5X7 Durst Enlarger

[Edgar Praus]

I recently came across a 5x7 Durst enlarger marked Laborator SM 183. It has the 8x10 184 style base and the upper column has a double column configuration with a motor to control the head. I can not find any information concering this model and suspect (read hope) that it will accomodate an 8x10 head as a "short column 8x10 enlarger"! Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[wfwhitaker]

I'm not sure, but I think that one is similar to (or the same as) the L139G which also has the double column base. Check at http://www.durst-pro-usa.com/nhome2.htm for more info. No doubt that base could easily support an 8x10 head.

[Michael Mutmansky]

Edgar,

I converted a Durst 183 style chassis to fit an Aristo 1212 light source without too much difficulty, although it does require some tools and shop skills. However, it is possible to make it work if you are inclined. I was thinking exactly what you thought, that I could put together an 8x10 enlarger that is much smaller than the normal products, so it would fit in my basement without difficulty.

The problem with the normal Durst heads is that they are all massive! Look at the size of their 10x10 heads, and you will see why the base needed to be as big and massive as it is.

Glen Evans (glennview.com) makes an 8x10 conversion for the 138 head to accommodate 8x10, but I have not heard anything real positive about it. I think he uses the Aristo 810 head, and I suspect this is where the ral shortcoming is with the design. I decided to use the larger Aristo head (1212) and then modified my 138 head to better accommodate the conversion.

At this point, the enlarger is working well, but I haven't used it too much yet. I don't print silver, and built it primarily to make enlarged negatives for pt/pd printing. A friend printed a few negs on it, and it seems to work out well, and the enlarged negatives I have done have come out nice so far.

---Michael

[John Kasaian]

FWIW, I understand that Stephan Cooper at www.pgsys.com has done a lot of durst 5x7 rebuilds and I think might have converted some to 8x10. He might be a good resource for parts & advice. Good Luck!

[Erik Eks]

I suggest that you write to www.durst.it, the original manufacturer for more information on the SM183. Based on what little I know, the SM183 is essentially an L184 chassis with a 5x7 head assembly. One can replace that with an assembly for the 8x10 head. I do not know if the counterweighted springs of the SM183 need to be changed.