Durst L1840 Enlarger 8x10 10x10--Everything you wanted to know...

[Thodoris Tzalavras]

I have read this thread in its entirety a few times through the years, as it evolves -- every time I thought I was close to just about get my hands on one…

It looks like I might just get one finally… an L139 with the CLS 2000 head.

I would appreciate it if someone who has the user and repair manuals for the CLS2000, could send me a copy.

In the past ten years or so I've collected all the manuals I could find online, including a repair manual for the EST 2000 (non N) in German, but never found the user and repair manuals for the head…

[ic-racer]

I have never come across a copy of the repair manuals for either the CLS1840 or CLS2000 heads.

The only thing I have is a schematic of the CLS1840 head which I have attached here:

CA 81800 CLS1000.pdf

[Thodoris Tzalavras]

Thank you for all the files.
Much appreciated!

[Thodoris Tzalavras]

Going back through this thread it really amazes me how time flies. Posts from 2009 seem like yesterday.
Anyway I did find one of my FTL (CP43) 2000W lamps I got in 2009 and it does indeed fit in the hole in my reflector without enlarging the hole.
So, it looks like there were two different versions of the FTL, one with the bulge and one without.

What I cannot answer right now is if the FTL (CP43) without the bulge is still in production.

The picture below shows two different FTL (CP43) lamps from different sources. Top one is 36mm, the bottom one is 26mm.

Attachment 201698

Attachment 201703

ic-racer,

Did you ever put the CP43 that fits the reflector to use, and do you have any comments as to how it compares to the original Thorn?

Specifically:

Do the fans run for more time, suggesting overheating?
Does it work in both vertical and horizontal orientation?
Have you used it long enough to comment on longevity?

[ic-racer]

No, I have not tried the CP43 lamp.

[Thodoris Tzalavras]

Has anyone here put an L184 or L139 on rails for horizontal projection?

The L184 manual suggests the use of 80x40x7mm T-rails, while the CSL2000 manual suggests V-rails (of unspecified dimensions).



My own measurements of the gap in the wheels is 8mm wide and 8mm deep.



The 40mm high T-rail seems a bit too much…

--
Also, any tips on initial setup regarding alignment will be greatly appreciated.

My previous (and current) horizontal enlarger allowed independent and precise adjustment of the negative plain in both axes.

I imagine that I would need to perform alignment with the enlarger already on the rails, and the thing is too big and heavy to toy around…

[ic-racer]

I rescued two L1840 enlargers and both were mounted on tracks when I went to pick them up.

I looked back at pictures I took when collecting the enlargers and found these two pictures that show the tracks.

I did not pay too much attention to the tracks at the time, and can't really make out exactly what is going on in the pictures.

[Drew Wiley]

I'd get steel T-rails if you can find them, not anodized aluminum, which might have a problem in the long run with that kind of weight. I once did it, but back when it was a lot easier to find straight smooth steel runners than now, at least locally at modest price. Of course, your floor itself needs to be perfectly level and unbending.

[Thodoris Tzalavras]

My floor is tile over concrete.

Had the same concerns about aluminum, so that settles it.

A search for steel T-rails in the specified dimensions (or close to them) was unsuccessful.

I'm considering using 35x35x3.5mm galvanised angle iron, which is readily available.
Putting 2 angles back-to-back would create a T shape close to the one suggested in the L184 manual.

I'm also considering adding a strip of 4mm thick rubber sheet between the rail and the floor.
The thinking is that this could eliminate any micro unevenness of the floor, plus reduce any vibrations from traffic of the road outside the darkroom.
I would add a single point of contact between one of the rails and the floor for grounding.

Thoughts?

[Thodoris Tzalavras]

ic-racer,
I have a folder (with many subfolders) with pictures of 8x10 Dursts that I've saved through the years.
Sadly, none of the pictures that include setups with rails are focused on the rail systems, so they're not very helpful as instructions either…