How to setup durst laborator 138 Enlarger

[ic-racer]

Yes, the 80mm prevents the turret from moving. But no big deal to take the lens out when done using it.

[Ginette]

I believe the 3-lens turret is not removable on the 138S. A few years ago it was still possible to get good examples of the Componon and Componon-S lenses with the correct mount to fit that turret. Here I have filled my turret with Componon 150, 210 and 240-S lenses. The 240 was a little problematic as I had to buy a second lens just to get the Durst mount.

I almost never use those lenses, but I'm glad I bought all kinds of original Durst accessories for my enlarger in the "darkroom junk" age a few years ago as I think this stuff is getting harder to find these days.

Attachment 188863

On the Durst 138S illustrated (larger bellows and white button in front) this is a removable TRIPLA (3 lens turret) and it used exactly the same parts as the Durst 184: Removable TRIPLA, VAPLA, UNIPLA, ETC!

[Bernice Loui]

The single lens board from the Durst 184 fits the Durst 138 condenser head. What does not work with the TRIPLA is a recessed lens cup often required for shorter focal length lenses. Minimum bellow on the 138 limits the shortest lens focal length to about 100mm. This needs to be considered when using the 138 with smaller film formats like 35mm, solution is use a specific recessed Durst lens board giving up the rotating turret feature when projecting small film formats like 35mm.

The three lenses that were used on the Durst TRIPLA back in the day:

105mm EL Nikkor on recessed Durst cup _ 35mm, removed or install as needed.

135mm EL Nikkor _ 6x6 to 6x9

180mm APO Nikkor _ 4x5

9-1/2" APO Artar _ 5x7 & 13x18cm

Matching condenser sets required.



Bernice

[ic-racer]

On the Durst 138S illustrated (larger bellows and white button in front) this is a removable TRIPLA (3 lens turret) and it used exactly the same parts as the Durst 184: Removable TRIPLA, VAPLA, UNIPLA, ETC!

That is nice. He should be able to mount almost any lens.

[Luis-F-S]

Pic attached Attachment 188841

It's a reasonably recent one since it has the removable turret. I'd guess 1980's vintage. The early ones had a fixed turret and a different bellows. I'd get a Unipla lens board and ditch the turret. Always hated turrets.

I've printed 35 mm with an 80 mm lens and the Laratub-N lensboard. Never saw a need for a 50 mm lens since I don't print huge. All said, it's a great enlarger. L