Is there such a thing as a compact and cheap 4x5 enlarger?

[Anupam Basu]

New developments on the darkroom front

Okay. In a fit of desperation I spent some quality time and managed to lightproof my basement. So now I actually have some space to work in. I still have to put prints in a holding tray and take them elsewhere but I don't care, anything's better than being crammed up in the bathroom!

And since Will has kindly lent me an Omega D2, I can take some time to look around for the perfect enlarger. I'd like one that will do 35mm, 6x6 and 4x5 so I don't have to have seperate setups for smaller formats. I think there is a flavor of the D2 that does that, but what is the model number for that?

And any other enlarger recommendations would be welcome, too. Size is no longer the top priority but I'd want a versatile enlarger (obviously not unduly large, of course) which won't limit me in the foreseeable future. I think I'd prefer a condensor model and I don't expect to do color anytime soon.

Thanks,
Anupam

 

[argentic]

OI can take some time to look around for the perfect enlarger. I'd like one that will do 35mm, 6x6 and 4x5 so I don't have to have seperate setups for smaller formats. I think there is a flavor of the D2 that does that, but what is the model number for that?

If the D2 pleases you, go for the Omega D5. That's an enlarger in the same style and dimensions as the D2, but with important design improvements. The Omega D5 is a very versatile 4x5 enlarger that has been used by lots of professionals. It will fullfill all your needs. I have been working with them for many years without missing any features.

D5's can be had cheaply. Sometimes even for free. Just have patience and look for a good deal. Preferably a D5 with a lot of accessories like lens boards, a lens turret, microfocus, negative masking, different negative holders (you can make them yourself too), diffusions and condensor lighthead, etc. I bought an old D5 once just because it had lots of accessories I could use on my first D5. That was a lot cheaper than buying the accessories individually.