[rollei_list] Re: OT: Enlarger (Durst M605 BW)

In a message dated 7/22/2005 5:20:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
tlegvold@xxxxxxx writes:

> I haven't had a chance to inspect it, but before I did had hoped to get 
> some info from the list(s).
> 
> I don't have any darkroom, and am considering picking up something to 
> make prints from 6x6 negs (B&W). I might have to mothball it until we 
> get a bigger house, or I might convert a small room at the office. Who 
> knows.
> 
> Is this an enlarger worth considering? Any other favourites?
> 
> Anyone know this unit, and can give some tips as to what I should look 
> for? I plan on inspecting it and maybe making an offer (depending on 
> the feedback here). What's soemthing like this worth? Will I need an 
> additional enlarging lens (what's a good match for the Schneider glass 
> on the 6000?)
> 
> 
> Or am I better off with a scanner (Canon 9950F looks nice...) and a 
> printer, or using a foto lab for prints? Or both scanner and 
> enlarger..? ;-)
> 
> Anyone?
> 
> Cheers,
> Thor


I'm not sure if it was the 606 or some other 600 series Durst, but I had one 
back in the early seventies for about a year.  It's was a little lightweight 
by comparison to what I have since used, but it was not a bad machine at all 
for a home darkroom.  I bouight mine new,  but equipped it with second-hand 
schneider componons (50 & 80 mm) and made some really fine prints with it.

My criticisms were two:  Firstly, it was a little lightweight, but this was 
more a matter of perception than an actual problem.  Secondly, the glassless 
negative carrier edges around the framing area (masking plates?, don't really 
recall it that well) that COULD scratch a negative.  I'm pretty sure this could 
be fixed by "breaking" the sharpness of those frame edges with a file, but I 
got rid of the machine before I ever tried it.

I replaced it with a Leitz Focomat IIc, which is of couse in an entire 
different league, so comparing those two would be completely unfair. For the 
cost, 
the Dursts are pretty darn good.

My advice would be to say to hell with the scanner.. get an enlarger.  I 
admit that this is because I personally simply do not like scanners, period.  I 
find using them annoying, and I want actual silver prints, not files.  

As for using a photo lab for prints.. perish the thought.  Make your own so 
that you control the entire process.

G. King

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