Omega D2V Using a 250W Bulb?

Will S

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The 150W bulb started flickering last night so it is time to replace it. I have a 75W and a 250W bulb. I'm I OK using the 250W bulb? It seemed to get really hot. I have a transformer that I can use that will drive it at 200W I suppose, but I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

Thanks in advacne,

Will
 
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Will S

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Does anyone know? I started with the 250W last night, but it started smoking so I turned it off.

Thanks,

Will
 

John Koehrer

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There should be a data plate on the head that recommends a max. wattage.
 

Bob Carnie

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Will

I use 250 watt bulbs on all my omegas, it is not recommended but the extra power is good to have.
They do burn out 3x as fast so I buy by the case.
 

Paul Howell

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I would be very careful, I had a friend who had a D3 and he used a 250w blub, one day he got phone call and left the timer on focus, by the time he got back the heat had cracked the top condenser.
 

Photo Engineer

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I have used a Photoflood lamp in my D2V for color printing. It worked. I only used it for color printing sessions though, for the extra light, back when the paper was slower.

PE
 

Nicholas Lindan

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Am I OK using the 250W bulb? (in an Omega D2)?

In general a bad idea. As mentioned, if you leave the enlarger on (focus and then answer the phone ...) it can really overheat. In addition to cracking things in the enlarger the heat can damage the wiring to the lamp socket resulting in a short or shock hazard. Depending on the plastics used in the head it can possibly start a small fire.

Lowering the lamp voltage enough to run the lamp at 150W will reduce the efficiency of the lamp and shift the color of the light towards red. You would most likely be better off with a 75W bulb running at the proper voltage.
 

Huub S

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A question back: What are your printing times? When the 75 watt bulb gives you times around 20 sec at working diafragma, there's no need to use a 250 watt bulb.

Huub
 
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