Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Durst Laborator 138S value?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Galeton, PA
    Posts
    60

    Durst Laborator 138S value?

    I have a Durst Laborator 138S. A bit dusty but in good shape except for one of 240 condensors is cracked on one of the corners. Anyone have an idea of what the value would be? I don't know if it is wishful thinking that I could trade it for an 8x10 setup.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Norwalk Ca.
    Posts
    696

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    I paid about $500 for mine,about a year ago. Came with 2 so,so lens, the condensers for 5x7 and another for 4x5. The easel platform did not work great but all in all pretty clean unit. Got it local from Craig s list. Selling local or pick up only would save money and a big hassle.


    Mike

  3. #3

    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Kalamazoo, Michigan
    Posts
    156

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    I paid $400 for mine about 2 years ago. Came with one 240mm lens. 3 neg carriers. 3 of the fancy globe light bulbs.

    6 condensers and a water temperature control panel. Had to drive 300 miles round trip to get it though. Still worth it to me.

    Terry

  4. #4
    Blair N. Blair Ware's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    87

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    I got mine for around $500 with condensers and lenses. It's a wonderful enlarger.

  5. #5
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    SF Bay area, CA
    Posts
    18,337

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    They are all over the map in value depending on condition and accessories, all the way from zero to ten grand or more. Sounds like your is somewhat toward the lower end. But
    these do have a strong enough chassis to accommodate an 8X10 cold light head. It would
    have to be custom built.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Denmark, Europe
    Posts
    2,165

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    Quote Originally Posted by Drew Wiley View Post
    They are all over the map in value depending on condition and accessories, all the way from zero to ten grand or more. ....
    True - I have four - all given to me as presents..... (no one wants them here in DK it seems..)

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Hudson Valley
    Posts
    160

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    A prospective buyer will consider the total cost to him, that is the purchase price of the enlarger and the expense of transporting it from your location to his.

    With an enlarger as large and heavy as the 138, the amount a buyer might consider paying will decrease with his distance from you.

  8. #8

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    Quote Originally Posted by Graybeard View Post
    With an enlarger as large and heavy as the 138, the amount a buyer might consider paying will decrease with his distance from you.
    The 138 is nothing compared to the 184 10x10. I hauled one out of my basement two weeks ago and even in two pieces it was a bitch.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canmore Alberta
    Posts
    754

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    I also paid $500 for mine, set up for 5x7 with the colorhead & a couple of lensboards. They come apart really easily & can be manhandled by one person. Love the enlarger

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    826

    Re: Durst Laborator 138S value?

    Quote Originally Posted by Graybeard View Post
    A prospective buyer will consider the total cost to him, that is the purchase price of the enlarger and the expense of transporting it from your location to his.

    With an enlarger as large and heavy as the 138, the amount a buyer might consider paying will decrease with his distance from you.
    Absoutely, one should consider total cost...

    However given their original cost, the number produced was likely much smaller than the demand would be otherwise. It has only been with the demise of many pro photo labs that we are discussing such low prices on what once was extremely expensive and quality built equipment.

    I was more than happy to dirve the 3 to 4 hours to Detroit and back (with my brother's help and pick up truck) to retrieve my L184 for so little money (thanks again Joe). It took some time and additional money to get all the bits I needed, but nonetheless I am pleased with it.

    That said, it still has a market value of well under $1000, as there are only so many people with the desire, the money, and the darkroom real estate (and head room)...

Similar Threads

  1. Rejuvenating old enlarger - Durst 138s Laborator
    By vizion in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 25-May-2010, 07:10
  2. Durst 138s
    By Finn McCoull in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 7-Apr-2008, 14:06
  3. Durst 138s
    By Don Wallace in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 21-Mar-2006, 23:09
  4. Durst 138S value
    By bob_4332 in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 10-Jun-2004, 19:34

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •