Firstcall Photographic

Paterson Universal Black and White Enlarger (No Lens)

Paterson Universal Black and White Enlarger (No Lens) - Main image
$292.5 $450 In stock

Category: Print & Print Processing Printing Processing Equipment

Paterson Universal Black and White Enlarger (No Lens)

The Paterson Universal Enlarger is a versatile and affordable enlarger designed for schools, colleges, community darkrooms, and home darkroom enthusiasts. Built with a robust metal construction and capable of handling both 35mm and 6x6cm negatives, it offers excellent flexibility for black and white printing without the high cost of more advanced professional enlargers.

Supplied with glassless negative carriers for both 35mm and medium format, the Universal Enlarger can produce prints up to approximately 30 x 40cm directly on the baseboard. The head can also be rotated for wall or floor projection, allowing even larger enlargements when required.

Why We Like It

There are very few affordable enlargers still available new, making the Paterson Universal something of a rarity. It covers both 35mm and medium format straight out of the box, offers solid all-metal construction, and includes features normally found on more expensive enlargers, such as geared height adjustment, a filter drawer, and adjustable projection options. For educational darkrooms and photographers building a traditional darkroom setup, it remains one of the most practical choices available.

Key Features

  • Black and white enlarger for 35mm and 6x6cm negatives
  • Supplied with glassless 35mm and 6x6cm negative carriers
  • Robust metal construction
  • Geared 75cm column for precise height adjustment
  • Head rotates 90° for wall projection
  • Column can be rotated for floor projection
  • Built-in filter drawer for multigrade printing
  • Red swing filter included
  • Double concave condenser illumination system
  • Removable M39 lens mount
  • 75W quartz enlarger lamp included
  • Suitable for enlargements up to approximately 30 x 40cm on the baseboard
  • Compatible with alternative mixing chambers for 35mm and 6x6cm formats

Technical Specifications

  • Negative formats: 35mm and 6x6cm
  • Negative carrier type: Glassless metal carriers
  • Lens mount: M39 threaded mount
  • Baseboard size: 50 x 59cm
  • Maximum head height: 111cm
  • Lamp: 75W P33ES enlarger lamp
  • Power supply: 220-240V mains
  • Focus control: Rail friction drive
  • Elevation control: Geared adjustment

Lens Options

This enlarger is supplied without a lens.

  • 35mm Budget Option: Schneider Componar-C 50mm f/3.5 Enlarging Lens (used, subject to availability)
  • 35mm Premium Option: Schneider Componar-S 50mm f/2.8 Enlarging Lens
  • Medium Format Option: Firstcall 75mm f/4.5 Enlarging Lens

What's in the Box

  • Paterson Universal Enlarger
  • 35mm glassless negative carrier
  • 6x6cm glassless negative carrier
  • 75W quartz enlarger lamp
  • Built-in filter drawer
  • Red swing filter

Ideal For

  • Schools and colleges
  • Home black and white darkrooms
  • 35mm and medium format photographers
  • Community darkrooms
  • Anyone looking for a durable, affordable enlarger
Check your selection

Confirm your chosen option and quantity before paying.

Delivery timing

Check the estimate before ordering for a particular date.

Standard Shipping: Handling (business days) 0–1; Transit (business days) 7–15.

Express Shipping: Handling (business days) 0–1; Transit (business days) 7–15.

View policy
Refund enquiries

Contact the store with the order number and item you are asking about.

Please contact us for the refund processing timeframe before returning an item.

View policy
Shipping charges

Review the charge for your selected delivery service.

Standard Shipping · United States: $0.00

Express Shipping · United States: $3.99

View policy
Planning a return

Contact the store before returning an item; the policy below applies.

United States · Return window (days after delivery): 30. Return method: By mail. Return postage: Seller pays.

View policy

Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Thomas ★★★★★

The negative carrier system is really clever—easy to swap between 35mm and 120 without any tools. It's solid enough for a beginner like me to get sharp prints after a bit of practice.

Nicholas Z. ★★★★★

I finally have a proper setup for my home darkroom, and this enlarger is exactly what I needed for school work. The build feels solid and the column is sturdy, making focusing much easier than I expected.

Robert M. ★★★★★

The adjustable height mechanism on this enlarger makes focusing on different print sizes really smooth. I’ve been using it for my first home darkroom setup and it handles 35mm negatives perfectly with no issues.