Omega C-700 enlarger question

[RJSPhoto]

I found a fantastic deal on a used Omega C-700 enlarger the other day, I've been working towards printing my own film images so I have a few questions since I haven't been able to turn up answers via google;

In a picture of the enlarger, there's a label on it that says "Color Print Maker" - does this mean that I would NOT be able to make B/W prints with this?

It doesn't look like there is a negative carrier included with it. I would need a 6x7 negative carrier for my RZ67 photos. After searching around a bit I could only turn up VERY expensive carriers. Any recommendations on where to pick one up, or if I can modify other carriers to fit the C700?

Can the C700 print with 35mm negatives, with the proper carrier?

Thanks for the help, and sorry for all of the n00bish questions.

-Rob

 

[horacekenneth]

Should print B&W just fine. Possible that 'Color Print Maker' is a reference to the dichroic lamphouse that allows you to print color as well. Great for black and white too. It will print 35 and 120, but if it is the dichroic diffuser lamphouse make sure the styrofoam mixing box inside is 120 sized.

Good luck with the negative carrier. People can't get rid of their enlargers but the accessories are crazy.

 

[mgb74]

Does the head look like a rectangular box or more like a round cylinder? If the former, you probably have the colorhead; if the latter, you have the b/w condenser version.

These enlargers often require a supplementary condenser or (in the case of dichroic colorhead) light mixing box. I don't know about the condenser version of the c-700, but the dichroic colorhead does come with 2 light mixing boxes; 1 for 35mm and 1 for medium format. Those boxes (they are white styrofoam) are marked. If you have the medium format one you can use it for 35mm (though with longer exposures) but not the other way around.

As a rule, the 35mm accessories (light box, neg carrier) are cheap but the medium format ones are expensive.

 

[RJSPhoto]

Does the head look like a rectangular box or more like a round cylinder? If the former, you probably have the colorhead; if the latter, you have the b/w condenser version.

Here's a picture:

 

[John Koehrer]

Unless it's a killer deal with carrier(s) & a decent lens or two I'd think long & hard about it.
The round head is OK but is usb't a dichroic head, it will take color or VC filters in the small drawer above the negative stage.
And here's a link to KHB with a description for you. I think there's another page too.
http://store.khbphotografix.com/Omega-C700-6x7-Condenser-Enlarger.html
Wikipedia may have an article too.

FWIW you may check the bay or Craigslist, the baySold listings can give you an idea what they're going for there.
Watch the shipping costs.

 

[George Nova Scotia]

Ah, the rare limited edition Duct tape version. Condenser version. Beside neg holders you'll need different lenses for 35and 120. Usually 50mm for 35 and 90mm for 120. Plus filters for Multigrade paper.

If you were closer I'd give you better one for free.

 

[RJSPhoto]

Ah, the rare limited edition Duct tape version. Condenser version. Beside neg holders you'll need different lenses for 35and 120. Usually 50mm for 35 and 90mm for 120. Plus filters for Multigrade paper.

If you were closer I'd give you better one for free.

I could pay for shipping

 

[Eric Rose]

To bad you don't live close by. I have a C-760 with all the doodads in perfect shape you could have for free.

Personally I would pass on the pictured enlarger and hold out for something better.

 

[RJSPhoto]

To bad you don't live close by. I have a C-760 with all the doodads in perfect shape you could have for free.

Personally I would pass on the pictured enlarger and hold out for something better.

I'm serious. I would pay for the shipping.

 

[RJSPhoto]

I could even have it sent to some family in Wisconsin, if that makes anything cheaper or easier.

 

[Eric Rose]

I'm serious. I would pay for the shipping.

I'd be shipping from Canada. The shipping and duty you would pay is more than it's worth. I appreciate your enthusiasm however I think you should look for a C760 closer to where you live.

Check out this eBay listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BERKEY-OMEG...464352?hash=item4d5a3d8a60:g:YxkAAOSwYvFZHfSA

 

[ac12]

Watch Craig's List.
I found most of my enlargers that way, and I'm up the SF peninsula from you.
Just be patient, but be ready to jump when you see a good one, at a decent price or free.

I might even have an extra enlarger that I would sell.
BUT, it is at the back of a packed garage and would take MAJOR effort to get it out.

 

[RJSPhoto]

I ended up not getting this particular enlarger. I went and saw it in person and while it's perfectly good shape, it's missing too many things to make it worth while. Back to eBay, I suppose!

 

[RJSPhoto]

Watch Craig's List.
I found most of my enlargers that way, and I'm up the SF peninsula from you.
Just be patient, but be ready to jump when you see a good one, at a decent price or free.

I might even have an extra enlarger that I would sell.
BUT, it is at the back of a packed garage and would take MAJOR effort to get it out.

I'd love some info on that if you've got it

 

[M Carter]

Regarding the condenser vs. color head enlargers - modern multigrade printing paper can print with varying levels of contrast, and this is achieved by coloring the light. With a color enlarger, you use the color controls (mixing wheels), and with a condenser you use filters that slide into a filter holder or go under the lens. (That's a simplified explanation, google could get you all the detail you need).

For starting out, I'd be fine with a simple condenser and a set of filters. It's a little simpler, and some color heads need harder-to-source bulbs or special power supplies, and condensers seem much more common out there. And they're simpler machines, less to go wrong.

In the US, probably the most common medium format enlarger you'll see out there is a Beseler 23C. It's a very good machine, and parts are plentiful. The Beseler 67c shows up often, it's a decent enlarger and a bit more compact and light. Look for one that's not rusty or dirty. Check it for frayed or burned wiring (though that's an easy fix if you're handy), make sure it actually lights up, and try to check it in decent darkness so you can look for leaks in the bellows. the best deal is often someone selling their entire setup - timers, trays, safe lights, the works. The 67c is a good ebay find as it should be cheaper to ship.

For 6x7 RZ negs, you can also get a Nikkor 80mm 5.6 lens - it covers 6x7 (or else you need a 90mm from other makers). if you'll print bigger than 8x10, look for a top-line 6-element lens - they're just dirt cheap these days, El-Nikkor, Componon-S, or Rodagon.

The Beseelr Printmaker 35 shows up sometimes, but it's 35mm only (there's a very rare 6x7 conversion kit for it) and it's a rickety little beginner enlarger (the 67C uses the same lens board and neg carriers).

Then there are the Omegas, which seem more common in Europe, and a world of Minoltas and Vivitars and pre-50's oddball stuff that may be fine if complete, but finding parts could be a chore. If you spot a deal on a Beseler MXT or Omega D-series (4x5 enlargers) you might think it over - but they're big, heavier machines... they would allow you to print 4x5 someday though.

 

[John Koehrer]

Take another look at CraigsList, and check other towns too. smaller burgs can have some real sleepers.

 

[ac12]

I'd love some info on that if you've got it

I can tell you exact what it is, but that will be of no value, as I am not going to dig out the enlarger. There is too much stuff in the way. The garage needs a MAJOR cleaning out first.