I am thinking of setting up my own darkroom, and would like some advice on equipment, espcially enlargers and lenses. Firstly, the image quality is vital, and I would like to have the best quality lens I can get hold of. Secondly, I would like the enlarger to have a colour head, be capable of taking 35mm, 6x6 and 6x7 negs, and be capable of making large prints. Oh, and I don't have a lot of money to spend! Any advice on SPECIFIC ITEMS OF KIT?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), July 19, 2000

Answers

You'll get lots of recommendations once you specify approximately how much you're willing to spend. You've qualified what you're looking for by indicating a quality lens and a color head. If you're purchasing new...you'll pay some bucks to get quality.

-- Dave Pettrow (tedeum13@yahoo.com), July 20, 2000.

You're absolutely right! I was too vague. One of the purposes of asking is to get an idea of how much I need to save up! But I guess I had assumed something in the region of 750 US dollars (I actually think in terms of UK pounds - about #500). However, I am almost certain that this will turn out to be a stupidly small figure for what I have specified! What do you reckon?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), July 20, 2000.

For $700-800 you can get a new Omega C67XL and a color head and maybe an El-nikkor 80mm f5.6. The XL girder allows 20x24+ prints from 6x7 using the 80mm lens and 16x20+ with 35mm and a 50mm lens. I love mine. B&H shipped mine free.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@worldnet.att.net), July 20, 2000.

Sorry. I believe is an Omega C760XL.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@worldnet.att.net), July 20, 2000.

When it comes to enlarging lenses, you get what you pay for. The Rodenstock Rodagon, Schneider Componon-s, El Nikkors or a Fujinon EX are all good lenses. These are all six-element double gauss designs. The Apo Componon or Apo Rodagon have a slight edge over their siblings but you may have trouble with variable contrast paper per certain authors. I have confirmed this for myself but you will have to experiment with your particular system. The best ever enlarging lenses are the EL Apo Nikkors. They were made in 105, 170, 210, and 300mm focal lengths, are diffraction limited wide open and are down right spectacular. The 105 covers 35mm wide open and 6*7 at f8. They were rare even when Nikon made them but now that Nikon no longer makes them, they are akin to unicorns. Should you be so lucky to find one be prepared to pay a pretty penny. The last time I saw one for sale at B & H (~1987) they wanted over $3000 for it.

My philosophy/advice is buy the best lens you can afford since every printed picture flows through the enlarging lens.

I am not sure that there is a "best" enlarger. The more features/conveniences, the more you pay, so it is a matter of comfort. Make your self comfortable.

And don't forget things like enlarger alignment, carriers etc that can make a great deal of difference.

-- Pat Raymore (patrick.f.raymore@kp.org), July 20, 2000.

What is the trouble experienced with variable contrast paper when using Rodenstock Rodagon or Shneider Componon? Thanks

-- Riad Traboulsi (trab@wanadoo.fr), July 21, 2000.

I recently tried to buy an Omega C760XL and was informed by both B&H and Adorama that Omega has discontinued it. I went for the next least expensive pro model, the Beseler 67XLD. It was $619, plus $100 for two negative carriers, plus almost another $100 for two lens boards with jam nuts and a spare bulb, plus $60 shipping.

If I didn't already have El Nikkor enlarging lenses (which are great, by the way), I might have opted for Beseler's kits. They bundle a lens (Rodenstock, I believe), lens board and nut, and negative carrier at a reduced price.

Good luck finding what you need. You won't regret doing your own work.

-- Brian Hinther (BrianH@sd314.k12.id.us), July 21, 2000.

Hi Raid, For a full explanation of the problems between enlarging lenses, longitudinal chromatic aberrations (LCA) and variable contrast papers I recommend the book "Post exposure" by Ctein. It is an excellent book for advanced Darkroom workers and the only modern source I know that has extensive testing and commentary on darkroom enlarging lenses. Ctein has a Web site.

By the way, Ctein was not the 1st to realize the difficulty LCA causes with variable contrast papers. Concerns were raised by Arthur Cox in his book Optics: The Technique of Definition as far back as 1950-60. Look into it, you will find it very interesting.

-- Pat Raymore (patrick.f.raymore@kp.org), July 21, 2000.