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Is this an enlarger capable of holding 4x5 negatives?

audi

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6
Format
Pinhole
I'm trying to make the leap into 4x5 film in my pinhole camera, and am trying to put together a darkroom on the cheap.

I have a line on an Omega enlarger, comes with a bunch of stuff, I know a D2 would be good for me, but all this one says on it is "Simmons Omega Variable Condenser" for 2" to 6 3/8" lenses.

With the right condenser, lens and carrier, will this handle 4x5 film?

Thanks, and sorry for the noob question...
Audi
 

The moveable condenser would be removed when using a 150mm lens to do 4x5" enlargements. There should be still two additional fixed condensers.
 
If it takes a 6"+ lens it's probably a 4X5 machine. The older Omega's used both separate lens cones and condensers for different focal length lenses. The later ones used a supplementary condenser in the filter drawer to change format.

KHB photographics, I believe has information on these things.

Looks like ic-racer types faster than I do. In any case make sure it has everything you need. Flat board for 50/80 lenses short cone for 90/135 & long for 150. Gotta check this part out though, I only had the old one.
 
you should be good to go, just make sure all the parts are there. look at the condensers to make sure they are not scratched.
 
The D2V was designed for formats from 35mm to 4x5. It is the best for all round use. It can also do color.

PE
 
Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate it!

I will follow up with the seller as to what else is included; what confused me was the guy said he didn't see a model number, just the variable condenser info tag.

I haven't used an enlarger of any kind for 15+ years, and back then it was to enlarge 35mm while I was in school. Quite possibly I was using an Omega enlarger, though I don't recall. So this 4x5 thing is uncharted territory for me...pretty excited about it, though!

Thanks again, and for the welcome as well.
Audi
 
Here's a photo of the enlarger in question:
 

Attachments

  • enlarger.jpg
    17.8 KB · Views: 170
That looks just like a D2V. The door opens and there is the variable condenser which can be moved into 3 positions. One is for 35mm, one for MF and one for LF. The silver part below it is the fixed condenser. Behind that is one lens on a cone on the enlarger and one larger cone + lens on the table top. You will probably need one more cone, but on mine the lens mounts without a cone. It depends on focal length.

PE
 
Perfect. I had thought it looked similar to the D2 enlargers I had seen, but I didn't know enough about this one from the info given in the ad. Can't beat the price on it, so I'll pick it up...I'm sure I'll still have a few odds and ends to obtain to complete the rig, but I'll be on my way...

Thanks to all for the help!
Audi
 
I am not an expert on the Omega enlargers, but a thought...

Why not jump to 5x7 or 8x10 for your pinhole camera, and then contact print - no need for an enlarger at all - and overall an incredibly organic photographic process.
 
And in the end, someone picked it up before me...such is the way of things when you find a nice enlarger, free to a good home on craigslist...oh well, there will be another!


Mark_S said:
Why not jump to 5x7 or 8x10 for your pinhole camera, and then contact print - no need for an enlarger at all - and overall an incredibly organic photographic process.
Click to expand...

Actually, that's what I'm using right now, an 8x10 pinhole, it's been a lot of fun. So far just using RC for my negatives, then inverting in Photoshop. I'm in the middle of building a 4x5 pinhole though, the goal being lighter and smaller (would like to take it on hikes, etc.), and film is a lot cheaper at the smaller size.

I've thought about contact printing 8x10s, but haven't done it yet...think I'm going to have to though!

Audi
 
The Omega D2 is done for 4 x 5 or less.

You need to remove the upper part of the condenser when you use a 135 or 150 mm lens.
For these lens, you should have a specific cone to accomodate them.

The attached file is a cone for a 150mm lens.

Good work
 

Attachments

  • D2 lens cone for 150mm.jpg
    38.2 KB · Views: 111
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