Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/05
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]dear Terry, I am interested in your quest for the right enlarger because I have been trough this myself a couple of years ago. Indeed, the Focomat is no longer offered, and it is a pity. I have few colleagues who own them and they are satisfied. I was quite impressed by the vario-module of the Focomat because I appreciate to be able to vary the contrast (by changing the grades) in a single print. But besides using a Leica M system, I also work a lot with a Hasselblad. So I needed a medium format enlarger. I ended up buying a Durst Start Pro M-70 with the Vario head. The prints are evenly lit across the format, the contrast control is easy and predictable The results are plainly said, superb. And also, I can change the contrast in the dark with this tiny battery-powered light that shows me what grade I am dialling.... Some feature I have not seen on any other enlarger. And it is of course very rigid. As for the lens, I have opted for Nikkor EL 63mm. Excellent! I have tried a Rodesntock Apo-Rodagon, which was maybe better at 2,8 & 4, but not noticeably better from 5,6 & 8. But it is far more expensive! By the way, it was recently written in a french photo magazine that Salgado's printer use the Nikkor El 63mm. I believe it cannot be that bad! Have fun in your search and in your future printing. Pierre Charbonneau Montreal