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Omega B7

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Ffergie

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I have recently started in the Medium format world with a Mamiya RB67 and I would like to attempt the analog process from start to finish. I have a line on an Omega B7 and accessories that seem to be in good condition and apparently in working condition. Included are a couple of lenses, neg carriers, etc. My question: is there anything in particular that I should be watching for and what would be a reasonable price to expect on this item. It is from an estate sale, therefore the history is unknown. Thanks
 

MattKing

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Welcome to Photrio, from one of the other ends of the country..
I always refer people with Omega (and many other) enlarger questions to KHB's website.
They are a great resource, they are very helpful and they are Canadian too!
(They are from Ontario, but you can't expect perfection :whistling:).
Here is their page for the B.7: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/B7.htm
I would suggest wandering through their website.
 

DWThomas

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I have a B8, which apparently lacks the "auto-focus" of the B7, but is otherwise very similar and I'm quite pleased with it. I use EL Nikkor enlarging lenses -- 50mm, 80mm and 105mm -- for 35mm, 6x6, and 6x9. For 6x9, the corners are a bit iffy, but at 6x7 it should be great. I have had some intermittent behavior in the cord to the lamp socket, but that is seldom a problem. It normally only shows when doing a major height change, and rearranging the cord brings it back to life. It could probably be fixed if it bothered me often enough. It uses a PH111 lamp, 75 watt, a bayonet base like a frosted auto tail light bulb in shape, which so far is still available.

There is a broad assortment of negative holders, just make sure you get the one(s) you actually need, if possible. There are two "supplementary condensers" (assuming the B7 is like the B8), a thin one for 6x6cm/80mm, a thicker one for 35mm/50mm. Without major testing, it appears you could live without those, perhaps just lose a little light with the smaller formats. The 75 watt provides enough light that I use a 2-stop ND filter for small (5x5, 5x7) prints, so a bit of a light loss is not likely a problem. Also the 50mm lens for 35mm negatives works with a flat mounting plate. For 80mm and 105mm, you need a sort of "nose cone" -- upside down top hat shape to space the lens out for appropriate focus. Those ancillary items seem to be somewhat rare (and/or pricey) but I was able to make serviceable substitutes. Ideally, you will get some of such items with the package. (I have no idea how or with what they were originally set up for purchase.)

They are pretty old beasties, but the mechanics (at least, non auto-focus) are pretty simple, so as long as nothing is badly corroded from unhappy storage, I think you should be in good shape. The baseboard on mine had a lot of old tape and marks on it, so I removed the column, the deteriorated rubber pads on the bottom, and the mounting plate, then refinished it with wipe-on polyurethane. It looks like a new one.
 
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DWThomas

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Ah -- reasonable price -- dunno, haven't been following the stuff recently. I picked mine up off ePrey, and drove to the Poughkeepsie area of NY state to bring it home, no shipping, for about $85 in 2006. That included the supplemental condenser and 6-element 50mm enlarging lens and a 35mm carrier. I've probably blown another couple hundred on additional carriers, lenses, lens mounts, and spare bulbs since then. We often hear stories on here about enlargers rescued free from dumpsters. I don't doubt that has happened, but methinks there is a frustrating amount of luck and time needed to be in the right place at the right time.
 

saman13

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I also have a B8, and I really like it. It is a simple enlarger, no bells and whistles, but it does its job very well. Mine came with the flat lens board for 50mm lenses, but I was able to find the lens cone needed for 80mm lenses on eBay (including an 80mm Schneider) for around $30. So, the parts are pretty easy to find if you are willing to do some looking.
Mine was in rough shape when I got it but I spent about a whole day scrubbing and repainting it so I wouldn’t be scared to bring my negatives anywhere near it. I paid $40 for the enlarger along with safelights, trays, grain focuser, etc. However, I was prepared to pay a lot more than that for it. It’s a solid appliance.
 

saman13

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So, what to look out for. Check if there are the proper lens cones for the size negatives you will be using, because if not you’ll have to buy those extra. Check for what negative carriers it comes with. Check the rollers on the back of the enlarger that turns to raise and lower the head. One of mine was broken and that put stress on the other, causing it to break. Luckily I found a replacement on ebay, so not a big deal but it might be a weak point seeing as it is plastic working on metal.
 

Sirius Glass

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Welcome to Photrio, from one of the other ends of the country..
I always refer people with Omega (and many other) enlarger questions to KHB's website.
They are a great resource, they are very helpful and they are Canadian too!
(They are from Ontario, but you can't expect perfection :whistling:).
Here is their page for the B.7: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/B7.htm
I would suggest wandering through their website.

Welcome to Photrio. I also recommend KHB. Also check Craig's List.
 

BobMarvin11225

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I'm very happy with my manual focus B-8 and can't imagine ever wanting a "better" enlarger. If you get an autofocus B-7 be sure to get whatever lens tracks you'd ever need. I understand that you can't really focus this model manually, except for fine adjustment. When Harry Taylor was alive he sold them through his website. Now it would be hit and miss through eBay, or similar sources. Many parts come up oftem, but I don't think auto focus Omega "B" models were as popular as manual focus machines so parts unique to them might be harder to find.
 
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