Omega B-22 or B-6

5stringdeath · Apr 16, 2010

You shoot 35mm and MF (nothing larger than 6x6)
Both are reasonably priced
You only have space for one

Which would you choose?

Rick A · Apr 16, 2010

Which ever one looks to be in the best condition, and offers the most accessories in the deal. Both are similar, maybe if one has a longer column, I would go for that, unless you arent going to print anything larger than 11x14. Talk them both down, and keep one in storage for back-up and extra parts. Then, of course, you can always buy my B-66 Pro Lab, and have a condensor head and a dichro head with some other needed items. Sorry, I had to plug one of my machines.

David Brown · Apr 16, 2010

B22. Both are good, but parts and accessories for the B22 are much more widely available.

5stringdeath · Apr 16, 2010

Yeah after googling and searching .. tons of info/parts people using D22's but not much info specific to the B6's ... found some stuff on the B8's and B600's ... I think the size of the B22 is fine for what I need at home, plus the guy is moving so he's gonna throw in a bunch of extra darkroom goodies.

However, the B6 is only $60 .... with more darkroom goodies. Maybe I should just grab both, hehe.

David Brown · Apr 16, 2010

Make sure the B-22 has its filter drawer. They are often missing.

John Koehrer · Apr 16, 2010

B22 was my first. Very simple & rigid. if you think you may want to go larger than 6X6 then the B6.

Get 'em both & you can be picky about what extra darkroom stuff to keep & what to get rid of. If you get a couple of good pieces out of the extra kit so much the better.
Sell off the excess.

wclark5179 · Apr 16, 2010

I've got the B-22 with a color head. I've had it since, well I think anyway, it was late 60's or early 70's when I bought it. It came with the condenser and then I upgrades to the color head. I use the filters in the color head for VC paper. Never had a problem with it. It's light & easy to move. I've got it on a card table in a bathroom that, if we get guests, can be moved very easily.

My recommendation go with the B-22. I believe mine is the XL with the longer thingy to move the head up & down.

5stringdeath · Apr 16, 2010

Anyone know if the negative carriers are interchangeable between these two?

Eh, never mind I think I can see that they are not

5stringdeath · Apr 16, 2010

Picked up the B-22 ... in great shape, just needs some light cleaning. Has the filter drawer, both condensors + the extra one (which i assume is for 35mm work?) Also has an under lens filter holder. I believe its the XL column ... if it was any taller it wouldn't fit where I put it, hah.

Gonna rip some prints tomorrow evening!

David Brown · Apr 17, 2010

5stringdeath said:
+ the extra one (which i assume is for 35mm work?)

Yes. Not strictly needed, but that's what it is for.

You did well.

5stringdeath · Apr 27, 2010

Just got another one off goodwill ... even shipped in the original box! Came with everything, even two lenses (albeit Omegars), two neg carriers .... even the original warranty card. Now I have parts forever

Omega B-22 or B-6

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