Omega B-8

[Rob Ruttan]

I have one eye on an Omega B - 8 enlarger. One thing I'm trying to get a handle on is the difficulty of switching from 35mm. to 120 negs, including (if possible) the 6*9 negs from my ancient but trustworthy Super Ikonta. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance to any who respond!

 

[DWThomas]

I have one -- haven't done any 6x9s yet -- though I just took a roll with my 50s era Brownie Target 620!

I have 50, 80 and 105 mm lenses. Each needs different mounts; flat board for the 50, and cones about 1.5 and 2 or so inches for the 80 and 105. I made cones after watching e-prey for several months without seeing any. There are two supplemental condensers, one thick one for 35 mm (50 mm lens) and a thinner one for 6x6 with the 80 mm lens. My initial B-8 acquisition was equipped for 35 mm. The lens board assembly can slide out via spring-loaded retainers and the cones or flat plate attach with two screws. Since I made my own, I keyhole slotted them so they can be changed without completely removing the screws. The supplemental condenser installs in the lamphouse above the main condenser pair. Switching isn't a big deal -- although it's not instantaneous. You could surely do 6x6 without the thin supplemental condenser and use the 105 lens unless you're going for really big enlargements. I can do about 18x18 inches from a 6x6 with the 80 mmm lens and the standard enlarger column.

DaveT

 

[dancqu]

I have one eye on an Omega B - 8 enlarger.
One thing I'm trying to get a handle on is the
difficulty of switching from 35mm. to 120 negs,
including (if possible) the 6*9 negs from my
ancient but trustworthy Super Ikonta.
Any thoughts?

Right off I'll clue you in to the use or no use of
the supplemental condensers. Any format up to
maximum can be used without the use of the
supplementals. The two large condensers
provide light coverage for any format.

Use the supplementals when making large
diameter long exposure enlargements from
small format film; 35mm.

I've a 105mm Nikkor on my B8 at this time.
A good focal length for making less than Big
prints from 6x4.5 and up. An 80mm with 35mm
should do well. The extra clear distance twixt
lens and easel allows room to work. Exposure
times are increased to realistic values. The
B8 is fast. BTW the B8 is the 6x9 version
of the 4x5 D2.

I've two B8s, one disassembled with some
extras. Interested? Dan

 

[Dan Henderson]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but a friend is offering to sell me his B8 and some other equipment as part of his transition to the big D. Neither of us know what it is worth on today's market. Its supposed to be in great shape with a 100mm f/5.6 companon S lens. Does anyone know what a fair price for this would be?
Thanks,
Dan

 

[CraigH]

Last year I paid $10.00 for a B7 (autofocus version) with the same lens & 35mm & 6x6 carriers. I can't stand the autofocus. I feel the B8 would be much better.

Craig

 

[mikebarger]

I paid $20.00 for a D2, no lens, about 18 months ago. It did have six negative holders and several lens boards. Enlarger prices are all over the place, but good ones can be found very cheap.

Mike

 

[DWThomas]

In spring 2006, I paid $80 for my B8, in good shape and equipped for 35mm with the thick supplemental condenser, the 6-element Nikkor 50mm f2.8 and a 35mm glassless negative carrier. I've since acquired other lenses at $20-$40 or so prices and other carriers in the $10 to $15 range.

In two years of monitoring, I've yet to see the extension cones for the longer lenses, but fortunately it wasn't all that difficult to make substitutes.

DaveT