Due to lack of space and some plans falling through I am selling my De Vere 504 DS digital enlarger system.
In a nutshell you scan your negs (or output directly from digital files) and make corrections in Photoshop, and the 504 DS projects the "virtual negative" on the baseboard for you to make prints on conventional darkroom paper, perhaps as a way to make nice quality black and white fibre based prints in trays. It offers perfect repeatability and arguably more creative control in printing because you don't have to do the dodging/burning and contrast contortions stood up in a cold darkroom! You can switch between black and white and colour modes easily in the software.
I bought this system used in 2010 and put it into secure air conditioned storage with a view to setting it up for alternative printing (such as making larger negs for contact printing, bromoil printing on Kentmere Art paper, etc). Unfortunately I now have neither the time or space to pursue this project.
The chassis is the latest 504 bench type with DeVere/Mullersohn electronics and fan cooled LED lightsource, dedicated Pentium type PC with monitor and combined power supply. Mullersohn are the leaders in this field. Just google "De Vere 504 DS" and you'll find it.
The system is complete and ready to use with latest spec Rodenstock 60/4 Rodagon with multicoating, as originally supplied by Odyssey Sales.
The bad bit: the software that controls the exposure takes a bit of understanding since there are lots of variables (such as exposing for different times for the RGB channels for the desired effect, etc). There are no manuals, and apparently never were for this professional kit, so I would strongly recommend a couple of hours training with Odyssey Sales who supply these enlargers new. If I was keeping this system that's exactly what I would do and they are happy to offer this at their Brighton base for a fee (or travel to you but this costs more).
I am happy to answer questions as best I can from serious enquirers but I am no expert. It can of course be seen working (ie projecting an image) but this is the limit of my knowledge after a few hours of fiddling with the settings before putting it into storage.
The price? Latest version is about £16,000.
This is an earlier version (software dates from 2006) with a smaller 3200x2400 pixel dimension matrix meaning smaller maximum print size for a given resolution. Perfect for fine quality 10x8's, 11x14's, alternative processes, etc rather then whopping exhibition prints.
I need to make some room so I'll sell it for the ridiculously low price of £800. Buyer collects from London.