i'm looking for used darkroom equip on ebay and how can i tell what a good, quality enlarger is from one that's not worth my money?

-- Brandi Morris (punky7882@msn.com), December 20, 2001

Answers

I would stick to the major brands to start. There are usually parts available with these... Omega and Beseler's you can't go to far wrong. Cheers

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), December 20, 2001.

I've bought a lot of things on ebay (including an Omega D2V enlarger, Rodenstock lens, etc) and have had nothing but success. Generally the seller will provide a good description of the item as well as the condition. A photo helps a lot. You can check the reliability of the seller by clicking on the number that follows their name. If they have received buyer complaints, don't buy from them. As for enlargers to buy for your bathroom darkroom, have a look at the Omega B22.

R.

-- r (ricardospanks1@yahoo.com), December 20, 2001.

You didn't mention what negative format(s) you use. There are many enlargers for 35mm-only, but most are lightweight and not built to last, so used might be a bad buy. An exception is the Leitz Focomat series, which is built like their cameras. For larger formats, the major brands (Omega, Durst, Beseler, etc.) all have sturdy modular enlarger systems. You should scan the web for sources of used parts, current prices, etc., before you commit to one. It's not too difficult to restore a good quality enlarger like an Omega D-series, if some parts are missing or worn, because there are so many of them out there that are parts brokers. Plan on checking (and correcting) the alignment of the negative and lens stages to the easel. Also, a used enlarging lens will probably need cleaning or replacement, depending on what its previous life was like. Be patient and become knowledgable before you spend. A lot more photography gear moves on eBay in the summers than in other seasons, so don't be discouraged if you don't find what you want right now. Good luck!

-- Tim Nelson (timothy.nelson@yale.edu), December 20, 2001.

The Omega 760 XL is a good first enlarger, but there are others. Use eBay and be patient. Check the "completed items" of your target model to get an idea of price. If you see one you have to have and bid accordingly, you will almost always over pay. If something sells for $300 one day, one in better shape may sell in a week for half that price. Also, be sure you get all lens boards, carriers, mixing boxes, etc. that you think you will need. If you have to buy these separately, you will spend a lot of time looking for them and probably a lot more than if they were included in the original package. Try to get one with a good lens, but realize you may want to upgrade this component.

-- Jim Rock (jameswrock@aol.com), December 20, 2001.

Right now all I'm using is 35mm film but I'm sure someday I will want to try others. To start off I'm just doing black and whites but I definitely know I will go to color soon so I want an enlarger that was made for B&W, one that I can add color filters to later on.

-- Brandi Morris (punky7882@msn.com), December 20, 2001.

Based on the information on what kind of photography you plan to do, something like the Omega C760XL would be a good choice. You can move up to medium format from 35mm when you are ready, and the system has a color head if you decide to do color. It makes prints up to 16x20 on the baseboard. You can get a complete kit with lens (you will need a 50mm lens for 35mm negatives and an 80 or 90mm for medium format (75mm will also do for formats up to 6x6), lens board, negative carriers, and the mixing chambers for different formats for anywhere from $250 to $500 on eBay. Sometimes people are getting rid of their entire darkroom (or reselling someone else's) and you can get safelights, easels, trays, etc. included in the deal.

-- Jim Rock (jameswrock@aol.com), December 23, 2001.