Omega D3 Questions

[dynachrome]

I just got an Omega enlarger which I think is a D3. If I remove the auto focus rails, can I get it to work like a D2? If I can get the parts, can I convert it into a D2? If I can get a "blank" auto focus rail, will I be able to make it work with a lens I already have?

 

[MattKing]

Here is KHB's take on your questions: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/D3.htm

 

[ic-racer]

Why remove the autofocus rails? Most will search desperately for them.

 

[dynachrome]

I guess I first need to clean the enlarger up and try to determine which lenses the two rails are for. The enlarger came with an 80mm Componon and the correct cone for it. I have three lenses which should be suitable for printing 4X5 negatives: 150/5.6 EL Nikkor (N), 150/5.6 Rodagon, 162mm f/? Wollensak (Raptar?). I am mostly interested in using the EL Nikkor.

 

[choiliefan]

The rails I've seen have a foil tag which identifies which lens they mate to.
That's a very cool enlarger.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

I had one, can't say I was enamored. At the time you could order 'generic' rails; I think I got them from Altman's in Chicago. Omega wanted you to send the lens to them so they could grind a custom rail. The generic rails were close enough if you were willing to tweak the focus. The big advantage of the enlarger is that it makes changing the image size painless - you don't have to move the head, refocus, move the head again, refocus again...

Along with the rails you need the right lens cone or the enlarger will never focus. And the enlarging easel has to be 1" thick.