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D5XL + Ilford 500 -- Anything missing?

Discussion in 'Darkroom Equipment' started by jgates, Feb 13, 2010.

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  1. Feb 13, 2010 #1
    jgates

    jgates Member

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    Alright I am searching nearly in vain for a 4x5 enlarger in the Philadelphia area. I currently use a b22XL + Dichroic (obviously not for LF) and this d5 seems like a near dream machine.

    The issue is the man who currently owns this machine does not know what it is precisely, or how it works. There is no manual. I think I will need that.

    He has a D5XL, and the Ilford 500 lamphouse and controller, and probe. He also has a Super Chromega D power supply, a footswitch for a Chromegatrol supply with a couple of not-quite-right lenses.

    Are these items sufficient to operate the machine (less lens)? I understand the ilford 500 is a useful item to have, but it is not useful at all if it does not function. Usually items like this have a separate power supply, so is that missing? Can something be adapted?

    also in this venture I'll be required to search out another enlarging lens.

    Now I have the cash to lay out for this equipment, but I don't have a whole lot. This device is on the high end of that I'm able to spend on this, so the additional cost of a lens is something. Also, this transaction will require about 2.5 hour road time, so no I cannot just go monkey with it.

    Another thing to consider of course is I am very much getting used to shooting 4x5 and not at all used to printing it. A sad state of affairs.

    I would greatly appreciate any advice and insight with regard to these machines, or even other options.

    Josh
     
  2. Feb 14, 2010 #2
    Jim Edmond

    Jim Edmond Member

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    The Ilford 500 does have its own dedicated power supply. It sounds like that's missing.
     
  3. Feb 14, 2010 #3
    gphoto120

    gphoto120 Subscriber

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    The Ilford 500 is a great unit...however, you also need the 500S power supply.
    The Omega power supply needs the Omega Head. You might be better off waiting for a complete unit with lenses etc. I paid less than $300.00 for a D2 w/ Ilford 500 complete last summer. I've since seen several D2 and D5's for 2-$400 complete , even with cold light heads as well. Be patient... They should be relatively plentiful in your area....check Craigslist Good Luck!
     
  4. Feb 14, 2010 #4
    paul ewins

    paul ewins Member

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    To make things worse there are two models of the 500 head which have incompatible power supplies and different controllers. Fortunately the cables are also incompatible so you can't plug the wrong bits together and damage it. I've bought a couple cheaply for spare parts which is how I know about the different power supplies. Best to pass on this one and wait for a complete system to come along.
     
  5. Feb 14, 2010 #5
    DAP

    DAP Member

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    How much are they asking for the gear? If the 500s is included I would definately consider it. If the 500s is gone and If the price is right you could keep the omega head and sell the bits and pieces of the ilford 500 system and help pay for the enlarger (there is ususally a pretty high demand for Ilford 500 components/parts on the 2nd hand market). One more thing to look for with the ilford 500 is the light mixing boxes - they are often lost (and they are pretty hard to come by)