| Photography Forum: Medium Format Photography Forum: |
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Q. Holga Enlarger?
Asked by Betsy Hern
(K=12872) on 8/29/2003
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Freestyle Camera is selling this "Holga Enlarger" -- is it just a gimmick, a cheap enlarger, or something new? I'm pondering setting up a darkroom, would I be better off getting something else?
Holga Enlarger Kit for 35mm & Med. Format (includes Arista 50mm & 75mm f/3.5 lens)
Model: 143120
Price: $139.99
Manufacturer: Holga
Product Details:
We have searched the world over for the ultimate accessory for your Holga camera! An enlarger for a reasonable price that will allow you to print your own pictures from your Holga camera. Believe it or not, this enlarger accepts 35mm,
6 x 4.5cm and 6 x 6cm negs and will allow you to enlarge your negatives up to 11x14!
Includes negative carrier that accommodates all three formats
35mm/Medium Format Holga Enlarger Kit includes:
Holga Enlarger, Arista 50mm & 75mm f/3.5 enlarging lens and PH211 bulb.
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David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 8/30/2003
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It's just an inexpensive enlarger, not a bad deal at $140, but right now used darkroom equipment is so cheap, you can do a lot better for not too much money. I'd be most concerned about the lenses in such a kit.
If you want to go used, something like a Beseler 23C would be a good choice, since they are plentiful and it's not too hard to find parts, negative carriers, different heads, and such for them as you develop your interests. A good six-element lens like an EL-Nikkor 80mm/f:4.0 or Schneider Componon-S or Rodenstock Rodagon is likely to be around $80 on the used market, and will be much better than the lenses offered. If you are on a tight budget, start with an 80mm lens, and you can add a 50mm lens later if you decide you need one for making larger prints from 35mm. An 80mm will work for both 6x6 and 35mm.
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Reagen Ward
(K=79) - Comment Date 9/5/2003
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I agree, you can find better for the price. I paid $79 for an Omega 600 enlarger + decent lens, timer, easel, focusing aid, and spare 35mm negative carrier. Just today, I saw a nice used 6x6 enlarger with dichroic head (forget brand) for $149. www.houstoncameraexchange.com has the contact info for the photo shop (not affiliated, just a patron).
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Mark Beltran
(K=32612) - Comment Date 9/7/2003
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I'm thinking of making my own Holga enlarger: with a slide duplicator hooked up to my digital camera.
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David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 9/9/2003
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Mark--I've done some digital duping with a digital camera and medium and large format negs/transparencies. It's quite easy if you have a copy stand or tripod with a horizontal arm and a 5000K light box.
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Dave Marquis
(K=2172) - Comment Date 12/29/2003
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I would hold out for a really nice enlarger for not a lot more money. I was thinking about getting the holga enlarger, but I happened across a Beseler 23C II in new condition. I offered 250.00 for it and I took it home. Actually, I got it off e-bay. I asked the guy to end the auction early and I picked it up the next day. It was 1200.00 or so new with all the goodies.......
Hold out!
Dave
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