Does anyone know which Omega 4x5 enlarger this is?

logan2z · Thursday at 5:43 PM

I'm trying to figure out which Omega 4x5 enlarger this is but haven't been able to find the exact same model online. I thought it might have been a Prolab II/D5 but I don't think it quite matches either of those models. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Erik L · Thursday at 5:54 PM

To my eye, it looks like a d5 chassis. The variable condenser head is probably similar to the prolab variable condenser head but I’ve only seen the prolab version so I’m not not certain. Should be a good get if all the goodies are there.

AnselMortensen · Thursday at 6:06 PM

I agree, the chassis resembles my D5, but mine has an Ilford head, so no help there.

logan2z · Thursday at 6:17 PM

Erik L said:
Should be a good get if all the goodies are there.

I'm not that familiar with Omega enlargers, is there a critical set of goodies I should be looking for?

Three negative carriers are included, unfortunately the 4x5 carrier isn't one of them. But they seem pretty easy to find online and not terribly expensive. I only really care about this enlarger for making enlargements from 4x5 negatives, I have other enlargers that support 35mm up to 6x9 negatives.

AnselMortensen · Thursday at 6:22 PM

Is a timer included?
If not, GraLab digital one is a good choice.
150mm lens...
135mm if you're going to make big enlargements.

logan2z · Thursday at 6:30 PM

AnselMortensen said:
Is a timer included?
If not, GraLab digital one is a good choice.
150mm lens...
135mm if you're going to make big enlargements.

Yes, two timers are included - the classic analog Gralab timer and a digital Gralab timer. I've got a classic Gralab and an RH Designs timer but an extra digital timer could come in handy.

Only a 50mm and 80mm Nikkor lens are included, both of which I already have. I'd have to pick up a lens for 4x5 enlargements. But I don't even have a 4x5 camera yet, I'm just planning ahead

MattKing · Thursday at 6:52 PM

You know who I would recommend you ask - KHB
I would check that everything is in the Variable Condenser unit.

MattKing · Thursday at 7:02 PM

And on the subject of it being a "D5", for clarity it is the later version of the D5 which appeared in a number of configurations - all of which seemed to have the single, XL column.
One of those versions was the D5 Universal, which appears, from the KHB page, to have been sold without a baseboard.
Here is the KHB page: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/D5.htm

logan2z · Thursday at 7:05 PM

MattKing said:
You know who I would recommend you ask - KHB
I would check that everything is in the Variable Condenser unit.

I looked at the KHB site's list of Omega enlargers before I posted, but couldn't find the exact model there. But yeah, I'm sure Kevin Brown will know for sure.

Don_ih · Thursday at 8:06 PM

MattKing said:
I would check that everything is in the Variable Condenser unit.

I second that. If this enlarger was never used for 4x5, you need to make sure it can be,

Paul Howell · Thursday at 8:56 PM

If the enlarger was used for 35mm to 6X9 then the adjustable condenser should be there, when enlarging 4X5, if the adjustable condenser is like those in a D2 or 3, the top condenser is removed only the lower condenser is used. But you do want to make sure both condensers are not chipped or scratched.

Rick A · Thursday at 9:16 PM

The variable condenser head contains one condenser and several positions to use depending on the lens chosen. Flip the front access panel (that reads Variable condenser lamphouse) and have a look. Below that chamber should be two condensers inside the metal cylinder.

DREW WILEY · Thursday at 9:24 PM

Changes in the 'D' chassis were incremental. The later D 5's had longer columns and more bellows extension, which that example apparently does have. The condenser head is obviously meant for up to 4x5, provided it is complete. It's getting harder to find Anti-Newton glass for the 4x5 carriers. But that piece of equipment in general should last a long time. They are durable.

darkroommike · Thursday at 9:46 PM

logan2z said:
I'm not that familiar with Omega enlargers, is there a critical set of goodies I should be looking for?

Three negative carriers are included, unfortunately the 4x5 carrier isn't one of them. But they seem pretty easy to find online and not terribly expensive. I only really care about this enlarger for making enlargements from 4x5 negatives, I have other enlargers that support 35mm up to 6x9 negatives.

Make sure you get the later version of the 4x5 carrier with the octagonal spacer (spider) on the bottom. Your lamphouse should have a third condenser that can be slotted into different positions for different focal length lenses. And don't sweat exact model designations, every Omega I have every bought was a "mixmaster" mutt.

logan2z · Thursday at 9:50 PM

Thanks to everyone for the advice re: the condensers. The enlarger is a fair distance from me but I’ll ask the seller for some pictures of the inside of the condenser head. Hopefully it’s all there and in good condition.

logan2z · Thursday at 9:51 PM

darkroommike said:
Make sure you get the later version of the 4x5 carrier with the octagonal spacer (spider) on the bottom. Your lamphouse should have a third condenser that can be slotted into different positions for different focal length lenses. And don't sweat exact model designations, every Omega I have every bought was a "mixmaster" mutt.

Good to know, thanks!

mwdake · Thursday at 10:03 PM

Other than it looking newer and the writing and font on the condenser compartment being more modern looking it looks a lot like my D5 ProLab.

I had several of those until last year but 2 of them had to go.

logan2z · Friday at 12:26 PM

According to Kevin Brown at KHB Photografix, the enlarger is a late production D5XL with DV condenser lamphouse.

I think a little roadtrip might be in my future

Paul Howell · Friday at 12:45 PM

Ive had a D3 for over 40 years, it was used when I got it of course, Omega enlargers are rugged.

Does anyone know which Omega 4x5 enlarger this is?

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Does anyone know which Omega 4x5 enlarger this is?

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