01
Dual Enlarger & Projector Design
Factory-configured for both 6.5×9 cm print enlarging and 6×6 cm diapositive projection.
Curio Gallery
01 / 04
01 / 04Durst 609 Medium Format Darkroom Enlarger — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The Durst 609 is a vintage mid-century darkroom enlarger and projector engineered by Durst S.p.A. in Bolzano, Italy. Designed to accommodate film formats up to 6.5×9 cm and slides up to 6×6 cm, it features a robust cast-metal lamphouse assembly mounted on an upright column attached to a solid wooden baseboard. An aperture-adjustable enlarging lens and swing-out red safety filter are fitted to the focusing stage.
02
Original Specification Plate
Features the Bolzano manufacturer badge displaying apparatus serial number 24791 and registered patent numbers.
03
Swing-Out Red Filter
Equipped with an integrated under-lens red darkroom safety filter for precise paper alignment before exposure.
04
Fine Focusing Adjustment
Fitted with tactile adjustment knobs and geared mechanism for sharp optical focusing across print sizes.
05
Sturdy Column Assembly
Heavy-duty steel support column with locking collar enables smooth vertical elevation over the printing easel.
06
Solid Wooden Baseboard
Mounted directly to a substantial wooden working platform stabilized by bottom foot pads.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Durst S.p.A., Bolzano
Origin
Italy
Year
1956
Department
optics
Packed shipment
2 kg · 35 × 25 × 20 cm
Manufacturer
Durst S.p.A., Bolzano, Italy
Model
Durst 609
Apparatus Serial Number
24791
Supported Enlarger Format
Up to 6.5×9 cm
Supported Projector Format
DIA 6×6 cm
Mounting
Cast metal column clamp on wooden baseboard
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Durst 609 Medium Format Darkroom Enlarger — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · Durst 609 Medium Format Darkroom Enlarger — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Durst 609 Medium Format Darkroom Enlarger; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Darkroom Versatility
The Convertible Italian Workhorse
Visible on the metal nameplate in the first photograph, the Durst 609 served both as an enlarger for 6.5×9 negatives and as a 6×6 projector, exemplifying post-war Italian design ingenuity for versatile darkroom workflows.
Optical Craft
Precision Below the Bellows
Detail visible in the second photograph highlights the threaded lens ring and red safety swing filter, allowing photographers to verify sharpness directly on photosensitive silver-halide paper before swinging the filter away for timed exposure.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1936
Founding of Durst
Durst is established in Bolzano, Italy, by the Oberrauch brothers, initially repairing and manufacturing photographic gear.
1956
Introduction of Durst 609
Durst launches the model 609, combining precision 6.5×9 cm medium-format enlarging with slide projection capability.
1957
International Patent Filings
Durst secures Italian, German, and European patents covering the versatile optical column and lamphouse design.
1970s
Legacy of Durst Enlargers
The 600-series platform establishes Durst worldwide as an industry benchmark for professional darkroom equipment.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The unit exhibits visible cosmetic wear consistent with age and darkroom use, including surface paint chipping and spotting across the grey enameled lamphouse casing. The central steel column shows localized tarnishing and surface oxidation along the shaft. The wooden baseboard retains its finish with visible surface scuffing, edge marks, and faint wear along the rim.
✓
InspectedLamphouse Enamel
Grey crinkle-style enamel shows scattered paint chips, brown spotting, and minor handling wear across the housing.
✓
InspectedMetal Column & Hardware
Vertical support pole displays surface patina, light rust spotting, and finish wear from elevation clamping adjustments.
✓
InspectedIdentification Plate
Original printed metal specification plate remains firmly riveted with clear text, showing mild surface patination.
✓
InspectedBaseboard
Solid wooden baseboard shows authentic darkroom patina, light edge chipping, and surface abrasions from easel placement.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Durst 609 Medium Format Darkroom Enlarger