Wednesday, January 26, 2005, 11:21:57 AM, Alexandru-Cristian wrote: ACS> Hi,
ACS> Have you heard about Opemus enlargers? The only thing I know is ACS> they're russians :( I don't want to sound like a patriot (which I am definitely not), but they are made here, in Czech republic. And many of them are rather good. Which model do you mean? Opemuses are for 35mm film, and should support 6x6 as well I think. Never used them though. I use Magnifax IV, which is the larger model and the best from Meopta. For some info on models and age of them, see www.meopta.cz Found the museum with model description here: http://www.meopta.cz/index.php?id=143&set_lang=en Suffice to say, old models are rounded, looking like zeppelins or cigars. Newer models are squared, box-like. Accessories like glass/less carriers, antinewton glass, multigrade/colour head, etc. are harder to get for the older models, sometime impossible. The Opemus might be a good all-round model, and used should be very cheap. If you want to do a lot of rollfilm, get a larger model, the Magnifax III or IV. Gianfranco, how was it with the neg carriers/plates, does it print fullframe with neg borders? What else. The models I know are very well build, rugged and all metal. Better in my opinion than the cheap offerings from Durst or similar. And here in the Central/Eastern Europe, it's probably the cheapest good enlarger you can get. I think they are better than the Krokus from Poland, which I used as well. If it comes with a lens - Belar and Anarets are the average. Enough for smaller prints, but for larger detailed B&W you want better. Either Meogon (which,I have heard, is pretty good) or a Rodenstock/Nikkor/whatever. Hope this helps. It was a pleasant excursion, now I must get back to work ;-) I just today got better from an illness, and all these back-logged things to do :-( Good light! fra
