[net.rec.photo] enlargers for a beginner

del@t4test.UUCP (Del Duncan) (04/27/84)

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a decent enlarger for
a beginner?  I am into color slide photography, but have never
done my own printing.  I am also starting to take black and
white pictures, and would appreciate any input on printing
black and white or color material.

smith@umn-cs.UUCP (Richard Smith) (05/09/84)

#R:t4test:-54400:umn-cs:9000015:000:1038
umn-cs!smith    May  7 21:23:00 1984

Re: novice enlargers

I have two recommendations; both based on personal experience.

1. Assuming you're trying to save money, check out Spiratone.  I wouldn't
   touch them for much, but I bought an adequate enlarger from them about
   15 years ago.  It had condensers and would handle 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 and
   smaller.  It also had a filter drawer so you could use color filters.
   Back then it was $40, it must be $65 if they still sell it (lens extra).
   It's fairly sturdy and could double as a copy stand if you removed the
   head.  I gave it to my brother in law about 10 years ago and it's still
   working.

2. I replaced it with a Beseler 23C... more convenient and built like a
   tank.  I still use filters.  One thing to watch out for:  some of the
   lensboards have a little safelight-red lamp to illuminate the f-stop.
   I disabled this feature for when I print with Cibachrome.  A nice feature
   is that Beseler sells a carrier that holds slides in 2x2 mounts.

Rick.
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