The problem many people run into with these enlargers is ceiling height. You should get the height of the enlarger and see that it will fit. Some people have removed the ceiling between the joists to get an extra 8 inches or so. Some have cut a hole in the floor of the room above and made a box that covers up the top of the column where it extends into the upstairs room.
The OP didn't know what the maximum negative size was, someone else said it was 4x5. If it's 8x10 then obviously that's a whole different deal. My suggestion of a Beseler or Omega was based on the statement that it was a 4x5.Originally Posted by ic-racer
Brian Ellis
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be
a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
You can't believe everything you read on the internet
Its curious that you said it looked "old."
That HK is one of the slickest, most modern and sophistocated 8x10 enlarger I have ever seen. By comparison the most recent Durst enlargers are downright primitive.
My statement about looking old was based on the apparent condition of parts of the enlarger as shown in pictures #2 and #3.You can't believe everything you read on the internet
Its curious that you said it looked "old."
That HK is one of the slickest, most modern and sophistocated 8x10 enlarger I have ever seen. By comparison the most recent Durst enlargers are downright primitive.
Brian Ellis
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be
a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
The unit does look well worn, I used this head on a overhead lisle camera in the early mid 80's , If I can remember right the head used 16,,, yes 16 bulbs, if one burned you would have to replace it as this was a closed loop system which would recognize a burnout.
I was completely happy with this units coverage and power and if it is working now and the OP can find a manual , I think it is a wonderful find.
I would be concerned about the electronics , by looking at the pics this is a well used or abused enlarger but IMO not in the same class as my Durst CLS 2000 8x10 , even in mint condition with all the proper paperwork and availability of parts and service.
For home darkroom this unit if working right is overkill, and more than enough enlarger for any bucks spent on it.. Probably a 30K or over enlarger when new.
Ok, I see and agree with that.
So Stephanie, did you buy it? At $49, even if it didn't work, it would at least make an interesting bit of yard sculpture. Give us some closure here.
Stephanie, I found your inquiries after close of Ebay on this item. I am the person who bought this item. The unit is not working, didn't expect it too, the unit weighs about 700lbs and based on all the faxes kept by the previous owner from HK this unit was purchased in about 1992, which had to be one of the last ones they made before
company was sold and never to be made again. The original proposal price for this unit
was $40,000
The quality of this enlarger is much like asking a person why they always buy the same car. My opinion of the HK is there is no other enlarger like it anywhere. Yes, there are 8 lights(not 16) costing about $100, and yes, when one goes out the unit is inoperable until replaced. The unique design requiring no mixing box is great for vertical enlargers. Light mixing is done in what I call the magic dome inside the head itself. Unit came with original brochure, offer, operating manual. Was hoping for some type of electrical schematics as the table is filled with electronics.
Reason people shy away from these is there are no parts available and those who are able to refurbish charge huge amounts. Being what I believe to be the best ever made I have to say the only reasons a person should buy one is, if you already have a head and control panel you can use to get your spare parts, or buy one knowing you will have to aquire another. A long process.
I have a MR2000 head and controls for spare parts which I will need to get this one running and for future. It has been a long process to get to this point where I can now refurbish this unit.
If you are still watching this thread Stephanie, what I can do for you is offer you
a Durst Laborator 184 converted into horizontal with a 184/301 laco box and Durst
CLS301 dichroic head, lens board. The 301 is normally for 5x7 but the Laco box is designed for the 184. The exposures will probably be longer than normal due to light output. The enlarger itself will also need a new bellows, you can have one made by several companies or make one yourself. The original bellows is still attached and you would need as a pattern if you make your own. These are all parts I have laying around that would need some work. There are several places on the web where you can find a working 8x10 or 2-3K
I found this discussion after the end of the HK sale and decided to join.
Welcome to the board! We're (mostly) pretty friendly here so feel free to jump right in with both feet.
I've since found a nice contact frame. I'm going to get brand new anti-glare glass for it tomorrow and start using it this weekend if I can. I'm going to just contact print until I can find a complete and working enlarger in my price range. As I said, if I had been closer to Tonopah that 8x10 of Jim's would be sitting in my basement waiting for the hole to be cut out of the ceiling.
Thank you Stephanie for your welcome, and hope you find something soon. I was amazed that I was the only bidder on this HK, but I think the size and weight for picking up yourself limits the range of bidders. It took 3 people and 4 hours to dismantle and load. Anyway, hope you find something soon and if I hear of something will let you know.
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