First Enlarger Recommendation

[Aryel]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello,

I am looking at setting up my very first darkroom! Never did a print before...

Looking to print B&W 35mm and 6x6. There is a Kienzle T69 AF on sell locally. Comes complete with Schneider Componon lenses (40mm and 100mm). Not cheap, actually quite a bit over budget but I am wondering whether this could be a good investment. Unit is complete and fully working with two heads: 1 Condenser 6x9 and one VCC 6x9.

Does anyone has experience with this enlarger? I found the company and contacted them. These enlargers are still in production.

I live in Singapore and did not find many option locally...

Any opinion more than welcome. I am very motivated. Already developing my negatives using a dark bag for quite some time...

Thanks a lot for your advice!

Edited May 17, 2020 by Aryel

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Michael Hiles]

Assuming the enlarger is in good working condition, a Kienzle sounds like a good choice. Their units are very similar to the Leitz focomats (1c and IIc). In fact I have heard the Kienzle were the manufacturer of the Leitz units many years ago.

[Jeff S]

Good reputation, and they apparently provide servicing and parts if needed, which is more than one can say about most other darkroom gear these days.  I suppose they offered you advice on things to check, or whether they have any similar used enlargers, with warranty.

Jeff

[Aryel]

@Michael Hiles

@Jeff S

Thank you very much for your replies. I will most likely check it out and go for it. Still have two more weeks before the end of the confinement here...

Really appreciate your help. 

Aryel

[Stuart Richardson]

Seems like a good choice. 6x9 will give you room to grow and print any medium format if you like. I would generally advise getting a good quality enlarger to start, as rigidity and easy of use is important, and all enlargers are relatively cheap these days, so it is worth it to spend a bit more and get something you will not have to replace down the line. Generally I recommend VCC heads, as you will have more printing flexibility and less problems from dust and scratches. Condensors can be great, but they are more challenging to print with and also require different condensors for different formats and so on. If you break one or want one in a format you don't already have, sourcing them can be a problem. If you had not already found an enlarger, I would have recommended one of the smaller Dursts. They seem to be possible to find in Europe fairly easily, and they are well made and ergonomic. Most have not seemed to be so expensive...the 4x5 L1200 and larger seem to be where the prices start to climb...

[Jeff S]

I started with a Beseler 4x5 (MXT) enlarger, which was built like a tank, and fitted it with cold light head.  Still available new, I think, as well as used. Also recommended, even though I eventually moved to a Zone VI and added a Focomat.  But my darkroom days are over.

Jeff

[Aryel]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks a lot for the recommendations.... This specific enlarger is still in production and Kienzle can provide new head if needed. So if I outgrow the VCC head one day, I should be able to try it out

Thanks a lot!

[Richardgb]

Just as getting a rigid enlarger is paramount, don't skimp on lenses. The Schneider Componons are excellent (though will the 40mm cover a 24x36mm neg at high >10x magnification?). Likewise for quality are the Rodenstock Rodagon and the Nikon EL-Nikkor. The widest f/2.8 or f/4 setting is only used for focusing; the usual working aperture (and best coverage) is typically around f/11. Another essential accessory is a focusing magnifier where you peer into an eyepiece at an aerial image of the grain to check focus.

When you're setting-up your enlarger, check the baseboard, lens holder and negative carrier are parallel. They're unlikely to go out of adjustment in normal ('amateur') use; signs of wear and tear will probably be obvious when viewing a prospective purchase, so check for slackness.

[Pyrogallol]

Yes, get a good enlarger lens. The Schneider Componon is the best of a series with similar names, just the last letters in the name are different. You would want the one with the name ending with “onon” or a Componon-S. But the older Schneiders come with an unusually small thread so you may need an adaptor to use it as the Leica screw thread is the normal fitting for 35mm/6x6 size enlargers.

The 50mm lens I use all the time for 35mm negatives is the f2.8 EL- Nikkor It is easier to focus at f2.8 than an f4 lens. I have three and prefer the Nikon’s for everyday use. I have a really nice 135mm Nikon for 5x4 size negatives.

i have had Leitz Focotars but they have been f4 and looked dim to focus compared to the f2.8 Nikon.

as to enlargers, I have two Dursts, both with the Nikons,  one set up for 35mm and the other for 6x6, as well as a Lines & Jones for large format.

[Aryel]

Thank you so much for all the advices 😊.

Need to wait 10 days or so before being able to see it.

[Ornello]

I recommend the Fujimoto G70 with a colour head. It has both condenser and diffusion illumination. I also suggest the 50mm Focotar-2 f/4.5 enlarging lens, or the EL-Nikkor 50mm F/2.8 lens.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited May 27, 2020 by Ornello

[Aryel]

Thanks a lot!

So far, I found only two options locally: Paterson (brand new) and the Kienzle. I will go for the Kienzle I think. Whilst more expensive, I think it will pay off on the long term. I could not find any Fujimoto G70... Still keeping an eye open. Trying to install the black curtains and making the darkroom pitch black for now

Thanks a lot!

Aryel

[Aryel]

Thank you all for the advice. As the situation improved, I was able to collect it yesterday. Seller was really nice and showed me how to use it by printing one of my negative.

Waiting for the timer, trays and blinds to cover the window! Very excited to start this journey.

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Martin B]

On 5/18/2020 at 3:34 PM, Jeff S said:

I started with a Beseler 4x5 (MXT) enlarger, which was built like a tank, and fitted it with cold light head.  Still available new, I think, as well as used. Also recommended, even though I eventually moved to a Zone VI and added a Focomat.  But my darkroom days are over.

Jeff

I have two Beseler 4x5 models, one of them is the MXT which I have with color diffuser setup, too. Very rigid and well built. Unfortunately, very hard to come by now after interest in enlargers started peaking up again. I got mine for a very good deal about 3 years ago when you could still find them on local seller sites. I haven't seen one in decent condition for a long time. Now I only see cheaper 35 mm limited enlargers in fairly worn or bad shape. And even those are now offered for a sales price around $100. I was given two of my enlargers for free a couple years ago (Beseler 45 XT and 23C II), bought two for very good deals also (Beseler 45 MXT and a smaller Beseler limited for 35 mm which I only have in case one other breaks etc). It's advantageous to stick to the same brand - I got also some Omega negative holders which don't fit well into the Beseler models, they are quite different. 

[Jeff S]

27 minutes ago, Martin B said:

I have two Beseler 4x5 models, one of them is the MXT which I have with color diffuser setup, too. Very rigid and well built. Unfortunately, very hard to come by now after interest in enlargers started peaking up again. I got mine for a very good deal about 3 years ago when you could still find them on local seller sites. I haven't seen one in decent condition for a long time. Now I only see cheaper 35 mm limited enlargers in fairly worn or bad shape. And even those are now offered for a sales price around $100. I was given two of my enlargers for free a couple years ago (Beseler 45 XT and 23C II), bought two for very good deals also (Beseler 45 MXT and a smaller Beseler limited for 35 mm which I only have in case one other breaks etc). It's advantageous to stick to the same brand - I got also some Omega negative holders which don't fit well into the Beseler models, they are quite different. 

The MXT can still be special ordered at B&H, but they only can get the condenser head with it, if new.

Jeff

[Martin B]

18 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

The MXT can still be special ordered at B&H, but they only can get the condenser head with it, if new.

Jeff

Yes, and it is expensive!

[Jeff S]

59 minutes ago, Martin B said:

Yes, and it is expensive!

After all I spent building and stocking 4 different full size darkrooms (including stainless 9-10 ft sink), it’s amusing to me that folks here complain about LR/Photoshop subscription costs of 10 bucks a month.  To me, the enlarger and lens was as important as my camera/lens. 
 

Jeff

[Martin B]

34 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

After all I spent building and stocking 4 different full size darkrooms (including stainless 9-10 ft sink), it’s amusing to me that folks here complain about LR/Photoshop subscription costs of 10 bucks a month.  To me, the enlarger and lens was as important as my camera/lens. 
 

Jeff

I was very fortunate to get my darkroom stuff nearly for free of for very low prices in excellent condition. Otherwise I probably would have never gone for it - it came as an opportunity, and one thing added up to the next right in time. Now it's just the cost of paper and developer/fixer to bear with. Regarding Adobe subscription, that's where opinions vary. I never liked any kind of subscription if I can avoid it just of principle. This refers to car leasing as much as potentially paying monthly for a program I don't even own. Fortunately there are great alternatives out there now which cost much less - as long as you are willing to move away from the industry standard which is likely not feasible for a professional. 

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Aryel]

I have only been printing for two months so still very new. Right now, I think that this was one of my best photo investment by a long stretch! I may go back to a mixed pipeline with scanning one day but right now I am truly enjoying the 100% analogue experience. Especially after long day work in front of a computer!

I am learning a lot and seeing my photos on paper is definitely worth the money and the time investment. 

 

[Michael Hiles]

Good for you. You seem to be experiencing the same thing I do - and why film and analogue photography is such a positive experience. Printing is a key skill in photography.