enalrger accessory

[Chuck_P]

I have my eye on a new enlarger that I am saving for---the Omega 4500-II B&W Diffusion Enlarger. The listed accessories include a 35mm Mixing Chamber/Multiplier. Can someone tell me what this is; does that mean I can't print 35mm unless I have this? I am eventually going to get into medium format at a later time, but will need it for 35mm work initially?

 

[Aggie]

It has different chambers for the different format films. 35mm, medium format and 4x5. Where you can use the medium to do 35mm, and 4x5 to do the lower ones, it doesn't work well going the other way up. Check and see how much the auxillary medium format mixing chamber would be at B&H. They aren't that much

 

[Flotsam]

I'm not familiar with that particular unit but generally a 35mm mixing chamber fits inside the normal chamber, concentrating and intensifying the light on the smaller 24x36mm area. Basically it allows much shorter exposures with the smaller negs. It is a nice convenience but not imperative to using the enlarger for 35mm.

 

[Ed Sukach]

I've been using a 4'' x 5" Mixing Chamber for all my work on the Omega D5500. Enlarging times would be shorter with the 35mm chamber - but I've never needed - or wanted - shorter times.

 

[Chuck_P]

Thanks all for the replies. I was not sure if the mixing chamber was required to do 35mm and I'm glad to hear that it is not; the shorter times are not that important.