In another sign that analogue photography is dying fast, Durst PhotoTechnik has announced it will cease production of photographic enlargers, according to PMA European Newsline.

 

September 7, 2006: In another sign that analogue photography is dying fast, Durst PhotoTechnik has announced it will cease production of photographic enlargers, according to PMA European Newsline.
The company has manufactured enlargers since 1936, first for the professional market then, from 1950 onwards, for enthusiasts’ darkrooms. The report says production peaked in 1979, when 107,000 units were produced and sold, but declined during the following years, due to the improved photofinishing services by wholesale and minilabs. During its 70-year production run, Durst filed more than 500 related patents and introduced innovative features like dichroic filters, the electronic integration of light measurement, colour calibration and the closed-loop system to enlarger technology.

The company will now concentrate on manufacturing digital equipment such as the Lambda and Theta professional printers and Rho large-format inkjet printers, the report says. Accessories and spare parts for Durst enlargers will still be available through Durst’s online store (http://www.durst-online.com/) for some years to come.