Enlarger Question - Opemus III or Opemus 6

[Robnox]

Hi All,

My plan is to mainly shoot 6x6 TLR B&W. I have an Opemus 6 that is in fair condition, but I just picked up an Opemus III that is near mint condition. Is either better than the other?

From what I can see;
my Opemus 6 - has Filter Draw. has 85mm lens but I could swap that to other enlarger.
my Opemus III - no filter draw but came with below lens filter set. Has split focus assist in carrier (maybe I could use the same carrier in the 6?).

Other than a difference of "3" is there anything else? lol

Thanks Rob.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have a 6, never had a III, my 6 has the split image focus feature, glass masking 6X6 carrier, only complaint is that it is just short of a 11X14. It is my go to enlarger for 35mm and 6X6 while I use my Omega D3 for 6X9 and 4X5, or if I want a full 11X14 from 35 or 6X6. I had my 6 lens board drilled to take my Wallensake 50 and 75mm lens.

Key question in my mind is are both in alinement? As consumer level enlargers not a lot of adjustments are possible. If you have grain focuser, find a negative with somewhat larger grain, a 400 or 3200 speed film, focus in the center then check the 4 corners to see if all corners are in focus. If not then look to see what can done to bring the negative carrier stage in alinement with the base board.

 

[Robnox]

I have a 6, never had a III, my 6 has the split image focus feature, glass masking 6X6 carrier, only complaint is that it is just short of a 11X14. It is my go to enlarger for 35mm and 6X6 while I use my Omega D3 for 6X9 and 4X5, or if I want a full 11X14 from 35 or 6X6. I had my 6 lens board drilled to take my Wallensake 50 and 75mm lens.

Key question in my mind is are both in alinement? As consumer level enlargers not a lot of adjustments are possible. If you have grain focuser, find a negative with somewhat larger grain, a 400 or 3200 speed film, focus in the center then check the 4 corners to see if all corners are in focus. If not then look to see what can done to bring the negative carrier stage in alinement with the base board.

Cool thanks Paul, no grain focuser or grainy negs at hand at this stage but will keep that in mind, I'm guessing whatever produces the best results is the best enlarger to use regardless of model. At this stage I've got 8x10 as largest paper so should be ok for a while.

 

[OzJohn]

As has been said they are both consumer level instruments and being Meopta are solid but chunky, quite servicable and there's not much difference between them.

 

[Paul Howell]

Considering that the Meopta's are made from stamped parts, it is well built, easy to use, and the split image focus feature is really nice.