Meopta enlargers

[MPerson]

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Now that I am mixing MF with 35mm I need to get another enlarger to handle both formats (MF 6x6). The biggest I want to print is up to 16x12, only black and white and another consideration is spares here in the UK. To that end I have been looking at the Meopta Opemus 6A.

 

Anybody using a Meopta and care to comment on them?

[honcho]

I used one of these years ago, probably as far back as the 1980's. Made in Czechoslovakia, It was made almost entirely of metal (apart from the baseboard), built like a tank and very 'agricultural' in use. The English 'translation' of the manual was hilarious and completely unintelligible. The original lenses were 50mm and 80mm Meogons, which were quite good but I swapped them for a pair of El Nikkors, which were much better. Each lens required a seperate lens ring. The angled column was not very high (I can't recall the maximum print size), but it is a simple task to turn the column and head around to project larger images onto a lower surface, you'll need to counter-balance the enlarger by placing something heavy like a pile of books on the baseboard. The neg carrier had optional glass inserts, sliding masks and a split-line to aid focussing, which was surprisingly accurate. There was a filter drawer for multigrade b&w and colour paper printing and a square of frosted glass to insert as a difuser. The light source was an opal tungsten bulb which projected an image with a hot spot in the middle with some fall-off towards the edges.

 

The Opemus 6 was capable of producing nice, punchy black and white prints without any of the refinements you would find in a Durst from that era. Using this thing will take you back to an earlier period of traditional wet printing and if that's where you want to go, you may be happy living with it.

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[archi4]

I used a Meopta for many years (late 50's and 60's) but went for better enlargers and lenses when I could afford them.

Ended up with a Leica V-35 which I equipped with a Schneider 40mm lens

Now that wet darkroom has practically disappeared here in Holland, magnificent enlargers are quite affordable and a Leica V-35 with lens can be had for around 300-350 Euro's.

I would personally look further than the Meopta considering the available bargains

[honcho]

Enlargers have little value these days unless you are a buyer with specific needs or have a potential buyer for something you are trying to sell. I recently binned a pristine and boxed Durst M670 complete with transformer, carriers and timer because I had no use for it and couldn't sell it.

 

Would have made a far better option than a Meopta!

[christer]

Add me to the list of satisfied 1950-60 Meopta users. They are well built, but probably need a new lens. If the lens is good, then everything should be fine. But given the current price of second hand top of the line enlargers, I am not sure I would by a Meopta. I paid about 80 Euros for my V35 without a lens. The problem with buying used enlargers is that they are difficult to ship. My seller lived 200 miles away but he stored the enlarger until I was travelling in his direction anyway. Excellent machine!

[fotohuis]

If you're looking for a Meopta I would go for a Magnifax 4A. Better and more stable then an Opemus 6A especially with maybe a heavy 4ES head.

 

I used Meopta Opemus too up from the 60's but changed to Dunco II 67 120 pro with Split Grade in 1999/2000.

You can still buy them new at Dunco -Lichy.

 

Much better then an Opemus 6A or even a M670/M605 (Durst). I think for till 6x7cm together with Kienzle one of the best enlargers till this format.

 

Best regards,

 

Robert

[Guest Henri Klein]

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Now that I am mixing MF with 35mm I need to get another enlarger to handle both formats (MF 6x6). The biggest I want to print is up to 16x12, only black and white and another consideration is spares here in the UK. To that end I have been looking at the Meopta Opemus 6A.

 

Anybody using a Meopta and care to comment on them?

 

Use one since years. Rugged construction. Enlargers are only as good as the lens on them. Pick the lens carefully, and you'll have nothing to complain.

[MPerson]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Use one since years. Rugged construction. Enlargers are only as good as the lens on them. Pick the lens carefully, and you'll have nothing to complain.

 

Henri - yes the lenses are the most important element. I have these already: Schneider Componon S 50/2.8 and a 80/4 along with the two equivalent Rodagon versions.

 

It is amazing how cheap equipment is going for in the "Darkroom & Deveolping" section on EBay!

[Xmas]

It is amazing how cheap equipment is going for in the "Darkroom & Deveolping" section on EBay!

 

I keep being given it for free...

 

The critical thing in enlarging is not being too near to vibration sources like A roads or high speed lines,if you don't see grain you have a problem.

 

I can see a hint of bromoil; and serpia in your horoscope... tusk tusk

 

Noel.

[Guest Henri Klein]

Thanks for the replies.

 

 

 

Henri - yes the lenses are the most important element. I have these already: Schneider Componon S 50/2.8 and a 80/4 along with the two equivalent Rodagon versions.

 

It is amazing how cheap equipment is going for in the "Darkroom & Deveolping" section on EBay!

 

That's I think because people really (almost eagerly) want to dump the stuff. Once these things may become a little rare prices will go up again.

[maxspbr]

It's just a good enlarger... Not marvelous. Not always you will find it with the piece to adapt usual lens.

 

I use an Omega B-22, a very simple enlarger but a good one. Enlarge 35mm and 6x6. Usual lens Omegar Rodenstock (aka "Trinar"). There was too the Componon in Omega thread. If you want other lens, assure to find the adapter, or make one (very easy).

 

Good luck!

 

Martin