Omega adjustable masking device for the 4X5 enlarger

John Wiegerink · Jan 13, 2023

Is there anyone here that uses the Omega adjustable masking device? It goes just under the negative carrier on the D series enlarger. I have a Glass 4X5 carrier and thought if I got the masking device I could use that glass carrier for all formats then. Do you think it's a good Idea? I have a terrible time with some 120 films due to curl, and this might solve the film negative flatness problem I have with them.

MattKing · Jan 13, 2023

That isn't used to give clean borders on your print - it is too far from the plane of the film.
It is used to limit outside-of-image extraneous light - essentially to reduce flare.
It does improve results when using a glass carrier that is larger than the imaging area, but if it is straight and even image edges you want, you will need to use your easel for that.

John Wiegerink · Jan 14, 2023

MattKing said:
That isn't used to give clean borders on your print - it is too far from the plane of the film.
It is used to limit outside-of-image extraneous light - essentially to reduce flare.
It does improve results when using a glass carrier that is larger than the imaging area, but if it is straight and even image edges you want, you will need to use your easel for that.

Matt,
Yes, I plan on using an easel up to 16X20. If I go larger, I have a 20X30 vacuum easel for that and won't worry about the borders. I'm glad to hear it at least cuts the flare down.

MattKing · Jan 14, 2023

I used mine mostly with 120 loaded with adapters into a 616 camera - 2.25" x 4.5" negatives.

Sirius Glass · Jan 14, 2023

Edit: This is for making sharpness masks, contrast masks, ... not masking the edges of the photograph.
I bought these but I have not used them yet https://maskingkits.com/
See more starting here ==> https://www.maskingkits.com/maskingbasics.htm

MattKing · Jan 14, 2023

This is the accessory we are discussing:

KHB listing: http://store.khbphotografix.com/Masking-Attachment-for-Omega-D5-and-D6-Enlargers-Used.html

Paul Howell · Jan 14, 2023

I have one, as I tend to print full frame I use it to mask off negative, as mentioned by Matt reduces flare and white light from hitting the base board or easel.

John Wiegerink · Jan 14, 2023

MattKing said:
This is the accessory we are discussing:
View attachment 326604
KHB listing: http://store.khbphotografix.com/Masking-Attachment-for-Omega-D5-and-D6-Enlargers-Used.html

Yup, that's the puppy! I just picked one up that's like new for $35.00, so I really couldn't pass it up for that price.

MattKing · Jan 14, 2023

Before I sold the associated enlarger, mine was undamaged but looked like it had been used for a million prints - which it probably had, because it was originally used in a University darkroom. Still worked great though
It actually makes it easier to use the negative carriers, because you can remove it and the carrier together, and it helps hold the bottom of the carrier in place while you load the negatives.

Pieter12 · Jan 14, 2023

I believe it is designed just to be used with the 4x5 glass carrier—as you intend.

MattKing · Jan 14, 2023

Pieter12 said:
I believe it is designed just to be used with the 4x5 glass carrier—as you intend.

It works equally well with all the other carriers - just make sure that the blades are where you want them. If you use it regularly, it makes sense to adjust the head raising arms accordingly.

Omega adjustable masking device for the 4X5 enlarger

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Omega adjustable masking device for the 4X5 enlarger

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