Omega c760 or Beseler 35

I was wondering which one of this you guys think is the better enlarger? I am looking for an enlarger with a dichroic head and came across these too at a relatively low price.

Thanks

The Beseler 35 is limited to 35mm format, but I believe I could be upgraded with a 6X7 head, don't think there is a color head for it. The Omega 760 did have a color head may be hard to find. I would look for a Beseler 23C with color head. Larger than either the Besler 35mm or Omegea but will print up to 6X9 and the color heads were very good. These were pro level enlargers, rugged.

I have the remains of a Beseler printmaker 35 in my attic - they're so-so "beginner" enlargers, probably just fine for 8x10 prints, but they're kind of rickety and cheap, lots of stamped steel (and the "Cadet" is even lower-end). If you want a more sturdy enlarger that can also do medium format, the 67C is a much much better machine. Single column though (vs. a frame) so it's a bit more compact and can be shipped reasonably. The column is thick and sturdy extruded aluminum. They're very common with condenser and color heads. There were (I believe) 2 models of color head though - the earlier one requires and external power transformer and seems to be one of those "when it's dead, it's dead for good" things; the newer head plugs right into the wall. As mentioned by Paul, the 23C is a good machine if you can find a clean one - they're very common, and were the standard school enlarger and were built to take some abuse. they're much bigger though, since they use a ladder frame vs. a single post.

Beseler did make a 6x7 conversion kit for the Printmaker, they're rare and expensive and seems kinda silly unless you really need the smallest possible MF enlarger and won't print very big.

Condition and included parts and accessories should determine your decision, unless you want the option of medium format, in which case the C760 is the only viable option between the two.
Here is a bunch of information on KHB's site: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/C760.htm

I don't see myself getting into medium format anytime soon as I'm still a college student and dont have that much money so getting an enlarger that has medium format compatibility doesnt matter to me.

Look for a Durst, they made a 35mm with a color head that better build quality than the current Besler 35mm. Are you planning on doing color or want the color head for printing VC paper?

The Omega has basically the same footprint as the Beseler and is sturdier and capable of greater enlargement sizes, and is easier to obtain parts for.

Rick A said:

The Omega has basically the same footprint as the Beseler and is sturdier and capable of greater enlargement sizes, and is easier to obtain parts for.

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+1

Here's another vote for the Omega.

I have an Omega C760 with a dichroic head and it is a good, sturdy enlarger for black and white and color prints. The range for magenta and yellow can provide up to contrast filter equivalent 4 for black and white printing. It came with the 35mm and 6x7 light mixing boxes, the 3 light attenuator inserts, and a 35mm negative holder. I actually got it for free, from people moving who just wanted it gone. Other items for it that I found on ebay, indicating that other parts are available, were the voltage regulator and 6x4.5 and 6x6 negative holders, all for reasonable prices.

It's my second best enlarger, after the Minolta MODIII.

Planning and doing color prints and thanks for the advice everyone think I’m gonna go with the omega.

jettmn said:

Planning and doing color prints and thanks for the advice everyone think I’m gonna go with the omega.

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I have a few Omega C760's available for sale in the Minneapolis area if you are still interested.