What's 'The Best' all around 8x10 enlarger? If you had to get one enlarger (and one head) to do everything: BW, ilfochrome, color negative, etc - what would you suggest?
What's 'The Best' all around 8x10 enlarger? If you had to get one enlarger (and one head) to do everything: BW, ilfochrome, color negative, etc - what would you suggest?
The $100.00 one delivered. ( sorry Ijust couldn't resist). Gotta be a colorhead for sure, but I think if you get a modern style ( not a beehive ) they are all pro level. I think it will boil down to what is available in your area. Haven't seen an 8x10 enlarger for sale at the auction yet that didn't stipulate it had to be picked up-will not ship. John
If money is no object....Durst....
Don't make mistakes (as I did!!!). Get yourself a Durst. There is nothing comparable in the market. Not even near.
Durst. There is no comparison.
“You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?”
Hi Paul,
Without a doubt, the Durst Laborator 184, 10X10 enlarger. It's nearly the size and the price of a Volkswagen, but you asked for the best 8X10 enlarger.
A used Durst from a going-out of business color lab. Often available for pennies on the dollar, provided you do the hauling.
Agree with all above , The Durst, followed secondly by the Deveere, I have both and they are easy to work with, the only fault I can find with the Deveere is the Negative stage, I always feel the carrier is going to grind or something when putting in the negative.
Though I must admit I love the two focusing Knobs on the deveere, a very simple operation to focus large magnifications by ones self, not trying to reach up to focus and while straining to look into the grain scope.
For a home darkroom DeVere wins hands down.... Pro quality but easier to move and setup then the Durst.
Durst Laborator (Sp?) with a dichroic head and a vacumm easel
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