Going to check out a Chromega D Dichroic II (what to look for)

[arespencer]

Hey I recently came across a really good deal for a Chromega D Dichroic II. Looks clean and comes with the timer power supply and a few lenses and neg holders. I’m hoping it all looks as good as it seems but I wanted to hear from people here what I should keep an eye out for when checking this out. Any issues to be aware of or things to check /test?

 

[Dwayne Martin]

I have that enlarger and mine is a solid piece of equipment. I have recently changed the head with a 8x10 conversion kit, but when I was using that chromega head I used under the lens filters rather than all of the dialing required to use the built in color filters. To use it that way all you need is a functioning power supply, timer, and a good bulb to give you white light.

 

[arespencer]

I have that enlarger and mine is a solid piece of equipment. I have recently changed the head with a 8x10 conversion kit, but when I was using that chromega head I used under the lens filters rather than all of the dialing required to use the built in color filters. To use it that way all you need is a functioning power supply, timer, and a good bulb to give you white light.

What do you mean by dialing that’s required to use the color filters in the head? I would hope/intend to use it with those built in filters. Is there something I should know or look out for that would render the built in filters unusable? I only shoot 6x7, 645 and some 35. I use these in the rental darkroom I print at so that’s kinda why I’m looking for one.

Do you know what type and where to source a bulb for these?

 

[Dwayne Martin]

For BW printing on multigrade papers you need to adjust the 3 color filters to achieve the various contrast grades, so in the case of this head, it has three dials on the bottom to adjust the combination of the three, mostly the yellow and magenta. You can open the head and make sure those filters move back and forth freely before you buy it. And make sure the filter glass itself isn’t broken. I found it easier to just use a below the lens filter system. It’s cheap and easy to use. The settings of those filters built into the head can vary slightly depending on the paper, so I have read. I think lots of people do use the built in filters though..

The bulb isn’t hard to find assuming it needs one.

 

[pbromaghin]

You probably already know this but Every box of Ilford(HARMAN) papers has a table of settings for B&W contrast.

 

[Ian C]

24-volt 250-watt ELC lamps for the Omega D Dichroic II, Dichroic E, and Dichroic F color heads:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=elc+lamp&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4624852.m570.l1313