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DIY enlarger?

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 09:38
by RoganJosh
Just wondering if anyone amongst these forums has attempted to build a simple diffuser enlarger from a view camera? In theory I should be able to adapt my 4x5 Sinar into a horizontal enlarger setup without causing any damage to the camera. I know standard LF lenses don't flatten the image like those used in enlargers but I cannot imagine the resulting effect to be too detrimental to print quality. Am I missing something here?

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 12:31
by smbooth
I think one of AA 8x10 enlargers was just that. Biggest issue would be film holder and light source.

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 19:59
by Alastair Moore
That would be a useful project for my Cambo camera that isn't seeing much use these days. But yeah, light source. I should probably just start hunting for a 4x5 enlarger - it may be easier, if not cheaper/less hassle.

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 29 Aug 2014, 13:36
by RoganJosh
I saw a 4x5" enlarger with one lens on gumtree for $1300 the other day. Seems steep, I'm guessing they are usually much cheaper than that. Despite possible difficulties crafting a negative carrier, I just can't pass up an opportunity to put together an enlarger for free. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 30 Aug 2014, 09:01
by Photomark
My first enlarger for MF was home made and I just used an old Richo 50mm K mount lens, I just did not have anything else to use, the prints however where very sharp and I used that enlarger for several years.

Most enlargers I have seen for 8x10 are made from view cameras as this is the cheapest way to do it.
Some years ago while in Vanbars in Sydney they had a Durst 8x10 enlarger they were selling, talk about a monster of an enlarger though , I was thinking about it but with Vanbars typically high prices on used gear and the fact that it would not stand up in my house put me of the sale.

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 31 Aug 2014, 12:33
by smbooth
8x10 - Contact print..

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 31 Aug 2014, 15:52
by RoganJosh
Let me preface by saying, she aint pretty.

Made from scrap wood, perspex and an old lamp. Took two evenings and a few rums to complete.

The perspex at the front, and the fact that the light sits down in a well at the base ensures an even illumination.

I still need to fashion a negative carrier but according to the interweb it can be done with mere matte board.

Can anyone tell me how I would go about ensuring sharpness without any sort of grain focusser? Will stopping down to say..f22 do the job? The middle apertures are generally diffusion free when photographing, does this apply when enlarging?

Re: DIY enlarger?

Posted: 03 Sep 2014, 04:01
by Alastair Moore
That's brilliant, good work!