enlarger bulb

[blackmelas]

The bulb on the old Simmon Omega variable condenser enlarger in my darkroom just went out. I was just at the start of a print session and had just made three test prints. I had a sickening feeling when I poured the barely used developer down the drain... To add insult to injury tomorrow is a national holiday here in Greece and nothing will be open... and thus no Independence Day printing session...

I salvaged this darkroom earlier in the year and I have no manuals for the equipment. The bulb inside was a frosted 150W. Does anyone know if this a special bulb in any other way?

Thanks,
James

 

[bmac]

Enlarger bulbs are a tad longer than standard bulbs, and have the writing near the socket instead of on the top. Be sure to buy two of them when you finally go to the store. It is a major bummer having to dump chems because you don't have a $5 spare bulb at home

 

[clogz]

Hello James,
For manuals (not free): www.khbphotografix.com/omega/manuals

For rare bulbs (in case you can't find any in Greece): www.donsbulbs.com

 

[doughowk]

Try Replacement Bulbs. I received my replacement light bulbs for an old Durst L1000 in two days. They may ship overseas, but anyway they are a great resource.

 

[rogueish]

I picked up a replacement bulb made by G.E. for my Omega D2V. It does look longer than a regular bulb, and was no problem to find.
I think the bulbs are programmed to die at the worst possible time. It was a Sunday of a long weekend when mine went.

 

[geraldatwork]

When I got back to enlarging a little over a year ago I made sure I ordered a replacement bulb from B&H even though the seller of the enlarger assured me the enlarger was only used a few times. I can't imagine having to stop a session in the middle for something like an enlarger bulb. I also made sure I have replacement bulbs for my safe lights.

 

[blackmelas]

Thanks so much for all of your help. I'll definitely check the online references and heed the good advise to have an extra on hand.
James

 

[sergio caetano]

Lamp (ANSI) codes: PH211 (75w) or PH212 (150w). I suggest 75w because of less heat on negative.

 

[rjr]

James,

actually most larger lamp dealers will be able to get you a lamp - the most common type in Europe are the Philips Photocrescenta, available at 75, 150 and 250W at the least.

Many mail order photo companies sell them, too, at rates of ca. 8EURO per bulb... i recently got half a dozen unused ones with my new/old Durst enlarger. A lifetime supply. ;-)

For the weekend until getting a real Photocrescenta a normal frosted bulb will be good enough and do just fine - depending on the position of the imprinted scripture and the way it is mounted in your enlarger.

 

[glbeas]

I've used the regular frosted and sanded the imprint off the end of the bulb. Be sure its a better quality bulb that has a good coating inside so you don't get hotspots.

 

[blackmelas]

Thanks once again to everyone for your help. I received my shipment from Replacement Bulbs today, only one week after placing the order, a track record for a package handled by Greek and US post! I wanted to confirm that both Don's Bulbs and Replacement Bulbs, mentioned by Clogz and Doughowk, have amazingly detailed databases of bulbs. I went with the latter due to price, $3.00 per bulb. I ordered six which should keep me going for a while in spite of local power fluctuations.
Sincerely,
James