At What Point Does One Consider The  Long-term Investment ?

    The most important piece of equipment to any photographer while they are shooting is the camera. On the flip side of the coin, the most important piece of equipment while in the darkroom is the enlarger. That's why choosing the right enlarger for your needs and using it properly is of utmost importance.

    There are a number of good enlargers on the market today. Manufacturers such as Zone VI, Beseler, and Omega, among others, make several different models from which to choose. That makes the task of enlarger selection seem daunting. It's best to say that a photographer just entering the darkroom or one that has spent many "dark hours" bathed in safelight should look for an enlarger that fits their particular printing goals. To do that ask yourself these questions: What are the film formats that I shoot? Will I be printing in only black and white color or both? What's the largest print I want to make? What space is available for the enlarger? What type of light source do I need? How much money can I spend?

   Right down the above questions and answer them as completely as possible. The more complete your answers the easier it will be to choose the enlarger that best suits your wants and needs. To make things easier we will go through the questions one by one and provide some possible answers.

    What are the film formats that I shoot?

Enlargers are categorized by the size of negative they accept. There isn't any reason for you to purchase a 4x5 enlarger if all you'll ever shoot is 35mm film. Enlargers last forever, so when you answer this question be realistic, if you use 35mm now but plan on moving into medium format later, then go ahead and get a medium format 6x6 or 6x7 enlarger.

    Will I be printing in only black and white or color or both?

Enlargers come in either black and white print mode or color. Some enlargers allow you to purchase "heads" that can turn a b&w enlarger into color and vice versa. It's more inexpensive and easier to print in black and white, so most likely if you're new to the darkroom you'll want to start with a b&w enlarger. If you plan on moving into color printing simply purchase an enlarger that allows you to add a color-printing head later.

    What's the largest print I want to make?

The answer to this question may depend on your film format. Often 35mm images do not look good blown up to large sizes, say larger than 11x14. If you work in large format you may want prints 20x24 or larger. Buy the enlarger capable of the largest print you will ever want.

    What space is available for the enlarger?

The size of your enlarger will be determined by the amount of available space in your darkroom. 8x10, 5x7 and even 4x5 enlargers tend to take up a considerable amount of counter space AND headroom. Don't forget to take into account the height of your darkroom ceiling in purchasing an enlarger.

    What type of light source do I need?

You basically have three choices; diffusion, condenser or cold light. Condenser enlargers increase contrast and any defects in the negative and image. Most enlargers offer a condenser source but few serious printers use one. Diffusion is found on most, if not all color heads. It's an excellent choice for printing either color or black & white. If you want the ultimate for black & white work, choose a Cold-light head (e.g. Ansel Adams). They are more expensive and difficult to set up but they can't be beat for premium quality black & white work.

     How much money can I spend?

This of course is up to you. But remember this, it's the enlarging lens that makes or breaks a print. If you want you could buy a used enlarger and save your money for the best lens possible.

Be careful with your enlarger purchase. Take your time. You don't want all your hard work of getting just the right shot to be lost in the darkroom. Take as much care into buying an enlarger as you would a camera or lens.