More Darkroom Furnishings

When I decided to get my first enlarger I bought an old Meopta enlarger for next to nothing on eBay. After trying to get it to work I figured out it did not have a condenser and I enquired with the seller who said he couldn’t find it amongst his dead father’s belongings. He offered a refund, which I accepted.

I found the industrial design of the enlarger endearing and not wanting to waste it fashioned a lamp from it. I used it in my office in the UK and have since bought other similar models and converted them as well. I buy them when they are particularly cheap, say $20 or less.

I took one of these lamps and made it a work lamp for my folding desk.

It provides a less harsh light for more focussed work. I plan to add another with a red LED bulb. Then I can use the space for cutting or working on photopaper.

I have a tip for acquiring lamp cords. To buy a lamp cord costs about $6.00 as Walmart. I managed to buy a small extension cord at Home Depot with a fabric sleeve on it for less than $3.00. It was easy enough to cut the cord off.

I didn’t like the look of wire staples to route the cable so I cut a groove in some 3/4”pine strips to hide the cable under.