Omega D5 Eccentric Wheel/Filter Repair

Shadowtracker · May 27, 2010

I have looked/used the search box here to the best of my ability and not found what I am looking for. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. If this posting is in the wrong area or a repeat of something already here, please let me know.

I have a D5XL and it's in fine shape. I have a second color head for it and it is missing a magenta filter. I am working on getting one of those and am confident I can set it in place without much trouble. But, on this second head, the magenta and cyan filters 'slip' on the eccentric wheels that hold the filter cams.

Does anyone have a procedure, set of instructions, web site, etc as to how to adjust these so they don't slip?

I have made a couple of adjustments to the tension on the bolt at the top of the cam and that has improved, but not eliminated the problem. The lower part of the cam has too much play in it and it can fall off the edge of the eccentric wheel - it's mostly the magenta but the cyan is guilty 50% of the time. The yellow filter does not have this problem at all.

It is a used enlarger head, so I don't know it's history. All else in it works fine. I have had it apart but not taken the cams or eccentrics out to look at them closely. If there is something I can read or a blown apart image for me to view, I can get a better idea of how to approach this fix.

Thanks much in advance,

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

I know the mechanism pretty well. Let me see if I can come up with some pictures I took that may help.

Shadowtracker · May 27, 2010

Thanks IC

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

I found my pictures, but they might not be that much help. From what I read in the OP, perhaps the filter holders are slipping off the edge of the cam.

The filter holder need to be separated correctly by the spacer washers.
On this unit the order of the washers was buggered up. But there should be just one washer between each filter holder. Though the picture does not really show it.
There is a little "finger" on the filter holder that can be bent slightly up or down to make a solid contact with the cam.

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

Don't break it off, but that little "D" shaped part hanging off with the little hole in it can be bent slightly to align perfectly with the cam.

Also, make note of the springs for the filter holders. There is probably only one way to put them on that is correct. Otherwise there might be some binding.

Shadowtracker · May 27, 2010

IC, this is exactly what I needed to know. The D portion I didn't know was adjustable and the spring order is good information. I thought there was a spacer between these things but wasn't sure and it seems to me there is too much play between them. May get the micrometer out to see what the variation between them is but will make sure I lay out the parts in the order they come off. My color head is identical, gray sides and all with the aluminum trim.

Thanks very much.

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

I fixed that one up for a friend. If you can post a picture of problem areas I think I can recall what goes where or if anything is missing.

5stringdeath · May 27, 2010

Man, all the smart people live in the Midwest! (not me .. you guys)

I had a friend at work weld my under-lens-filter holder together today .. if my dichroic filters ever gives up the ghost, that's my solution

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

5stringdeath said:
Man, all the smart people live in the Midwest! (not me .. you guys)

I had a friend at work weld my under-lens-filter holder together today .. if my dichroic filters ever gives up the ghost, that's my solution

Also note that under your mixing box there should be a slot for some filters (like Ilford MG filters) that would be above the negative.

5stringdeath · May 27, 2010

I dont' see a dedicated slot .. but there is certainly room. However popping that door off to change filters seems less convenient But I have both kinds of filters. Anyways, the color filters are still going strong ... but really, my negs on a diffusion enlarger are usually fine with white light. Usually ......

Didn't mean to hijack the thread

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

5stringdeath said:
I dont' see a dedicated slot .. but there is certainly room. However popping that door off to change filters seems less convenient But I have both kinds of filters. Anyways, the color filters are still going strong ... but really, my negs on a diffusion enlarger are usually fine with white light. Usually ......

Didn't mean to hijack the thread

I don't know if they all had the extra channel to hold a filter underneath like this, but I agree, under the lens is convenient.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/39445-REG/Omega_429176_DD_Light_Multiplier_for.html

Shadowtracker · May 27, 2010

Ah, good to know about. I don't have any 4x5 filters, but if I ever find any, snagging them may be worth it just for that reason. Yes, my mixing chamber has that slot. I also have a 6x6 mixing chamber for this and it has them too. 5string - I used to be a welder/steel fabricator; good skills to have. I will probably take photos as I work on this. I suspect the washers between the upper parts are worn but the 'D' shaped tab may need adjustment too. Thanks again IC.

5stringdeath · May 28, 2010

Huh, yea both my MF and 4x5 mixing boxes have the channel .. good to know!

ic-racer · May 28, 2010

My impression of the Chromega I worked on was that it could last forever unless it gets run over by a truck. The filers won't fade. The fan can be replaced if it blows. The styrofoam in the mixing box can be replaced. If the power supply blows, the bulb can be converted over to one that runs right off the 120v mains.

Omega D5 Eccentric Wheel/Filter Repair

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