Hi. One question. An enlarger only works with a transformer or i can plug it in directly to the power source? I want to buy one from e-bay but i dont undrestand why some of them have transformers and some dont. Thanks

Thing is: If you for example use ordinary b/w head for enlarger which use light bulb that works on 220V/50Hz, then you don't need transformer.

If you use for example colour or multicontrast head for enlarger which use bulb that works on 12V, then you need transformer to lower 220V from your wall electric outlet to 12V needed for that bulb.

Or, if you use enlarger that works with any bulb that need voltage which is different from your electric power source (usually wall electric outlet) you need transformer to transform your electric power voltage to voltage needed for that bulb.

I hope I wrote this in a way you can understand me, I have tendancy to write complicated about simple things :)

So, if bulb for enlarger use voltage, frequency or needs more ampers that is different from what your electric power source can to give, you need aparatus for adjusting your electric power cource to bulb's needs. If bulb use voltage, frequency and needs ampers your electric power source can to give to that bulb, you don't need anything, you connect it directly to power source.

NOTE: I wrote about 220V because in Barcelona that voltage is used.

Good luck.

Hi Haris. I understood your explanation perfectly. Many thanks!

And, pay attention, bulb for ordinary b/w enlarger head that works on 220V/50Hz is not any bulb like those you use for your lamp fpr example. It is bulb made for enlarging heads, which give "beeter" light than ordinary house bulb. Usually those bulbs are of 75W, 100W, 150W, 200W. THey don't need transformer.

Colour heads and multicontrast heads usually use halogen bulbs which work on 12V/50Hz and usually are 75W to 100W. those bulbs do need transformer.

There are other light sources for enlargers like cold cathode heads, but I don't know anything about them, I hope someone other will tell you more about them...

Enlarging transformers come in two varieties: voltage stabilizing and step-down. Sometimes both functions are combined in a single unit. Many enlargers use bulbs that do not run on 120 volts (240 in Europe and Australia). 24, 12, and 80 volt lamps are common. You can not plug these into the line voltage; they will blow out. A step-down transformer is used to reduce the line voltage to a value suitable for the lamps. Some color enlargers use a voltage stabilizing transformer to give consistent results even when the line voltage varies. These may provide 110 (or 120 or 230) volts output, or they may be some other voltage depending on the needs of the enlarging lamps. If the enlarger itself and its lamps are designed to work on standard line voltage, you can bypass the voltage stabilizing transformer if your line voltage is reasonably steady. Otherwise, you need to use it to get the proper voltage for the lamps, fans, etc. If the enlarger runs on 120 volts and your line voltage is 240 volts, you can substitute a commonly available step-down isolation transformer (see an electronic parts distributor) for the special enlarger transformer.