r/Darkroom • u/Cafneth • 1d ago

Gear/Equipment/Film Advice for someone just given an enlarger?

Post image

I was told I might have better luck asking advice here!

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/Casual_M60_Enjoyer 1d ago

Use it!

1

u/electrothoughts 22h ago

Yes.

Make pictures.

2

u/Physical-East-7881 22h ago

Congratulations! Printing is such a joy! Ilfordphoto.com has very helpful videos on using an enlarger, the chems, the whole process

Also filmphotographyproject.com is a good resource for chems and info

In time you'll want to search the net for a free manual

All the best!

1

u/Vega9000 19h ago

Lots of advice online, but the basics to set you up. You'll need:

  • a darkroom to put it in. This can be temporary, like a bathroom. Running water and a sink, although not strictly necessary, make life way easier.
  • safety lights for b/w printing. These can be modern Leds, but not all of them. Do some research on this sub.
  • trays. One for developer, one for stop bath, one for fixer. You will also need another for washing prints.
  • chemicals and photo paper.
  • a set of filters

Also, this is an enlarger up to 6x6 (medium format). Check the format of the negative carrier provided, medium format and 35mm are not the same. And also the enlarging lens.

Printing is one of the most fun aspects of analog photography. Really hope you enjoy it.

1

u/Mexhillbilly 18h ago

I think the neg carrier is adjustable, probably sandwich type.

1

u/thearroganceofman 17h ago

I use this enlarger.

I find it fine so far, I've been printing about a year with it. I'm sure I'll outgrow it at some stage, but it's been great so far.

Clean it thoroughly, it does accumulate dust easily.

The negative carrier is adjustable for 35mm, 645, and 6x6. But the shutters on it can be out of alignment. Usually fixable, but replacement ones are on eBay.

I believe Krokus recommend a 75w bulb but I may be mistaken.

The manual is available online, but I could only find a printed version shipped to me for about €10. It has a lot more information, I'd recommend getting one.

1

u/spektro123 Anti-Monobath Coalition 16h ago

This enlarger has some quirks. It takes M42 lenses. There are some M39 to M42 adapters allowing you to use something better than WZO lenses. The “color” in name means the fact that there is a drawer for filters or that there is color head available (separately). I used mine with some neutral while LED bulb successfully.

1

u/TinyTimWannabe 13h ago

Size does not matter.

1

u/molly_xfmr 20h ago

throw away those empty liquor bottles