[LargeFormat] Input on buying an 8x10 enlarger

[Robert G. Hall]

Just to throw in my 2 cents...

I recently acquired a new Zone VI and love it. I found a new 300mm
Schneider off eBay for a steal and can print 20x24's without a problem.
I just built a 16" base which raises it to the 8' ceiling with a little
room to spare. It prints 11x14 to 20x24, has a StopClock Professional
Vario attached for the timer.

I'm working with a machinist friend of mine who is making a 4x10 neg
carrier for it.

The 8x10 neg carrier is not bad, one needs to be careful not to scratch
the neg inserting it and removing it. Cotton gloves help.

I mask my prints so the exposures get a little long. I expose at f/11
and have some exposures that are around 4 minutes on slower Forte paper.

It develops plenty of contrast for the masked negs and has a control for
both the blue and green tubes it uses for exposing VC papers.

The realization of the cost of chems for developing the 20x24's is a
little daunting.

FWIW,

RGH

Robert G. Hall
Robert Hall Photography
www.RobertHallPhotography.com
801-673-4510