Is this an enlarger capable of holding 4x5 negatives?

[audi]

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

 

[darkosaric]

Hi,

welcome to APUG .

Omega D2 can do 4x5 negatives, I think you just need appropriate condenser, lens and mask carrier. There are lots of different versions of this enlarger - be sure which one it is - and let us know.

Regards,

 

[fotch]

Welcome to APUG.

 

[ic-racer]

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.

 

[John Koehrer]

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.

 

[Hatchetman]

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.

 

[Photo Engineer]

The D2V was designed for formats from 35mm to 4x5. It is the best for all round use. It can also do color.

PE

 

[audi]

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

 

[audi]

Here's a photo of the enlarger in question:

 

[MattKing]

Looks like some version of a D2, which is a 4x5 enlarger - you need to peruse KHB: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/DiscEnlargers.htm (click on Discontinued Enlargers)

 

[Photo Engineer]

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

 

[audi]

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

 

[Mark_S]

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.

 

[audi]

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!

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.

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

 

[norm123]

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