[ Post New Message | Post Reply to this One | Send Private Email to Darron Spohn | Help ]

Response to enlargers

from Darron Spohn (dspohn@clicknet.com)
Margarita,

Go to the main Black-and-White World page, select the Vault link from the pull-down menu in the upper left corner, and look for my Brilliant Mistakes article. In it I discuss setting up a commercial black-and-white lab, and give some enlarger advice based on my experience.

The short version is: Choose one of the big name brands (Beseler, Durst, Omega, Saunders) based on how the enlarger fits your working style and your budget. They are all excellent. If your bedget is tight (as was mine) buy used lenses too. My part four update (due soon, I promise) explains how I purchased four mint EL Nikkor lenses for a bit more than the price of one new EL Nikkor 150/5.6 lens.

Used enlargers are cheap, typically 30 percent to 40 percent the new price even in excellent condition. If you are not comfortable checking out used enlargers bribe an experienced photographer to go along and help you. You'll be surprised how much help a bottle of good single-malt Scotch can buy.

Good hunting,

Darron

(posted 9279 days ago)

[ Previous | Next ]