POLL for 5X7 and bigger enlarger users

[Tin Can]

This is a poll of enlarger users that USE a 5x7 or bigger enlarger.

[Bill_1856]

Omega E3

[djdister]

You didn't make an option for it, but I used to have an Eastman Kodak 5x7 Autofocus enlarger that was pretty nice. It had a two-piece cast iron base and column, and had a counterweight spring coil for easy movement up and down the column. Looked like the attached...

[Tin Can]

That falls under other. I had one but let it go as I did not have the exact lens it needs for autofocus.

It had a massively thick baseboard, that was extremely heavy, solid oak, I think, with steel reinforcement.

The whole thing was heavy as could be. Don't miss it, as the head was very similar to an Elwood, which has better usability, with it's hinge for horizontal use.

Where is it now?

You didn't make an option for it, but I used to have an Eastman Kodak 5x7 Autofocus enlarger that was pretty nice. It had a two-piece cast iron base and column, and had a counterweight spring coil for easy movement up and down the column. Looked like the attached...

[Erik Larsen]

Fotar 10x10 user here.

[DannL]

I have used my 5x7 camera as an enlarger.

[Roger Thoms]

I didn't vote because I haven't used it yet but I recently acquired a Burke & James Solar 5x7 enlarger.

Roger

[djdister]

That falls under other. I had one but let it go as I did not have the exact lens it needs for autofocus.

It had a massively thick baseboard, that was extremely heavy, solid oak, I think, with steel reinforcement.

The whole thing was heavy as could be. Don't miss it, as the head was very similar to an Elwood, which has better usability, with it's hinge for horizontal use.

Where is it now?

Randy,

I couldn't even give it away (locally), so the metal (all 100+ pounds of it) was sent off to the recycler. But I kept the lens, which is nice...

[Tin Can]

Eric, I just got a DIY head working on my Fotar 10x10. I love the capstan focus that is so smooth and conveniently located. Until I tried it this week, I figured that big focus wheel would be too coarse, but it dials right in, I can reach the crank wheel and still look through my grain magnifier.

Today I am working on a Calumet 10x10 and I had thought it was a better design, but sadly not. It's all awkward, but it is much easier to move and set up than a Fotar.

Fotar 10x10 user here.

[Tin Can]

I have not seen a Solar in RL, in tiny drawings it's a bit like an Elwood.

I didn't vote because I haven't used it yet but I recently acquired a Burke & James Solar 5x7 enlarger.

Roger