Omega Chromega D5 vs Beseler 23C-III Dichroic Enlarger

[waffles]

I have a friend who is selling two dichroic enlargers: an Omega Chromega D5 and a Beseler 23C-III. Other than the obvious difference that the D5 can enlarge 4x5 negatives while the Beseler can only enlarge 2x3 negatives, are there any other significant advantages in buying the Omega? Are there any disadvantages? I only ever shoot 135 and 120 film, so I don't really need the larger negative stage.

 

[MattKing]

I have an Omega D6 which is an Omega D5 XL with all the bells and whistles.
It is a great enlarger.
I like the fact that I can enlarge my 6x12 negatives - a Beseler 23C series enlarger won't do that.
There are a couple of different versions of each choice - particularly with respect to column length. Not surprisingly, the longer colums are better for larger enlargements, but the shorter ones are more compact.
I also have an earlier version Beseler 67 enlarger - the one with the large single column. It too is excellent.
Are you left handed? The Beseler probably offers focusing controls on both sides.

 

[mshchem]

Do both enlargers have Dichroic color heads??

I can't speak to the reliability of the Omega heads. I've used Beseler 4x5 enlargers for 40 years, the Dichro colorheads for Beseler can have issues with the circuitry. It crops up with age. The 23c III is I believe the most recent version.
The Omega D series are serious professional enlargers. If it's in really nice shape, AND the dichro head is in good working order, that would be a nice setup.

The condenser heads aren't as neat, but all that can go wrong is a burnt out light bulb.

 

[mgb74]

I have an Omega dichroic head that needs a new filter (yellow I believe). So these things happen with age.

 

[guangong]

I have always used Beselers, 23c and later 45. However, friends of mine who were professionals all used Omegas. If I had a choice now, probably would go with Omega.

 

[David Brown]

I have owned and used both. The differences get to be subjective, as they are both capable and professional machines. I would advise to evaluate which one gives you the most value, i.e., comes with lens, lens boards, carriers, etc. If all is equal there, then “test drive” each one. Play with the controls and see which one you simply like more. Good luck.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I can only speak to the Chromega Dichroic II D5-XL 4"x5" enlarger which I use for 35mm, 120 and 4"x5". The larger enlarger is nice for panoramic negatives from my WideLux F7 is nice plus. But really you need a 4"x5" enlarger because you are on APUG Photrio and we all know that you will be drawn into 4"x5" photography soon.

 

[lensman_nh]

I can only speak to the Chromega Dichroic II D5-XL 4"x5" enlarger which I use for 35mm, 120 and 4"x5". The larger enlarger is nice for panoramic negatives from my WideLux F7 is nice plus. But really you need a 4"x5" enlarger because you are on APUG Photrio and we all know that you will be drawn into 4"x5" photography soon.

What SG says. Otherwise you end up with 4 enlargers. Your starter enlarger, the one you upgrade to that doesn't do 4x5 because you'll never do that, then the cheap 4x5 condenser enlarger you pick up, because you now want to do 4x5, but you'll never do color 4x5.

This is how I ended up with 4 enlargers and also using a Chromega Dichroic II D5-XL 4"x5"

 

[jvo]

...really you need a 4"x5" enlarger because you are on APUG Photrio and we all know that you will be drawn into 4"x5" photography soon.

i have an omega and would recommend it... i have dabbled in 4x5, although i have not succumbed - as yet!

 

[voceumana]

With either of these enlargers, you really cannot go wrong. Choice is, perhaps, best made on how well you related to the enlarger--i.e., like the fit, finish, handling, and such. Things I consider in an enlarger, but are not often mentioned are these:

Are the 2 negative carrier plates mounted on a hinge that permits the top plate to float a little and so be parallel to the lower plate when the carrier has film in it and is closed? Some work like a scissors, and so pinch one edge, and I don't know if they can truly press the negative flate against the bottom edge.

Does the enlarger have a position lock to ensure it stays in place? Most do.

Is there a focus lock to make sure the lens doesn't drift down a little during exposre--hard to find.

Is there provision for mounting VC filters below the lens/in a filter drawer, etc.?

What is the light source--diffusion or condenser? I prefer diffusion, but it is personal preference.