Chromega D Dichro II head lever adapter...

[Dave Swinnard]

I was just given a Chromega D Dichro II head for my D5 but not the lever adapter kit. Before I start modifying the current components I'd like to ask D5 owners the following question...

Given the currently installed condenser head has the stock lift lever components, can I get away with simply replacing the existing steel shafts (connecting the left and right arms) with longer ones to accommodate the extra width of the dichro head? (Or are there "other bits" that I need to deal with/replace?)

Given the new lamp house (and Chromegatrol timer/power supply) came as a freebie (and my wife's view on spending more money for the darkroom - BH wants US$147 for the 429-115 kit), I'm looking at doing a minimal cost conversion. Comments from folks who've lived through the lamphouse conversion most welcome.

Regards, Dave

 

[Ronald Moravec]

Call Harry at Classic-Enlarger.com. He makes up kits at reasonable cost. Maybe you only need a few of the parts or he has a used set-up

 

[jstewart]

I recently converted a D2 head to a Chromega Dichro. I spent less than $1 on a piece of 3/8" aluminum rod at the hardware store to replace the shorter, existing rods. Use an allen wrench to remove the brackets (the arms that attach to the head) and then place them on the new, longer rods. Really easy surgery.
Jim

 

[Dave Swinnard]

Thanks Jim, that's the sort of first-hand, encouraging news I was hoping to hear.

Have you had any wear issues with the aluminum rather than steel rods?

Dave
(on the way to the hardware store...)

 

[peoplemerge]

Resuscitating this old thread to find out how the 3/8" aluminum rods worked out. Did they stand the test of time?

Who cares, you ask? Until last week I had a D5XL with only the (albeit nice) Pro-Lab Condenser and have been pining for a LF dichro. This week, a generous but retired photographer sold me his darkroom, so now I have not one but two D5XL condensers, along with 3 Chromega heads, 2 dichroic power supplies, and a swath great darkroom gear (like tabletop processors) that I need to sort out.

 

[ic-racer]

My hardware store not only had the two 3/8" rods they also had 3/8" locking collars to use in place of the tubular spacers. You may already have an SAE Allen wrench set, if not, you will need that to remove and replace the lever arms on the new rods.