I am in the experimental stages with my new to me Conti Prestina. Everything including the spring is new and working perfectly. It is also maintaining very stable temperature. I have MANY different sizes of 58mm portafilter baskets for this machine.

I am looking for input from others who have this same group, and what they have found to be the sweet spot for dosing, and with which basket? I know I can eventually figure this out on my own, but I will go through ALOT of coffee to get there. Any help is appreciated

My standard dose is 18 gm. Let us know how it works for you!

Similar to Dr Gary,18 grams. I use a IMS 20 gram basket.

Does your Prestina have the standard 5Bar spring or the 9Bar spring?

I use 20 gms in an HQ double basket with great success.

And of course I vary dose, grind and temperature for different coffees. I once measured my spring pressure to start at 8 bar. My spring was a replacement installed when I restored my Prestina and I only use it occasionally.

Thank you all for the tips. I have tried various doses with different baskets after reading Dr Garys Prestina User Experiences post. Surprisingly I had not done 18 grams doses yet. I share the same conclusion that none of these experimental shots were undrinkable. Today after reading the recommendations of 18 grams, I tried it for the first time. I accidentally ground a little tighter than normal, but WOW it was almost perfect in taste. I dont want to speak too soon, but all I will say is if I can repeat it exactly the same, I could live with this shot happily ever after.