Negative Carriers for Omega C700

louvre123 · Nov 30, 2020

Hi everyone - new to the forum, sorry in advance if this is the wrong place to ask.
I'm in the middle of building out a darkroom in my small bathroom and am having a hard time finding negative carriers for the enlarger I managed to find.

I couldn't find this information elsewhere, but can I use negative carriers from other Omega enlargers (e.g. D2) with my C700? What should I be looking out for on eBay, etc.? (Enlarger came with 35mm, but looking for 6x7, 6x6, 6x4.5 etc.)

Thanks!

Pieter12 · Nov 30, 2020

eBay, KHB photographix http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/C700.htm

louvre123 · Nov 30, 2020

Thanks for the heads up!
Trying to avoid retail prices and wasn't able to find anything on eBay, so was looking for alternate suggestions.
Thanks again.

ProfessorC1983 · Nov 30, 2020

I have the earlier version of this enlarger (B600) and agree the carriers are hard to find. I managed to scrounge up a 6x6 on the Bay at an inflated price but have never located a 6x4.5. One thing you might want to try is just making them out of mat-board, which I had decent luck with (trick is beveling the inner edge so it doesn't cast shadows from the condenser) but that's not exactly a satisfying solution.

One of these days I'll get around to designing a 3D printable carrier for this enlarger. There are a few floating around on Thingverse for the D series and Beseler 23C which could be modified fairly easily. I'm surprised there's not more interest given how many of these enlargers were made.

George Nova Scotia · Nov 30, 2020

Those were quite popular around here as well. I picked up three before I found some nice 4x5 enlargers in better shape. I have/had a collection of negative carriers. Think the last 6x7 went to someone here about a year ago. I'll try and check whats left in the box and let you know but think it's getting a little empty.

louvre123 · Dec 1, 2020

ProfessorC1983 said:
I have the earlier version of this enlarger (B600) and agree the carriers are hard to find. I managed to scrounge up a 6x6 on the Bay at an inflated price but have never located a 6x4.5. One thing you might want to try is just making them out of mat-board, which I had decent luck with (trick is beveling the inner edge so it doesn't cast shadows from the condenser) but that's not exactly a satisfying solution.

One of these days I'll get around to designing a 3D printable carrier for this enlarger. There are a few floating around on Thingverse for the D series and Beseler 23C which could be modified fairly easily. I'm surprised there's not more interest given how many of these enlargers were made.

It really is a bummer they’re not more readily available.. the 35mm carrier it came with will keep me busy for a while but I’ll eventually want to print some 120.

I do wish I was handy enough to try those methods you mentioned though. I’ll keep an eye out in the meantime..

louvre123 · Dec 1, 2020

George Nova Scotia said:
Those were quite popular around here as well. I picked up three before I found some nice 4x5 enlargers in better shape. I have/had a collection of negative carriers. Think the last 6x7 went to someone here about a year ago. I'll try and check whats left in the box and let you know but think it's getting a little empty.

Appreciate it George. Seems like switching to a 4x5 or something made by Beseler would make finding parts easier. But since I did just get this c700, I do want to put it to work. Worse comes to worst I’ll have to see if I can find any of those 3D printed carriers or some other alternative.

DMJ · Dec 1, 2020

On ebay look for Omega 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" Glassless Rapid Shift Negative Carrier. Do not search 6x6 because you'll get no results. It took some time but I found mine for $30 last year. Mine is the same color (original) and looks the same as the 35mm carrier, the ones I saw today don't look the same (different color) and seem to be of a different brand.
I don't know how effective is the C-700 for 6x6, there is a vignette at the edges and you get the shadow of the metal plate at the end of the focusing guides. But that is be because I’m using the same lens I guess.

Good luck.

George Nova Scotia · Dec 1, 2020

Lourve123 I found my box of carriers today. Two 35mm and sort-of three 6x7. One 6x7 is okay some usage marks but complete, second 6x7 is missing the alignment bumps on the bottom, I could steal these from one of the 35mm. The third is missing all the alignment pins and hinges just two plain metal plates. Other parts may be available. Sadly the enlargers I have are really worn out. BTW if you have the color head there are two different mixing boxes 35mm and 6x7. Just double checked and it was a 6x4.5 I let go last year.
PM me if you are interested, include your address and I'll let you know shipping. Keep in mind I'm in Canada, postage keeps going up and service down.

DMJ you'll need an 80mm lens or longer for 6x6.

George

louvre123 · Dec 1, 2020

Sent you a PM George

DMJ · Dec 1, 2020

George Nova Scotia said:
DMJ you'll need an 80mm lens or longer for 6x6.

George

Yes, never bought one, I've been printing 8x8 from square negatives. But now that you mention it, I see Schneider Kreuznach and Nikkor 80mm on eBay. Which one would you recommend. I assume they all have the same thread size.

Martin

George Nova Scotia · Dec 1, 2020

Printing 8x8? I might be tempted to go to a longer lens 105mm. I've used mainly Nikkor lenses but either should be good depending on condition. Never assume thread size, most are 39mm until you get to the real long lenses but there are variations. The Nikkor 80mm has 39mm thread I suspect Schneider is as well but worth checking.

Negative Carriers for Omega C700

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