New D5XL and a Few Neurotic Concerns

Hello all. I've been lurking the forums for a few months, but I recently purchased my first enlarger, and have started setting up my darkroom, so it seemed like an appropriate time to join in. My enlarger is an Omega D5XL with a Dicro. II head, and I had a few questions about some neurotic concerns I'm having.

My first issue is with the track that the elevation gears run along. There are two or so teeth that appear to have been hit by something hard at some point in its life. The damage is not bad, but it is a bit jagged, and I'm concerned about premature wearing of the elevation gears. Does anyone think this would be much of an issue, and if so, is there anything I could use to re-coat the exposed metal?
Secondly, the diffusion panel in my mixing box has a crack in one of the corners. I know that the styrofoam liners and diffuser should be replaced periodically, but will the crack cause an immediate issue with uneven illumination?
Thirdly, the "ruler" or panel in the center of the column has (presumably) detached from the column itself, has worked its way down, and is resting on the base of the column. It appears to be about 1/4 inch lower than it should be. Has anyone else had a problem with this? Is it a non-issue? I have tried pulling the panel upward to re-seat it in its proper place, but it doesn't seem to move.
Lastly, the counter-balance springs' metal ribbons look a bit rough. Should I go ahead and replace them, or do they still have some life left? When raising and lowering the head, the springs sound a bit creaky, but I'm unsure whether or not this is normal. Also, I'm curious about librication of the counter-balance springs themselves. I have read somewhere, perhaps here on APUG, that a good squirt of WD-40 inside the spring housing will preserve the life of the springs. Is this a good option?
Any replies are greatly appreciated, along with suggestion /tips/tricks for enlarger maintenance. I am very excited to start using my enlarger, but I want to be sure that it is as efficient as possible.

Thanks!

Welcome to APUG.

You are probably worrying too much.

The only comment I would make is that you should avoid WD40. I've used Vaseline with success - just use it sparingly.

MattKing said:

Welcome to APUG.

You are probably worrying too much.

The only comment I would make is that you should avoid WD40. I've used Vaseline with success - just use it sparingly.

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Thanks! Vaseline definitely seems like a better option. I probably am being too paranoid, but I've seen machines practically destroy themselves if not properly maintained, so I'm just playing it safe, I guess.

I like to use ChapStick for these parts because it stays in place and doesn't get goopy.

My suggestion would be a light coat of white lithium grease.

I kept a bank of these alive for a couple decades.

You probably will not find replacements for those springs -- I had several made by a spring company back east (they make window counter-springs) but do not have the name anymore. To prolong the life of the springs, store the enlarger head up high to take some of the strain off of them...at least above the 50 mark. I used vasaline on the springs.

The head carriage is probably keeping the back panel from moving. You might poke around there.

Omega used to actually recommend using Vaseline in the D-2 era. The "ruler" is just held on with double stick tape, as is the trim panel on a D-5, it's just cosmetic. Would worry about the crack in the mixing box, either until you can test and prove it's a problem/ Have fun!

Vaughn said:

I kept a bank of these alive for a couple decades.

You probably will not find replacements for those springs -- I had several made by a spring company back east (they make window counter-springs) but do not have the name anymore. To prolong the life of the springs, store the enlarger head up high to take some of the strain off of them...at least above the 50 mark. I used vasaline on the springs.

The head carriage is probably keeping the back panel from moving. You might poke around there.

Click to expand...

KHB has new springs available but YIKES! I picked up a couple of used ones on eBay for $10.00 each. You could also make a counter balance with a sash weight and pulley if all else fails.

Jeff Bradford said:

I like to use ChapStick for these parts because it stays in place and doesn't get goopy.

Click to expand...

My only concern with this is that some ingredient in the ChapStick would putrify inside the housing. Is ChapStick perishable at all? I guess Google has the answer to that...

Larry the sailor said:

My suggestion would be a light coat of white lithium grease.

Click to expand...

Thanks! I might go for this.

Vaughn said:

I kept a bank of these alive for a couple decades.

You probably will not find replacements for those springs -- I had several made by a spring company back east (they make window counter-springs) but do not have the name anymore. To prolong the life of the springs, store the enlarger head up high to take some of the strain off of them...at least above the 50 mark. I used vasaline on the springs.

The head carriage is probably keeping the back panel from moving. You might poke around there.

Click to expand...

I am familiar with your post. It is here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

You recommend Pullman Manufacturing. I may try to contact them in the future to see about replacements. Based off of the suggestions in that same thread, I have been keeping my head at about 50% to 75% up when not in use. Hopefully that will help.

Your statement "You probably will not find replacements for those springs" is concerning. A bit like "the end of an era".

Could you elaborate on "The head carriage is probably keeping the back panel from moving"? I'm not sure I fully understand.

Edit* I think I see what you mean.

Thanks for the reply.

darkroommike said:

KHB has new springs available but YIKES! I picked up a couple of used ones on eBay for $10.00 each. You could also make a counter balance with a sash weight and pulley if all else fails.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion.

Dang -- only 5 years ago and could not remember that post! Well, out of over 5000 posts I have made, I guess I have some excuse...

Regardless whee you source them, when they're loosened they can do some serious bloodletting.

Haven't looked for any but agree with the bay be a decent source and use it as is until you get some

Welcome to APUG

You are worrying too much. I use Vaseline too. Buy a good grain focuser like the Peak https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/40920-REG/Peak_PK20001_Critical_Enlarging_Focuser_Model.html

I recommend this spring replacement kit. It makes a night and day difference. Price is in Canadian dollars. http://store.khbphotografix.com/Counterbalance-Spring-Upgrade-Kit-for-Omega-D-5-Enlargers.html

WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's juice to displace water.
All the other suggestions are good, only needs a very light coat of whatever you use!

John Koehrer said:

Regardless whee you source them, when they're loosened they can do some serious bloodletting.

Haven't looked for any but agree with the bay be a decent source and use it as is until you get some

Click to expand...

How do you mean? Is it a dangerous process?

Sirius Glass said:

Welcome to APUG

You are worrying too much. I use Vaseline too. Buy a good grain focuser like the Peak https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/40920-REG/Peak_PK20001_Critical_Enlarging_Focuser_Model.html

Click to expand...

Thanks!

I think that's the consensus. I just like to make sure that I'm doing all I can to keep things working for as long as possible.

I have an old Patterson focuser that I received along with a darkroom lot that I purchased recently, but I definitely need to upgrade. I appreciate the suggestion!

Born2Late said:

I recommend this spring replacement kit. It makes a night and day difference. Price is in Canadian dollars. http://store.khbphotografix.com/Counterbalance-Spring-Upgrade-Kit-for-Omega-D-5-Enlargers.html

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I've seen this. I'm definitely interested, but I haven't heard much about it. Would you say that it's definitely worth the investment?

Kawaiithulhu said:

WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's juice to displace water.
All the other suggestions are good, only needs a very light coat of whatever you use!

Click to expand...

I'm not sure where I read this suggestion, but I've actually seen it suggested twice. I'll definitely go with one of the other suggestions.

Edit* apparently the suggestion was made by Harry Taylor from classic-enlargers.com

As for librication itself, do I just crank the head as low as it'll go and rub the lubricant (Vaseline, etc.) on the metal bands themselves?

Thanks for the reply.

Born2Late said:

I recommend this spring replacement kit. It makes a night and day difference...

Click to expand...

Wow -- they look to be a great improvement in design -- close to the Beseler springs...which I never had break. If I was still working at the darkroom, I would have slowly replaced the original springs with these (depending on the budget, of course)!

I just wanted to let you guys know that I did reply to a bunch of the above comments, but that post is awaiting moderator approval (I suppose because of the length?). In the meantime, thanks for all the help!

smooth the edges with very small modeling files. It is also possible to fill in and rebuild with epoxy.

Ronald Moravec said:

smooth the edges with very small modeling files. It is also possible to fill in and rebuild with epoxy.

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I might actually try this. Do you have any specific recommendations for epoxy?

Brancbūth said:

I just wanted to let you guys know that I did reply to a bunch of the above comments, but that post is awaiting moderator approval (I suppose because of the length?). In the meantime, thanks for all the help!

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"moderator approval" is because you recently signed up. It is use to stop spammers. Soon you will pass the minimum post limit and you will stop seeing those messages.

Sirius Glass said:

"moderator approval" is because you recently signed up. It is use to stop spammers. Soon you will pass the minimum post limit and you will stop seeing those messages.

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Oh, I see. Thanks for the info.

MattKing said:

Welcome to APUG.

You are probably worrying too much.

The only comment I would make is that you should avoid WD40. I've used Vaseline with success - just use it sparingly.

Click to expand...

+1 on both counts

RTMF.
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/omega/OmegaD3andD5.pdf

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE LUBRICATION Your enlarger has been factory lubricated during manufacture. Occasionally, rub a little Vaseline on the counterbalance springs after lowering the carriage to its lowest position. Before applying, clean springs with a soft cloth. I f you have a D-5 enlarger, also apply Vaseline to the focusing track. No further lubrication is necessary. CLEANING Keep the enlarger clean and free of dust. Protect the enlarger when not in use by covering with an Omega Dust Cover. The Dichroic lamphouse cooling blower should be checked periodically for dust accumulation which should be removed with a vacuum cleaner or blown out with compressed air. OTHER MAINTENANCE Make a regular check of baseboard bolts for tightenss, as loose bolts can cause poor print quality. Keep enlarging lenses and condensers free of dirt and finger prints.

Ko.Fe. said:

RTMF.
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/omega/OmegaD3andD5.pdf

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE LUBRICATION Your enlarger has been factory lubricated during manufacture. Occasionally, rub a little Vaseline on the counterbalance springs after lowering the carriage to its lowest position. Before applying, clean springs with a soft cloth. I f you have a D-5 enlarger, also apply Vaseline to the focusing track. No further lubrication is necessary. CLEANING Keep the enlarger clean and free of dust. Protect the enlarger when not in use by covering with an Omega Dust Cover. The Dichroic lamphouse cooling blower should be checked periodically for dust accumulation which should be removed with a vacuum cleaner or blown out with compressed air. OTHER MAINTENANCE Make a regular check of baseboard bolts for tightenss, as loose bolts can cause poor print quality. Keep enlarging lenses and condensers free of dirt and finger prints.

Click to expand...

Thanks! This definitely answers a few questions.

The reference I made about the springs being dangerous is because there's a lot of tension
on them and they will do some serious cutting to your fingers if they slip & run into the fleshy bits.
It's something to be aware of but not paranoid about.