Large Format Enlarger Recommendations!

elocinexx · Apr 5, 2018

I currently own an Omega B22 for 35mm and medium format, but I would like to get something that I can do 4x5 with too. I am familiar with shooting and developing 4x5, I just no longer have access to an enlarger that size to print from. I cannot for the life of me remember the brand I used to use, but it was probably a Beseler.

I'm not in a big hurry so I have some time to do research and watch ebay for a bit. I'm not really sure where to start with brands that are best for this. I want something that is good and lasting, but I would also like to keep it under $150 if at all possible. I would also like something that is common enough that I can get parts if needed.

I read a little on the Omega D series (mainly because I have the lenses and carriers that would hopefully crossover), but I am open to any brand. I also am only interested in B+W, so color head conversions are not necessary. Please recommend something or share you experiences. OR is there any way to convert my B22 to be able to take 4x5 film by swapping parts?

elocinexx · Apr 5, 2018

Also, there is an Omega D2 available at a local camera shop that I have my eye on -- opinions?

jimjm · Apr 5, 2018

I have a D2V and it's an excellent enlarger. Lots of accessories and spare parts available online and elsewhere. The most important thing is to make sure no parts are missing and the condensor set and lens cones you need are all there. The lens plates come in different sizes for the lens you will be using and many longer lenses for 4x5 are larger than the standard 39mm thread. I use a Schneider 135mm lens for 4x5 which has a thread diameter of about 50mm. It fits nicely on a lens plate with an unthreaded 52mm hole. The lens cones come in different sizes, I use a 2.75" cone with this lens.

Note that the DII is an older model and a number of things were improved with the D2. The D2V has a slightly modified lamphouse with a built-in filter drawer.

Check out the Omega enlarger guide: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers.htm

Paul Howell · Apr 5, 2018

I have used Omega for close to 50 years, first in college we had a B22, then in the Air Force D5s, and later I got a D3, the auto focus version of the D2. Rugged, easy to keep in aliment, lot of options for heads, mine takes up a 162mm which I use for printing 5X7 from 4X5. Down side compared to Bessler is you need lens cones for different long lens. In terms of black and white, I have a cold head with electric shutter, but only use for 4X5, for 35 to 6X9 I prefer the variable condenser head. I set my filters in the condenser housing so I don't miss the filter drawer. The older D2 came with a fixed condenser set up for 4X5, unless you are keeping your B22 for 35 and MF I would skip and look for a either a color head for VC printing or variable condenser. The color head filters are prone to fading and may need to replaced. Although I have an auto focus model I don't have the original lens that are matched to the rails so not much help. I have thought about upgrading to a LP or Durst, if I can get a smoking good deal with consider, but Omega's are tanks, which is why the military bought them.

ic-racer · Apr 5, 2018

At the 4x5" level, all manufacturers were producing "pro" level equipment. The things to avoid would be something very old or an incomplete or broken kit. Omega uses SAE hardware which is a plus or minus depending on the tools at your disposal.

M Carter · Apr 5, 2018

In the US, seems like there's a lot of Beseler and Omega. The Beseler MX is a good enlarger, the MXT is improved though - I have one and it's nice. The difference is the focusing bellows; the older units are tapered, the newer ones are the same thickness as the upper bellows. But many of them "say" MX on the label but have the newer focus stage. The focus stage as three "alignment" screws, but they don't do much unless you install some foam between the lens board carrier and the lens stage. I also understand you can use more types of lenses - or don't need cones - or something? Anyway, I use besalign-style lens boards which ahve much more effective alignment controls. The other alignment points are simple and fast to do. They can use a 150w bulb, so nice for large prints or lith. Very stable, and there are mount points at the top of the frame to brace it to the wall for extra stability.

I've never owned an Omega D so can't compare, but comparisons often start (gentlemanly) fights here! Took me a while to find an MXT for a reasonable price - then a week later a D showed up on CraigsList for fifty bucks, almost bought it too.

eddie · Apr 5, 2018

Since you're in the States, you'll find Omega, Beseler, and LPL the easiest to find. My first was an Omega D2-v, followed by a Beseler, and now an LPL Saunders (I was also lucky enough to have a friend's Durst for about 6 months at one point). All are capable of making excellent prints. Any would be worthwhile if it's in good shape, complete, and at the right price point. Good luck with your search.

tedr1 · Apr 5, 2018

I can recommend the LPL 4x5 series they made several versions a good place for information is www.khbphotografix.com, however probably few if any LPL 4x5s will be available within the $150 budget unfortunately.

MattKing · Apr 5, 2018

I'm not sure the carriers from your B22 will be usable on anything 4x5, but the lenses will.

mshchem · Apr 5, 2018

Watch Craigslist, and ebay. I got a really nice Beseler 45MXT (I have 3 currently setup ), for 110 bucks, enlarger , fancy adjustable factory stand 3 lens turret with nice lenses. Has a weird Minolta light source, perfectly functional. I drove 600 miles round trip, made it into a little vacation.
Be careful of colorheads they are great, but often need minor repairs . I have always used Beseler, Simmons Omega, LPL all top notch.

Many folks on this forum will tell you about refusing free enlargers.
Good luck , Mike

Jim Jones · Apr 5, 2018

As ic-racer says, most newer LF enlargers were well-made for professionals. A few older ones, such as Test-rite, weren't. I use a DeJUR that might be 60 years old, and find it perfectly satisfactory for 4x5 B&W, but it required improvised adaptors for smaller formats.

voceumana · Apr 5, 2018

You really can't go wrong with Beseler, Omega, or LPL. Durst made fine equipment, but it might be hard to find spare parts.I have an LPL and love it--everything on it works perfectly smoothly, and I like the diffusion light source.

Sirius Glass · Apr 5, 2018

I have a Super Chromega Dichrioc II 5D-XL which I use for single [half] frame 35mm to 4"x5" negatives. The built-in dichroic filters allow me to print color and black & white prints.

MattKing · Apr 5, 2018

If you are considering a Durst machine, don't ignore Canada. Durst enlargers seem to have had a greater presence here than in the USA.

darinwc · Apr 5, 2018

elocinexx said:
Also, there is an Omega D2 available at a local camera shop that I have my eye on -- opinions?

Where are you located?

EdSawyer · Apr 6, 2018

I would recommend the 45-VXL as the best of the beseler 4x5 enlargers. It can be converted to 8x10 also if needed.

wiltw · Apr 6, 2018

EdSawyer said:
I would recommend the 45-VXL as the best of the beseler 4x5 enlargers. It can be converted to 8x10 also if needed.

^^ but its tall column can make it a bit of a challenge on where to set one up...depending upon which light source it can be as high as 64-65" fully extended!

Arklatexian · Apr 6, 2018

elocinexx said:
Also, there is an Omega D2 available at a local camera shop that I have my eye on -- opinions?

If you can find a D2V (D2 with variable condenser) in good condition, buy it. If the D2 you are looking at is not a D2V, the variable condenser part is available, easy to install, and not very expensive (I converted my enlarger). Then with the proper enlarging lenses (2 of which you already have) and negative carriers, you are in business for 35mm, mf, and 4x5, all in one, and a good one. I think you are on the right track. Of course then you might have a MF enlarger for sale but if you have space, I would keep it and have two working enlargers.........Regards!

mgb74 · Apr 7, 2018

The older Omegas require differing lens cones for different focal lengths. Make sure you get the ones you need.

As with all enlargers, it can often cost more for a few negative carriers than for the enlarger itself. Again, make sure you get the ones you need. Omega parts relatively easy to find.

canuhead · Apr 7, 2018

Omega D2 enlargers are easy to find and built like tanks imo. Beselers likewise. If you stumble across a Devere 504, grab it fast but be prepared to pay dearly for neg carriers, bulbs, lens boards etc. It is a very fine enlarger however.

DREW WILEY · Apr 9, 2018

Most 4x5 enlargers were pro grade. But then there are commercial grade enlargers 5x7 up made by Durst, Durst, and more Durst. They originally cost way way more than even their own 4x5 machines. But I've seen even $200,000 enlargers in decent shape hauled to scrap yards in recent years. Sure, I took the lenses and anything I could actually use; but I have enough enlargers already. No space for more. It just takes a bit of patience and luck. The digital revulsion has become the great equalizer of enlarger pricing, and "haul it away for free so I don't have to pay someone to do it" is a about as good as it gets.

Luis-F-S · Apr 10, 2018

I went from a B-22 to a Beseler 45MX-11 to an Omega F to a Zone VI to a Durst SM-183 to a DeVere 5108. All unfortunately are still above the budget. Also have a couple of LPL 4500 series enlargers, probably the most versatile 4x5 enlarger made. Several bought off Craig's list!

jim10219 · Apr 10, 2018

Since these things are so large and heavy, you'll likely have to be local. If your neck of the woods is anything like mine, you'll take whatever you can find. It took me about a year to find a 4x5 enlarger in good condition for a decent price. I wound up getting a Beseler 45MX. But even then, I had to replace the bellows on it because the old bellows were shot. My only complaint is it uses the below the lens filters, and since I already own a Beseler 23Ciii and a bunch of above the lens filters, this provides a bit more hassle. The good new news is it uses the same lens boards.

Large Format Enlarger Recommendations!

elocinexx

elocinexx

jimjm

Paul Howell

ic-racer

M Carter

eddie

tedr1

MattKing

Moderator

mshchem

Jim Jones

voceumana

Sirius Glass

MattKing

Moderator

darinwc

EdSawyer

wiltw

Arklatexian

mgb74

canuhead

DREW WILEY

Luis-F-S

jim10219

Large Format Enlarger Recommendations!

Moderator

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency