8x10 Enlarger...HELP please talk me out of it!!

**Colin Robertson** · 5-May-2007, 03:02

Buy the sucker. Just ask yourself this- who is still making new 10x8 enlargers?? The availability of these things is NOT going to get easier. I dont yet(!!) shoot 10x8, but if I get the chance I will surely snag one of these beasts. There are LOTS more cameras out there than enlargers.

**Herb Cunningham** · 5-May-2007, 10:10

I have a Durst 184, just now getting used to using it. Once the space issue is solved,

they are easy to use.

**Ted Stoddard** · 5-May-2007, 18:11

I say go for it too... I shoot 4x5 all the way to 11x14... eventually 12x20

I have 2 Beseler 4x5's with one 810 Conversion kit on it... I just had not set it up yet... Working on that soon... I plan to eventually open up a Large Format Rental Darkroom where I live... The biggest enlarger will be a 12x20 It will be available for rent but mostly used for my own personal printing sessions... I have been to Clyde Butchers Darkroom and seen alot of his 8x10 enlargers and would love to have them all... His 12x20 is freakin awesome... He prints with a blue and green light and a combo of both.... Good Luck with the search I did see a Elwood go for $159.00 on ebay last week or so with extras man it was a good deal....

**Dave Langendonk** · 5-May-2007, 20:31

Originally Posted by Stephen Willard

Do not listen to those guys who preach digital. Get a 8x10 enlarger. The more wattage the better. If you put a colorhead 10' into the air you need some bright light. I believe the Omega is only a 1000w which is weak for big stuff. You need something with 2000w of holy light to make those sacred images.

I have the Chromega F with 1000W colorhead. It puts out plenty of light on the easel. No issues at all even with very large images (e.g. 30"x40"). Go for it. The Omega F is very well made but does need about 8'6" of ceiling height. Good luck!!

**ic-racer** · 7-May-2007, 06:45

In terms of size, my thoughts (though possibly wrong) were
1) Since 16x20 is max for my processisng capacity, the 8x10 enlarger head will not have to bee that high for this size enlargement (allowing my 8ft clearance)

and/or

2) the 'pedastal' style enlargers that sit on the ground seem to have adjustable easels that will allow enlargements without raising the head real high.

**cyrus** · 7-May-2007, 13:24

Can you use an 8x10 in a standard height room (8ft)? I guess I should have asked this question before I hauled home a De Vere 801...

**Don Hutton** · 7-May-2007, 15:02

8 feet is fine for a 5108 - you may not be able to raise the head up all the way, but the drop table makes big enlargements a breeze.

**ic-racer** · 10-May-2007, 19:16

I currently use 6x9 and had thought the move to 4x5 might be 'too small' of a move, thus the interest in 8x10.

I DID just pick up a Horseman FA 4x5, so I will be going to 4x5 first. This quest for a nice late-model 8x10 enlarger with color head, within driving distance, could be a long one, but I need to just keep on the lookout.

**John Berry** · 17-May-2007, 22:46

I get by with an 8x10 Salsman with a cold light. I don't need or regret it.

**Renato Tonelli** · 25-May-2007, 10:50

I go through the same dilemma every now and then. I would really like to shoot 10x8 AND be able to enlarge. I simply don't have the space, otherwise it would have been a done deal.