D6 Versus Other Omega Enlargers

Neil Poulsen · Jan 14, 2010

I'm curious about a D6. Is it any better than say a D2 or a D5? For example, the one that I'm thinking of has a fine focus tool.

Can a D6 be aligned any better than a D5.

MattKing · Jan 15, 2010

I have a D6 that I bought last year (2009) off of a Craigslist listing.

As I understand it, when it was first introduced the D6 was an updated version of the D2. When the D2 was discontinued, the D6 went with it, only to appear again immediately as an enhanced version of the D5 with all the options included (including the fine focus accessory).

In case you haven't seen it, KHB has an excellent set of information on the Omega enlargers, including this page on the D6:

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Discontinued/D6.htm

Matt

Rick Jones · Jan 15, 2010

If by better you mean the capability to produce better prints the answer is no because all the D series enlargers from D2V on used virtually the same condenser setup. If by better you are referring to convenience that is a different story but only if you change formats frequently. The micro focusing could possibly get you to a precise focus point faster. The lens turret eliminates the manual switching out of lenses. The extended bellows ends the need for the cones the D2's need for focal lengths beyond 105mm. The zoom lamp house lets you adjust the upper condenser with the twist of a knob when changing formats while the D2V required the upper condenser be manually set to one of three positions. So is the D6 better than the D2? It depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is I mean "better" is.

Rick A · Jan 15, 2010

I picked up one of the last model D-6's on Craigslist a few months ago. I am not going to part with this one. The only thing you need to watch out for, when buying, is the lens turret. Some of the early models have the 404-866 turret, which makes it hard to focus some 50mm lenses. Make sure it has the 404-867 turret, that is slightly thinner, allowing the 50mm to focus without any adaptors. Also; you need to refer to the lens mount plate chart on the KBH site MattKing gave to get the specific lens mounts for your lenses. This is a definite must have machine for versitility, and durability, especially if its in your budget.

Rick

ic-racer · Jan 15, 2010

Yes, the D6 is a D5 with upgrades already installed. Fine focus and turret (any others?)

I recommend to D series to anyone that lives in the US. The used market is basically flooded with them. And they are still available new.

mjs · Jan 15, 2010

Will these commonly available Durst enlargers go up to 5x7?

Mike

Ken Nadvornick · Jan 15, 2010

ic-racer said:
Yes, the D6 is a D5 with upgrades already installed. Fine focus and turret (any others?)

I recommend to D series to anyone that lives in the US. The used market is basically flooded with them. And they are still available new.

I believe there is also an adjustable negative masking carrier or frame, if I'm not mistaken. Don't know the catalog number.

I have upgraded my D5 with both the fine focus (nice, but not absolutely necessary) and the 3-lens turret (don't know how I ever lived without it). I have plenty of carriers, so I'm not sure an adjustable one is even needed.

Ken

lightwisps · Jan 15, 2010

Alternate idea, I have owned just about every model from the D2 on. I now have a Saunders/LPL 4550XLG. Saunders is the company that made the D2. This enlarger is so stable that when I switch negatives they remain in focus. I know because I use a very good focus scope

Rick A · Jan 15, 2010

mjs said:
Will these commonly available Durst enlargers go up to 5x7?

Mike

We are discussing Omega D series machines. Durst did make 5x7 enlargers, but thats another thread.

Rick

Neil Poulsen · Jan 15, 2010

Thanks for the responses.

It's interesting that Omega went from the single column construction in the D5 to the double column construction in the D6. Does someone know the reason for this?

Also, it doesn't sound like the D6 came in a standard size; only the XL size.

ic-racer · Jan 15, 2010

Essentially, the ProLab D6 was a deluxe version of the D2, although, once again, there were differences in the chassis construction. It was an XL chassis equipped with a three-lens turret, micro focus attachment, masking attachment, and the triple condenser Zoom lamphouse, which had an external knob to adjust the third condenser, eliminating the need for separate condenser sets, or manually moving the third condenser as with the DV lamphouse. The D6 also came equipped with an extended bellows, eliminating the need for a variety of lens cones for different focal length lenses. With so many convenience features, it was very much the "Cadillac" of enlargers.

When the D2 was discontinued in the mid 1970's, the D6 chassis went with it, along with the zoom condenser lamphouse. But the D6 immediately resurfaced as the Super D6 ProLab enlarger, now based on the D5XL. However, in this case, there was no difference at all in the chassis. The Super D6 was simply a D5XL that came with the turret, masking and micro focus attachments that were optional for the D5. Therefore, for the listings for the Super D6, please refer to the D5 page.

Above quote from KHB website.

Here is a D6 manual pdf. : http://www.darkroompro.com/pdf/enlargers/omega_chromegad.pdf

DAP · Jan 16, 2010

Neil Poulsen said:
Thanks for the responses.

It's interesting that Omega went from the single column construction in the D5 to the double column construction in the D6. Does someone know the reason for this?

Also, it doesn't sound like the D6 came in a standard size; only the XL size.

The D5 actually does have a double column. It looks like a single column because there is a piece of sheet metal that bridges the gap between the two struts in the D5 (it is just taped on w/ foam double-sided tape so it does not add anything structural support - it is for looks only).

As far as I know the D6 only came with the XL column. The D5 was available with a short column, but they seem to be really rare (over 90% of the D5 enlargers that you see for sale have the XL column which makes me think that the short column was either a really unpopular option or it that was dropped as an option shortly after the D5 was introduced)

capndave · Feb 9, 2010

Enjoying it

I located and purchased a D6 XL a year ago. Wonderful piece of engineering.
Mine was Mint condition, with the LED timer, with two schneider lenses, condensor head ... $175. The XL easily goes 20x24.

Paul Byrnes · Feb 25, 2010

Need help aligning a D6

Hi gang - Just got a D6 (XL I think) myself, here in Sydney, modified my bench to fit it, got the base levelled, but have no idea how to go about aligning the top. Not finding much in websearching. Anyone know where I can find instructions on how to do this, or even better, someone in Sydney who can help me with advice? Also came with a Dichroic head but that is the wrong voltage for Australia. Anyone local know where I can get the right voltage unit, for running it on 240V? Many thanks. PB.

MattKing · Feb 25, 2010

Omega D3 and D5 manual

Paul Byrnes said:
Hi gang - Just got a D6 (XL I think) myself, here in Sydney, modified my bench to fit it, got the base levelled, but have no idea how to go about aligning the top. Not finding much in websearching. Anyone know where I can find instructions on how to do this, or even better, someone in Sydney who can help me with advice? Also came with a Dichroic head but that is the wrong voltage for Australia. Anyone local know where I can get the right voltage unit, for running it on 240V? Many thanks. PB.

This manual might help (even if it does say D3 and D5).

Matt

Phil · Feb 25, 2010

Paul,

Yet another... I found this helpful for setting up my D6:

http://www.darkroompro.com/pdf/enlargers/omega_serv_man.pdf

Paul Byrnes · Feb 26, 2010

Thanks fellas - I'll study these and get the screwdriver out, between highlights of the Winter Olympics. I just love the internet - put a question in a few hours ago and people I don't know step up to help. What a great thing! Best of the day to you both - from where it's still warm. PB

Paul Byrnes · Feb 27, 2010

Thanks for the manuals - they helped, but in the end, I realised it's common sense and a spirit level, so I have lined it all up by eye and bubble. We'll see how the prints look. Still interested in hearing from anyone in Sydney who knows the finer details about these monsters, and any hints on the voltage converter I need. Much appreciate the help already received. PB

goodfood · Mar 12, 2010

I have a Omega 3 in 1 power supply in 240V. When I move to Canada, it is 110V. I use step down transformer to 11oV and try, it blow out all my bulbs. Inorder to slove problem, I bought another power supply 110V from *bay. Hope you don't have this problem.

bjsmith7474 · Jul 29, 2010

I just bought a D6 with a dichro head, does anyone know how difficult it is to convert it to a regular condenser setup?

ic-racer · Jul 29, 2010

bjsmith7474 said:
I just bought a D6 with a dichro head, does anyone know how difficult it is to convert it to a regular condenser setup?

It is easy, but why??

Maybe some one will give you a condenser head, they are/were pretty popular and have been made nearly the same for years.

The rods for the parallelogram lifting mechanism can be cut or you can cut two smaller ones from a rod you can get at Home Depot. It is SAE sized.

Once you have the shorter rods, the head just screws right in place. You can adjust the arms so it rises and falls exactly parallel to the negative carrier.

Sirius Glass · Jul 29, 2010

bjsmith7474 said:
I just bought a D6 with a dichro head, does anyone know how difficult it is to convert it to a regular condenser setup?

You are much better off with the dichroic head than a condenser. The color head can be used with variable contrast black and white paper. I have a Chromega Dichroic II 5D-XL which I am very happy with and would not change for something else.

Steve

fschifano · Aug 3, 2010

bjsmith7474 said:
I just bought a D6 with a dichro head, does anyone know how difficult it is to convert it to a regular condenser setup?

Same here. Why would you want to? The dichro head for that enlarger is really good. Illumination is perfectly even across the entire field, and it can be used in lieu of variable contrast filters by dialing in magenta and/or yellow filtration. I have one on my D4 (I even have a spare) and I wouldn't change it out for a condenser head.

doberman · Oct 29, 2010

Is the D-6 cat.No. 404-302, Mod. No. 4034-01. MFD. by Simmons Bros any different than the super D-6 as mentioned in the beginning of this thread, if so how. I have an opportunity to pick one up rather cheap.

Thank you much!

Dan

MattKing · Oct 29, 2010

doberman said:
Is the D-6 cat.No. 404-302, Mod. No. 4034-01. MFD. by Simmons Bros any different than the super D-6 as mentioned in the beginning of this thread, if so how. I have an opportunity to pick one up rather cheap.

Thank you much!

Dan

These two pages from KHB Photographix may answer your question (read in particular the explanation on the D6 page):

The D5 (and Super D6) - still current:
http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Current/D5.htm

The original D6 - discontinued:
http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Discontinued/D6.htm

D6 Versus Other Omega Enlargers

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