Hi, The biggest photo shop in Israel are selling now only "Meopta" enlargers. Other brands you can buy from second hand only. I have now only 35 mm films but maybe some day I'll upgrade to MF. I intend to enlarge only B/W.

Your advise please.

Pini

-- Pini Vollach (arielav@rafael.co.il), December 19, 2000

Answers

Pini, They are excellent enlargers. I used their Universal Magnifax 4 (negs. up to 6x9cm) for many years and it never let me down. Sturdy, first class neg. carriers, very even illumination (Meograde VC head). Regards,

-- Trevor Crone (trevor.crone@uk.dreamcast.com), December 19, 2000.

Pini, I've had two Meopta Axomat enlargers. First one was purchased in 1969 and used for 15 years until my daughter was born and I sold my darkroom. About 4 years ago I got a current version of an Axomat after disappointing results with a Beseler(which ran about twice as much as the Axomat). For the money here in the US, it's hard to beat this enlarger as a good 35mm basic enlarger.

-- Gary Calverase (grcalveras@aol.com), January 15, 2001.

Pini, Meoptas are sort of the "Volkswagen Beetle" of enlargers. Very inexpensive, well made, not without their quirks - but capable of first-class work.

I use mine for MF work and the illumination is very even, so it should be excellent for 35mm too. Unless you're looking for a top of the line, professional enlarger, you can't do better, and the older models (used) are just as good as the new ones for B&W.

I'd look for an older Axiomat or Meopta II - in near new condition - with filter drawer and Leica threadmount lens board, then put the rest of my money into a very good lens.

BTW I use a Leitz Focomat for 35mm, and I'm still very happy to continue on with my Meopta for MF.

-- David Dutchison (ddutt@vcn.bc.ca), May 22, 2001.