A new road along the LF journey

[lilmsmaggie]

Hi,

Since making the decision to learn LF, the topic has been raised by those I've talked to, either as a suggestion or as a question: "Will you be doing your own film processing?"

So, in the interest of forward looking, what should I be considering from an equipment perspective, e.g., enlargers, lenses, etc? Everyone keeps saying: "Now's the time to be looking at used equipment? My response: Where?

[vinny]

craigslist
ebay
google
here
apug.org
photo.net classifieds

[cdholden]

To add to vinny's list,

photo clubs,
graphics arts schools,
colleges,
thrift stores,
swap meets,
etc

[Gem Singer]

You forgot Midwest Photo Exchange and B&H for new and used enlargers and darkroom equipment.

Freestyle Sales for paper and chemicals, and the Photographer's Formulary for chemicals and darkroom supplies.

[Paul Bujak]

and...

Columbus Camera Group
Pacific Rim Camera
Equinox Photographic

[Tim k]

Someone, here I think, did the same thing to me.

Now 4 enlargers later, I have to say, " Hi my name is Tim, and I have GAS". Its addicting. You get what you think, is what you need. And then you see an ad, where someone is practically giving something away.....

I think "now" is good advice. The more electric cameras and computers they sell, the more the good stuff is affordable. I'd move quick before they all come to their senses.

[lilmsmaggie]

Any specific 4x5 enlargers come to mind?

[cdholden]

Omega D2 or newer.
Built like a tank, working units or spare parts are plentiful, oodles and gobs of them still in service after decades of use.
I'd suggest the one in my garage if you were closer to TN.

[Bill Burk]

Not a specific enlarger, but if you get a cold-light head, or color head with a diffuse light source you won't have to go shopping for one later when you read up and realize you want one. While I prefer single graded paper, you might want to use multi-grade. That's where a color head (or filter drawers) will come in handy.

[Hugo Zhang]

Dwain,

See if you can enroll yourself into a community college which has photographic programs. Usually it's free if you do it as non-credit.

Hugo