The New Darkroom Handbook, 2nd Edition

8 Enlarging Equipment

Contents

Enlargers

Enlarging Lenses

Easels

Focusing Magnifiers

Negative Cleaning and Dusting

Printing and Exposure Controls

Negative Storage and Proof Printers

Enlargers

The wide array of enlargers on the market is confusing to the prospective buyer because the criteria for selection are somewhat obscure. What separates a $150 enlarger from one that costs $2,000? Is the additional expenditure worthwhile and, most importantly, will it show in the prints themselves?

The most important elements in a black-and-white enlarger are that it be steady, optically aligned, and have a first-rate enlarging lens. The next most important ...