Gnome Enlarger

w9cae · Jan 21, 2010

G'day UK folks. Hopefully one of you can help me ? I have an old Gnome Universal Alpha very similar to this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&_trkparms=algo=LVI&its=I&otn=2#ht_500wt_1182

When I got the enlarger I was told it was complete. Well after reading posts here I discovered it was missing a condenser. Over the Christmas period by a stroke of luck I found one on Ebay & cheap from a UK seller.

I would like to find the condensers for 120 format. The condensers I have are only capable for 35mm but my negative carrier will take up to 2 1/4 X 3 1/4.

I contacted the seller mentioned above but he has never responded. I would even be interested in other parts that fit this model Gnome. My particular unit has had some work modifying it to take a 39mm mount lens & new bellows.

Some might say why bother with such an old bit of kit. Well for me it makes photography more fun & exciting. Having to fiddle & fidget with knobs to obtain proper adjustment. Old world factor also.

Cheers Scott

fotch · Jan 21, 2010

"Some might say why bother with such an old bit of kit. Well for me it makes photography more fun & exciting. Having to fiddle & fidget with knobs to obtain proper adjustment. Old world factor also."

Hey, what ever floats your boat. Perhaps posting on every photo site you can find, what your looking for, and having lots of time, you will find what you need. Only you can say if its worth it. If you need to use something now, you can pick up a second machine that is already set up, then dump it when you get Gnome parts.

Good Luck

Rob Archer · Jan 21, 2010

I also use a Gnome Alpha ii. It's a good solid bit of kit. I also have a box of spare bits I've never looked at (I was given it years ago) If there's a 6x6 condenser I'll PM you.

Rob

w9cae · Jan 21, 2010

fotch said:
"Some might say why bother with such an old bit of kit. Well for me it makes photography more fun & exciting. Having to fiddle & fidget with knobs to obtain proper adjustment. Old world factor also."

Hey, what ever floats your boat. Perhaps posting on every photo site you can find, what your looking for, and having lots of time, you will find what you need. Only you can say if its worth it. If you need to use something now, you can pick up a second machine that is already set up, then dump it when you get Gnome parts.

Good Luck

I have another modern enlarger my brother bought new available for my use. I actually think it was bought specifically for medium format work.

Any knowledge about Gnome enlargers is appreciated & I will just keep me eye looking for bits.

Rob Archer · Jan 27, 2010

I have found a set of 6x6 condensers, together with the holder. I think I've also got a diffuser somewhere. You're welcome to them (I only use mine for 6x9 and in condenser mode).

PM me with your details and I'll get them to you.

Rob

w9cae · Jan 27, 2010

Rob thats fantastic I am sending you a PM Thank you

I sent you a PM not sure if it went as it didn't show in my sent messages.

w9cae · Feb 8, 2010

Rob has so kindly sent me condensers & defuser for medium format. UK APUG is the best my Gnome works like new again for medium format.

w9cae · Mar 20, 2010

I have been lucky to get a copy of the Gnome enlarger instruction book covering the following models.

No 111H Rangefinder Alpha II
No 116G Rangefinder Sixty-Six II
No 142H Universal Alpha II
No 146G Sixty-Six De Luxe II

Give me a holler if you would like a copy

mark waldron · Aug 17, 2010

I guess it's a while ago, but if you still have instructions for the Universal Alpha II, I'd appreciate a copy!

Thanks,

Mark.

w9cae · Aug 17, 2010

Mark give me a pm with your email & I will send to ya.

Scott

w9cae · Oct 25, 2010

For others wanting Gnome enlarger information I have recently gotten a copy of a small magazine they published called "Enlarging is simple" It gives lots of information on using Gnome enlargers. Just PM me with your email address if you want a copy.

Scott

toxaco · Dec 6, 2011

w9cae said:
For others wanting Gnome enlarger information I have recently gotten a copy of a small magazine they published called "Enlarging is simple" It gives lots of information on using Gnome enlargers. Just PM me with your email address if you want a copy.

Scott

If the offer still stands Scott i'll PM you !

I am also thinking of picking up a Gnome Alpha II and would be on the lookout for a medium format condenser - any pointers much appreciated !
I think 35mm will keep me plenty busy for the time being ;-)

w9cae · Jan 21, 2012

Just sent you the email sorry about the delay.

vicondre · Apr 30, 2013

Hi Scott,

A long Google search looking for info on the Universal Alpha II landed me here. I would really appreciate it if you could send me the manual, if this is still possible. I got one of these enlargers recently and I want to start using it as soon as I can. It will be my first adventure into enlarging again since the late 1990s, so I hope it all works out. I only need to buy a lens for it, and I'm trying to establish what the right specs would be for a 50mm lens.

Thank you!

Victor

Krix Panx · Mar 15, 2015

Hi w9cae,

I know that was a while ago, do you still have that manual copy? I'll be very greatful if you can send me a copy of the No 142H Universal Alpha II,
Many thanks in advance,

Krix Panx · Mar 15, 2015

Hi w9cae,

I know that it was a while ago, do you still have that manual copy? I'll be very greatful if you can send me a copy of the No 142H Universal Alpha II,
Many thanks in advance,

Krix

tonyowen34 · Aug 8, 2017

w9cae said:
I have been lucky to get a copy of the Gnome enlarger instruction book covering the following models.

No 111H Rangefinder Alpha II
No 116G Rangefinder Sixty-Six II
No 142H Universal Alpha II
No 146G Sixty-Six De Luxe II

Give me a holler if you would like a copy

Can you still provide a copy of #142H Universal Alpha 2 enlarger instructions?
ps not certain how to send a PM hence this 'reply'
regards
Tony Owen

Gnome Enlarger

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