Micromega Omega Critical Grain Focuser Enlarging Darkroom Model I

ashcorra · Apr 15, 2023

So, I purchased a used Micromega Omega Critical Grain Focuser Enlarging Darkroom Model I, it’s in pretty rough shape so I’m going to try to fix it up. I feel like it will be cheaper to do it this way than to spend $350-$450 for a new/used one on eBay, or whatever. That has been the going rate for that model since I’ve had my eye on it.

I bought the mirror from B&H, but I’m having trouble finding the eye piece that I can buy separately. My question is, does anyone know where I can find one for this model? I would appreciate it.

Also, I have the Model II, is there anyway I can use the eye piece from that one?

Thank you to anyone who has any feedback in advance, I really appreciate your attention.

Hilo · Apr 16, 2023

I don't think the eyepiece from the nr II Peak will work on the nr I Peak. I just compared them:

- the nr II's eyepiece has larger glasses and I and II's eyepieces also have there own size and construction.

Try to find someone who has a broken Peak I

See picture

ashcorra · Apr 16, 2023

Hilo said:
I don't think the eyepiece from the nr II Peak will work on the nr I Peak. I just compared them:

- the nr II's eyepiece has larger glasses and I and II's eyepieces also have there own size and construction.

Try to find someone who has a broken Peak I

See picture

View attachment 335884

i see thank you so much that is very helpful.

ic-racer · Apr 16, 2023

I have two. My second one needed to be restored as you are doing. I got a new mirror and discovered all the optics can be disassembled and cleaned without too much trouble. Are the optics on yours permanently damaged or is the eyepiece missing?

ashcorra · Apr 16, 2023

I was looking at the description of the one that I purchased, and it’s actually just the eyecup that i need. Am I able to purchase a separate eyecup?

ashcorra · Apr 16, 2023

ashcorra said:
I was looking at the description of the one that I purchased, and it’s actually just the eyecup that i need. Am I able to purchase a separate eyecup?

It looks like the eyepiece is in working order, it’s just the rubber eyecup.

Hassasin · Apr 16, 2023

ashcorra said:
It looks like the eyepiece is in working order, it’s just the rubber eyecup.

I don't know this for sure, but for rubber eye cup (which I think you easily do without for darkroom work), check out cups made for binoculars. There are plenty new ones now in different sizes, so maybe there is one that will fit.

Hilo · Apr 16, 2023

Can you post a picture of your focuser? I am not at work now, to check mine. But I am not sure it has a rubber eyecup

Hilo · Apr 17, 2023

I stand corrected: there certainly IS the rubber ring that your eye rests on. I just never realized it was rubber. I took it off and yes, now we can easily clean the upper glass.

Then I checked the operation without the rubber ring: you just see the grain go in and out of focus, like you normally do. Perhaps the rubber ring was mostly meant to keep contact with the upper glass to a minimum. It does not keep side light from your eye.

To use it, you're set to go.

I would write B&H and Adorama, to see if they have the rubber ring or have a contact you could write to. It is long ago, so I do not remember the details, but I have been in touch with the manufacturer or a representative. It was how I got some spare mirrors for my Peaks.

Perhaps first try these people: https://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=64

If you do not get anywhere, let us know as we can give you the size details of the rubber ring . . .

ashcorra · Apr 17, 2023

That’s a really good idea thank you that’s what I’m going to do. It is also good to know that not having the rubber piece doesn’t impede your view at all, anyway. Thank you for your time.

ashcorra · Apr 17, 2023

Here is a picture of the device, also.

ashcorra · Apr 17, 2023

Hilo said:
I stand corrected: there certainly IS the rubber ring that your eye rests on. I just never realized it was rubber. I took it off and yes, now we can easily clean the upper glass.

Then I checked the operation without the rubber ring: you just see the grain go in and out of focus, like you normally do. Perhaps the rubber ring was mostly meant to keep contact with the upper glass to a minimum. It does not keep side light from your eye.

To use it, you're set to go.

I would write B&H and Adorama, to see if they have the rubber ring or have a contact you could write to. It is long ago, so I do not remember the details, but I have been in touch with the manufacturer or a representative. It was how I got some spare mirrors for my Peaks.

Perhaps first try these people: https://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=64

If you do not get anywhere, let us know as we can give you the size details of the rubber ring . . .

I contacted B&H and Adorama, they both said that they do not carry it. I’ve emailed the other company that you attached and I will wait for their response.

John Koehrer · Apr 17, 2023

rings like that are usually to protect lenses on glasses. If you're looking for a replacement Ace
has a variety of sizes as does Amazon.

Micromega Omega Critical Grain Focuser Enlarging Darkroom Model I

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