlarger, can the counter weight springs be adjusted for the lighter weight of a cold light head or even a 5x7 head?
    I've read some of the posts on this forum about those springs and read the Durst Pro pdf about them - It is clear to me that one can get hurt messing with those springs. I am confused a little because most of what I've read seems to be talking about slacking up the springs for a repair/replacement of parts and then returning them to their normal strength function. But, can they be adjusted to better suit a lighter weight head.
    thank you!
    Robert N.

  2. #2
    Andrew
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA, USA
    Posts
    64

    Re: Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

    I've adjusted the spring tension for my S-45 (same chassis as the 138). This was relatively easy because the enlarger is bolted to the wall with a steel bracket. I used one socket wrench and one box-end wrench: one wrench keeps the nut from releasing while repositioning the other wrench. I imagine that it might be more difficult on the 184 due to the dual springs.

    This document covers the procedure: http://www.durst-pro-usa.com/pdf/man...t%20Manual.pdf

    I recommend being very cautious with this because the springs are very powerful.

    Cheers,

    -andrew

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    280

    Re: Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

    Thanks Andrew.
    That pdf talks about releasing tension on the springs more for the purpose of replacing a broken cable etc. I at least did not find any information on the actual process of tensioning the springs to a lesser level then they were originally but I may have missed that.

  4. #4

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    Jul 2004
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    NY area
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    1,029

    Re: Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

    Quote Originally Posted by rknewcomb View Post
    Ok, if you take off the heavy condenser or color head of a Durst 8x10 enlarger, can the counter weight springs be adjusted for the lighter weight of a cold light head or even a 5x7 head?
    I've read some of the posts on this forum about those springs and read the Durst Pro pdf about them - It is clear to me that one can get hurt messing with those springs. I am confused a little because most of what I've read seems to be talking about slacking up the springs for a repair/replacement of parts and then returning them to their normal strength function. But, can they be adjusted to better suit a lighter weight head.
    thank you!
    Robert N.
    I would be VERY cautious about messing with the springs on a Durst L184. If you plan on using a lighter head a simpler and safer solution might be to just add some weight to the new head to compensate. Adjusting the existing springs yourself is a risky on many levels, not the least of which is physical injury to yourself or damage to the enlarger.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    280

    Re: Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian K View Post
    I would be VERY cautious about messing with the springs on a Durst L184. If you plan on using a lighter head a simpler and safer solution might be to just add some weight to the new head to compensate. Adjusting the existing springs yourself is a risky on many levels, not the least of which is physical injury to yourself or damage to the enlarger.

    I've about come to the same conclusion - not worth getting really hurt over. Now, just to find some lead bars.
    Thanks!!
    Robert

  6. #6
    Andrew
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA, USA
    Posts
    64

    Re: Adjusting Springs on Durst 184

    Sounds like a good plan.

    I keep a couple of five pound weights near the enlarger to fine-tune the balance when I change condensers.

    FWIW, the tension can be adjusted once you detach the cable(s) by winding or unwinding the spring, but I wouldn't even think of attempting this without a wall mount.

    Cheers,

    -andrew

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