Question about voltages and enlargers

SundownerPhoto · Sunday at 3:17 PM

I am stationed in Europe and will return to the US in a couple of years a fact that is generating this question: If I buy an old Kaiser or Durst enlarger over here, It'll be 220/230v would it be worth bringing it back to the States? Can I run it off 220 service in the States? Will I need a step-down transformer?
I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a Durst M605 or Kaiser VCP6000 and don't want to spend too much money if I'll need to buy again state side.

AnselMortensen · Sunday at 3:25 PM

One thing to consider is the frequency...
US mains are 60Hz.
EU is typically 50Hz.
I have no first-hand knowledge of any issues...others with actual experience will hopefully chime in.

xkaes · Sunday at 3:43 PM

All you need is a converter. International travelers use these all the time. They come in a ton of configurations and are easy to get.

One thing to keep in mind is that shipping costs are VERY high, and enlargers are incredibly cheap to buy. How about $25 for a Beseler 4x5 enlarger?

A lot depends on where you end up. If you are anywhere near a big city in the US you can get what you want really cheap.

SundownerPhoto · Sunday at 4:02 PM

xkaes said:
All you need is a converter. International travelers use these all the time. They come in a ton of configurations and are easy to get.

One thing to keep in mind is that shipping costs are VERY high, and enlargers are incredibly cheap to buy. How about $25 for a Beseler 4x5 enlarger?

A lot depends on where you end up. If you are anywhere near a big city in the US you can get what you want really cheap.

I appreciate it, shipping isn't an issue for me as everything will get chucked in a Connex and shipped to the States.

Any converter you recommend?

Sanug · Sunday at 4:48 PM

It depends wether you use a color head or the condenser lamp head.

For the condenser lamp head you simply need to replace the bulb and the mains plug.

For the colour head you need a AC to 12 V / more than 10 A DC converter and leave the old transformer. Such AC/DC converters e.g. from Meanwell brand have a wide range input 100-250V and are therefore suitable for Europe and USA.

Chan Tran · Sunday at 4:56 PM

I don't have experience with the 2 enlargers you have so I can't say how I would modify them to work with 120VAC 60Hz vs the 220AC 50Hz. I am sure a step up (step up not step down) transformer to step the voltage up to 220V and with sufficient VA rating would work. I don't think for enlarger the 50 or 60 Hz would make the difference.

RalphLambrecht · Sunday at 5:35 PM

SundownerPhoto said:
I am stationed in Europe and will return to the US in a couple of years a fact that is generating this question: If I buy an old Kaiser or Durst enlarger over here, It'll be 220/230v would it be worth bringing it back to the States? Can I run it off 220 service in the States? Will I need a step-down transformer?
I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a Durst M605 or Kaiser VCP6000 and don't want to spend too much money if I'll need to buy again state side.

I ran the same enlargers on both siides of the pond with a step-up/downconverter from Simran without any issues. Just with any timer, You need to watch the frequency, but for the enlarger itself a voltage converter isall you need in in my case(Durst L1200) was well worth the hassle because there is nothing of the same quality produced in the US. Go for it. At least,You can get started now. Who knows what theUS market bears when you get back.

MattKing · Sunday at 6:23 PM

For some enlargers, and some light sources, what differs is a separate power supply. In those cases the enlarger will work fine on both sides of the ocean, as long as you are using the appropriate power supply.
That being said, it can sometimes be quite difficult or expensive to source the power supplies.

Melvin J Bramley · Sunday at 8:14 PM

SundownerPhoto said:
I am stationed in Europe and will return to the US in a couple of years a fact that is generating this question: If I buy an old Kaiser or Durst enlarger over here, It'll be 220/230v would it be worth bringing it back to the States? Can I run it off 220 service in the States? Will I need a step-down transformer?
I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a Durst M605 or Kaiser VCP6000 and don't want to spend too much money if I'll need to buy again state side.

Enlargers such as the Durst M605 are selling at such a low price in north america I doubt it will be worth the cost of shipping.
In my neck of the woods, BC, Canada, two saunders LPL 670 MXL enlargers sold for $150 for the pair and with accessories.
An LPL 4500II dichro with a full compliment of accessories sold for the same measly $150

Question about voltages and enlargers

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