Odd older timer

[Whiteymorange]

I was just given an older timer that seems to have been made for a particular enlarger, and I can't figure out which one. It's a Simmon-Omega Electronic Variable Contrast Timer, or so it says. I found two references online: one here, where they sell the manual for it, and one that tells me the whole thing works on the idea of using the highest and lowest contrast filters in a variable timing relationship set by the "Very Hard" to "Very Soft" control knob, total exposure time being set by a separate dial. The khbphotografix/Omega site does not have it listed or pictured among the timers made over the years by Simmon-Omega.

On the side of the timer is a two-blade plug for the "contrast control."

Anyone know what this went to?

Thanks in advance
Whitey

 

[bdial]

Have you tried Harry Taylor's site (www.classic-enlargers.com)?

 

[Whiteymorange]

Dead link, Barry, but thanks for the thought. I'll give it a little search.

I did go out and look again at the beast, and the name is "Contrast timer", not "Variable contrast timer"

 

[Anon Ymous]

Dead link, Barry, but thanks for the thought. I'll give it a little search...

Remove the last 3 characters from the linked address ")/?" and it will be fine.

 

[ic-racer]

Can you post a picture?

 

[Rick Jones]

Simmon Omega Electronic Variable Contrast Timer

The Simmon Omega Electronic Variable Contrast Timer came with an optional foot switch and a contrast control unit which attached to the enlarger under the lens. The contrast control unit had space for two VC filters. Both a high contrast and a low contrast filter would be installed matched to your chosen paper. An electromagnet in the contrast control unit first moved the low contrast filter into place under the lens. The timer then directs the high contrast filter to move into place the timing of both based on the degree of contrast dialed in. It sold for about $160.00 in the early '60's and could be used on any enlarger as long as the contrast control unit could be properly mounted below the lens.

 

[Whiteymorange]

Here it is. Please excuse the quick and dirty digi-snap.

Barry- thanks, but I haven't found anything there that says what this timer might match.

Rick, our posts overlapped. Thanks for the info!

 

[fschifano]

Here's the un-dead link from Harry's site: http://www.classic-enlargers.com

 

[ic-racer]

Thanks for the picture. Cool, it is a primitive split grade printing system.