Originally Posted by
Bernice Loui
IMO, Durst 138 or DeVere for 5x7 or 13x18cm. Properly set up and in proper condition these enlargers are simply nice to use, reliable, durable and has ever capability to aid the printer to produce GOOD prints. To believe or think a smaller "table top" enlarger serves well for this sheet film size will reveal trade-offs and limitations specific to any table top enlarger. These capability limitations might not be apparent for those learning to print or have not done serious print making, as the printing skills, demands and expectations grow, lesser enlarger systems reveal their limitations which makes GOOD prints more challenging ala difficult.
5x7 _ 13x18cm enlargers points back to sheet film camera (view camera) format size along with the availability of high quality fiber based B&W paper sizes (typically no larger than 20"x24"). If these factors are considered, illustrates why 5x7 _ 13x18cm is such a good a practical sheet film format in so many ways.
There was a time not too long ago when SO many of these excellent enlargers (Durst, DeVere) were shoved into the dumpster-land fill as print making labs went under. This does bring up the question of how many of these excellent enlargers are in service today and where do they live?
Once into 8x10, a proper enlarger and supporting projection print making facility grows by lots, unless print making is limited to contact printing.
Bernice
Bookmarks