D-2 Variable Condenser

[LudditeJay]

I attached an image of Omega D-2 enlarger. I know it is a small low res image but I was hoping someone with a little experience with these enlargers would be able to tell me if that looks like a variable condenser model or not. It appears to be so, but I am not 100% sure. Thanks.

 

[brucemuir]

Yes, see the chrome front plate on the variable condenser drawer on the lamphouse.
This is directly above the round chromish regular condenser housing.

That hinged chrome flap is a drawer where you can position the variable condenser.

I have the DII that was converted but I then converted to a Super Chromega D Dichroic head.
Your example also looks like it has a later, better rail on it.

 

[LudditeJay]

Very cool, thanks. It is an enlarger I am going to be picking up in the next several days, essentially saving it from being thrown away.

Any tips on what to what out for in transport would also be much appreciated. I plan to take it off it's base and lay it on its side in the trunk. Anything I should look out for not to damage or fall off?

 

[brucemuir]

They are tanks but obviously take the condensers out and wrap then in something.
Try not to tweak the rear rails any.

Mine was shipped in 2 boxes via UPS and arrived fine.

These don't get much respect but mine is ample for everything I do. Parts are cheap & plentiful.

Check out classicenlargers (.org?) for Harry the Omega guru.

 

[LudditeJay]

Sounds like a plan. I guess the variable condenser is easily pulled out but do I need any tools to get to the, I guess, two condensers below the variable drawer? I currently use a B-22 and the lamp housing is removed with two thumb screws, does this break down as easily?

 

[brucemuir]

Thumb screws for the lower condensers.
The housing twists off once you loosen the thumbscrews.

The upper variable condenser slides right out of the drawer, it's mounted to a metal plate.

The lower ones are loose in there but there is a ribbed foil "spacer" that you want to note its position and replace as you found it.

The rest will need tools like adjustable wrench and pliers and maybe some screw drivers.
Be careful of the negative stage and the lens stage under it.
Like don't lay it down resting on the neg stage etc.
I would only disassemble what is absolutely necessary for transport.

 

[LudditeJay]

Thank you for tips and all the info. It's much appreciated.

 

[tkamiya]

WAIT! DO NOT DISASSEMBLE!!

It's ok to unscrew the condenser and take off the baseboard but don't go beyond that UNLESS you are prepared to spend frustrating days trying to align it back up! I took it apart to rebuild it and it took me days to get it right again and I had to borrow an alignment tool to do it.

Yes, it is a D-2 with VC. When you twist the lower condenser off, make sure it's how brucemuir describes it. D-2 and D-II came with 4 different condenser at one time. VC supposed to have the largest one where lens occupy the full diameter of the aluminum outer casing. If anything else, it's a wrong one. Plus, make sure the drawer has the movable lens in it.

Before you try to move it, make sure it's locked up. If you look lower right of the beam, you will see a small plastic locking "thing" with a thumb screw on it. Otherwise, the carriage will slide up or down while trying to move the whole thing.

I have a D-II with VC and D-2 with regular condenser. They are great, stable enlarger.

 

[LudditeJay]

I didn't plan to do disassemble anything except for enough to remove the condensers. I don't plan to touch the negative stage or lens stage at all.

So just to be clear, the round aluminum housing that holds the fixed condensers can slide out on it's own? The variable condenser drawer and lamp housing are self supported?

My plan is to bring some old shirts. I plan to wrap the variable condenser in a shirt, remove the fixed condenser housing and just wrap the whole thing in a shirt and place that in the front of my car. The baseboard and enlarger would go in the trunk with the enlarger resting on it's side probably on an old blanket.

 

[LudditeJay]

Also, when you say...

Before you try to move it, make sure it's locked up. If you look lower right of the beam, you will see a small plastic locking "thing" with a thumb screw on it. Otherwise, the carriage will slide up or down while trying to move the whole thing.

does the knob resemble the lock nut on my B-22. I attached an image below. Thanks.

 

[Bob Carnie]

Take off the Condenser , three screws, It will drop so be carful and package separtely in bubble wrap and box.
Take off the base board , do not lose the three bolts holding in place.
Lower the head or raise it but in both cases secure it so it does not travel up or down , do not trust the locking mechanisam.
Take off any lenses, remove the bulb, remove the single condensor in the slotted drawer, bubble wrap this and put separate in box.
get all parts you can as well as any method of wall mounting, bulbs, glass carriers, carriers lens mounts ect.

This is a wonderful piece of equipment , it looks like it is in really good shape so have lots of fun, I have 8 of these some in storage and are good for life.

 

[BrianShaw]

The couple of times I've had to move mine, this is what I've done (what Bob and the others have said). I'd like to emphasize one of Bob's points: do not trust the locking mechanisam. That is, perhaps, the only flimsy part of the enlarger. Find some other way to lock the head in place. I've generally raised the head fully and wrapped the raise/lower knob with plastic packing tape to keep it from moving. If you pad it and set it on its side it should travel fine.

 

[tkamiya]

No, the lock screw does not resemble that. It has a small plastic clamp and a screw with a large plastic knob. Just look to the right and the lowest part of the whole caridge. You'll see it.

To take the condenser off.... You have two involved here. The variable condenser is in the little box with the door. Lift and remove. Wrap it carefully. You don't want this banging around in the box while you transport. The big aluminum one is held in place by 3 screws. One at the rear is not tight. Two in front are thumb screws. Losen them and twist the whole condenser assembly to the left just a few degrees. It will come off. Be careful at this point because lens themselves are NOT secured in this aluminum assembly. If you flip it up side down, they'll just fall out. Wrap that carefully, too.

The whole thing is QUITE heavy and top heavy. Have a friend to help you move that thing.

 

[John Koehrer]

After you get it taken apart. put some pressure on the negative stage and allow it to rise to the top of the column and tighten it down. That way if the stage does slip it's already at the stop.

 

[brucemuir]

missed the second page, nevermind

 

[LudditeJay]

Just a little update

I picked up the enlarger last week. I also was able to get some other things. The enlarger came with 35mm, 6x6, and 4x5 negative carriers, one of each. I also got a 50mm, 75mm, and 150mm lens attached to boards. The 50 and 75 are on flat boards and the 150 in a dished one.

The condensers all seems to be in pretty good shape. The only slight issue seems to be a little separation in the 150mm lens. it is on the edge of the lens and seems to be completely covered by the aperture blades by f/5.6 so I don't think it will be a real issue if I ever get to printing 4x5 negatives.

Attached are some images of some of the things I picked up. I also got a bit of literature that I need to got through.