Model name of your large format enlarger please

**arca andy** · 10-Oct-2015, 11:26

What ho
I haven't got a large format enlarger, I want a large format enlarger.
I know most of the companies that make enlargers, past and present, but when it comes to the model names and negative formats that they can achieve then I am not so sure.
So when I am trawling eBay, and the like, it can sometimes take time to work out if that Durst can get me to 5x4 or not. So if you could list your favourite large format enlarger and the neg formats that they can achieve I would be greatful, also tell me why you like so it much.... I'll start with the one I do know:

De Vere 504 35mm to 5x4....or did it go to 5x7 ? See this is why I need your help!
Ta Andy

**David Karp** · 10-Oct-2015, 11:42

I have an LPL 4500 II, which is a 4x5 enlarger.

**bob carnie** · 10-Oct-2015, 11:43

De Vere 515 11 x 14 - possibly one of the best enlargers on the planet...
Durst 8x10 with CLS 2000 head.. almost as nice.

**Luis-F-S** · 13-Oct-2015, 10:23

Originally Posted by bob carnie

De Vere 515 11 x 14 - possibly one of the best enlargers on the planet..

And since we only know of one other besides Bob's it's sort of a mute point. Possibly the only two in existance! Look for a 5108 which is probably one of the "best enlargers on the planet" that you can realistically hope to own!

**bob carnie** · 20-Oct-2015, 05:52

I was recently told by a friend in UK that the Oddessy Sale people still have parts for this beast

Originally Posted by Luis-F-S

And since we only know of one other besides Bob's it's sort of a mute point. Possibly the only two in existance! Look for a 5108 which is probably one of the "best enlargers on the planet" that you can realistically hope to own!

**Luis-F-S** · 20-Oct-2015, 09:41

Originally Posted by bob carnie

I was recently told by a friend in UK that the Oddessy Sale people still have parts for this beast

Good to know, unlike Durst unfortunately! I know they've been great about answering questions and parts availability. L

**Ian Gordon Bilson** · 21-Oct-2015, 21:20

My beastie is a Kindermann 4x5" of which I doubt there are many in North America. Condenser,autofocus. Unusual design - a massive cast iron vertical arm,Pivoting down to the lamphouse/lens holder. Bayonet mounting lens cone in cast magnesium,finished in that light green mottled paint popular in Europe at that time - 50's?
Alignment? A couple of coins trapped under the side and front of the massive mounting optimised that. Nothing else on the machine can be adjusted.

**Luis-F-S** · 21-Oct-2015, 22:05

Originally Posted by Ian Gordon Bilson

My beastie is a Kindermann 4x5" ....

Post some photos of it? L

**Liquid Artist** · 10-Oct-2015, 11:45

My Durst model 138 does everything I ask of it.
I don't actually have a favorite, they all have their good and bad points.

**schafphoto** · 10-Oct-2015, 12:23

Beseler 4x5 MXT and 4x5 V-XL I finally got rid of the two old Omegas and now have four Beselers (my oldest 4x5 MCRX was $99 and I mounted it to the wall upside down). It’s nice when all the carriers and lens boards are interchangeable. With a little handiwork many of these can be modified with larger light sources to go 5x7 or 8x10 but that’s a project. I’m sure there are posts about that on this forum.