Where to find used LF enlarger

[PeterK]

I've been using a printer to make prints from my 4x10 negs. She recently stopped printing and I've spent hours with other printers and have found none of their work acceptable. So I've decided to take the plunge and do my own. Last year, I was about to buy the Zone VI VC but the price posted was in error and it was too much. Now Calumet tells me they've discontinued. So...can anyone advise me on reliable sources of good used equipment?

Thanx,
PeterK

[Gem Singer]

Peter,

Are you referring to an enlarger? If so, you will need an 8X10 enlarger for your 4X10 negatives. They are very large and heavy, making them expensive to ship. Perhaps you can find a commercial lab in your area that has changed over to digital and wants to sell their darkroom equipment. You can, at least, save the shipping cost. An 8X10 enlarger will show up on Ebay every so often.

I have just begun to use the 4X10 format, and I plan on contact printing my negatives. What I will use for that process is the same sheet of glass and black backing board that I use for making proof prints of my negatives.

[martin_4668]

Hi Peter

Try the Durst reseller in US

http://www.durst-pro-usa.com/products1.htm

its not the official importer, but they do a lot of refurbished secondhand ones...up to 16x20"

[Michael Kadillak]

Where are you located Peter?

Thanks

[brook]

Yes, where do you live? I know of an Elwood 8x10 that would be a good deal, but you would have to pick up near St. paul Mn. I have no intrest in the transaction.

[Dave Schneider]

Brook,

I might be interested in the unit in St. Paul if the original poster couldn't accomodate that locale. I'm in the Minneapolis suburbs. Email the details to bronicadave@yahoo.com (mailto:bronicadave@yahoo.com)

Thanks.

[PeterK]

Thanx to all so far. I live in the Denver, Colorado area. I'd travel for a good deal, but, realistically, don't know that I'd be able to get to St. Paul in the near future. I'll look at the durst-pro-usa site, too. Keep thinking of me. I really appreciate it.
PeterK

[brook]

That would be a haul. Good luck with the search.

[David Van Gosen]

If you really need it, it's worth a roadtrip. Take a friend. You'll both have something to talk about when you get back.

[J. P. Mose]

Peter,

I purchased a used 10x10 Super Chromega II F last year on Ebay for $950, including a Componon lens, anti newton glass 10x10 holder and other accessories. $800 to $1500 seems to be the going rate for this model used. I did my research and asked a lot of questions. While not mint, the enlarger is in excellent shape, with everything functioning to specification. The enlarger was in Phoenix and I live in Atlanta. The seller boxed up the color head, blower, power supply and accessories listed above. North American Van Lines picked up the enlarger and boxes and carefully loaded it on an "air cushion" syspension truck (pretty much standard with large moving van companies). The shipping cost was $925 insured. They placed it where I wanted it in my home. It went 100% smoothly. This gives you an example of procuring one.

I think you will find that all 8x10 enlargers are well made and precision. A used unit will be a fraction of one new! The Super Chromega II F is still available (see B&H Photo) for around $20,000, Omega told me they only manufacture 1-2 yearly at this point. I like the idea that parts are still available, although there isn't much that can wear out! The unit is approximately 750 lbs. and requires 101" head room with the blower hose. It also takes up a lot of space in the darkroom.

All in all, I am glad I made the plunge. It just seemed to be an ordeal in the process!

[John D Gerndt]

There are three answers, one requires lots of patience, one lots of money and the last lots of skill. If you have the patinece looking around will reward you with one within driving distance. Years may be required to get one for under $500. If you have the money you can get one much sooner for 2x to 4x the price. If you have skill, I built one from a very old Polaroid MP3 copy camera. If you want assistance with the last route I am willing to give you information hard won. It is quite rewarding (for me) to take the useless and make it useful again.

Cheers,

[PeterK]

Thanx to all for your help. Amazing things happen, right? I went to the web and this forum (and others) to get wide access and what happens...I find one right here in the Denver area. They are huge! They require so much infrastructurally. But I am not yet ready to take everything to an inkjet, no matter how grand or glorious. So now, with the patient help of the good Mr. Kadillak, I'm preparing for the plunge myself.

Thanx again, All.

PeterK

[Fred_5255]

I am in Atlanta. Have an 8 x 10 Fotar/Omega in great shape if anyone is interested, especially locally. It is an 8' tall floor model with elevating table. Very solid.
Also have floor model OmegaD5 Chromega, Thomas safelight, brand new never used LowePro Super trekker, 90mm M lens, Sinar F etc