Omega D5

panchromatic · Apr 30, 2005

A few questions regarding this enlarger:

A friend of mine who i've known for a while is considering getting rid of his enlarger (D5) and i'm considering purchasing it (he went to the darkside digital). my main question is how tall is it from base to highest position? (since i'm building a new darkroom i'd like to know so i can plan for it in my darkroom (limited ceiling hieght) Second i see them on ebay from about 150-350 (but no ones bid on them) He said he doesn't even know what they go for now adays and he said he'd make me a deal (but i don't want to screw him out of money) As far as i know its got a few neg carriers (35mm, 6x6, 4X5) and a lens torret with three "good" lenses (i think maybe nikkor) to do the above negative sizes.

what do you think would be a fair offer?

ps. as far as i've heard this is a quality enlarger...i printed on one in college a few times and liked it

pss. i'm using a beseler 67C right now and i believe the D5 is an upgrade.

thanks in advance!

Jeremy · Apr 30, 2005

Is it the D5 or D5XL?

If it has got good lenses on it and you want to give him a fair amount then tell him $250.

Jennifer · Apr 30, 2005

Hi,
Check this link. A lot of information. Also classic-enlargers is good.

www.khbphotografix.com

On ebay I think shipping one of these beasts plays into less interest in one.
I have a D4 which I put a Omegalite on. It's a real beast/beauty. Shipping one of these would be a hassle packing it. I got mine no head, or cones but with focusing tracks, the right ones in real nice condition for a whole $50 !.

Ebay is a good source for negative carriers.

Jerry Thirsty · Apr 30, 2005

I use a D5XL with a Dichroic II head, mounted on the baseboard (rather than a wall mount). The distance from the table the baseboard sits on to the top of the head at full extension is about 61 inches.

panchromatic · May 1, 2005

to be honest i don't know if its a D5 or D5XL (though i will ask him on monday) anyway whats the difference (i'm assuming is the column height?)

$250 sounds do-able

another perhaps odd question: I should have no trouble getting it into a basement and through typical sized doors right? Just making sure

Jeremy · May 1, 2005

I don't know what size the D5 is, but I know the column is shorter than the D5XL which is 61" at full extension as Jerry said, but about 6-8" shorter than that when not at full extension.

noseoil · May 1, 2005

To transport this type you would be better off making the head, baseboard and column into three parts. I got mine up in Phoenix and this was the easiest way to move and then set it up. Have a friend hold things for you as you set it up again.

$250 sounds like a fair price. If he tries to sell it out of town, shipping will increase the cost a lot and make things difficult for him.

I like mine a lot. Does it have the Dichroic head for V/C B&W paper? tim

John Koehrer · May 1, 2005

panchromatic,
When you move this critter, It'll be easier if you remove the baseboard & head/condenser assembly. I usually would then run the carriage assy all the way to the top so if something loosens up you don't have it launch itself off the column.
It's not especially heavy, just unwieldy. Whether it's an XL or not getting it through doorways can be interesting, usually tall enough to bang on the doorframe

panchromatic · May 2, 2005

Shaggy said:
panchromatic,
When you move this critter, It'll be easier if you remove the baseboard & head/condenser assembly. I usually would then run the carriage assy all the way to the top so if something loosens up you don't have it launch itself off the column.
It's not especially heavy, just unwieldy. Whether it's an XL or not getting it through doorways can be interesting, usually tall enough to bang on the doorframe

I won't have to worry too much about transportation, he lives a mere 2 miles away, and I do have access to a truck... but i will more than likely remove the baseboard and condenser assembly when bringing it into the house.

Phillip P. Dimor · May 2, 2005

I'd definitely follow shaggy's advice.. You don't want to bang the condenser and head.. Those counterbalance springs are STRONG. With no condenser, you can easily knock yourself out if it zips up and hits you in the chin.

I've a D2 and it's not unwieldly. I brought it in and assembled it by myself and I am a smaller guy.

Bob Carnie · May 2, 2005

Sounds like you are getting a very good buy, you will need to read up on past threads on enlarger alignment after you put it back together. Very easy to move and assemble. KHB in Missisauga Ont have a extensive parts inventory and I believe they will sell you manuals as well.
Be carefull moving the condensors and obviouly take the lenses out and wrap with cloth.
I have extra carriers (non glass) if you get stuck without a certain format. Though I will really hose you on the price.
Have fun.

panchromatic · May 4, 2005

UPDATE:

Ok i saw my buddie today and asked him if the it was a D5 or a D5XL, and he said i must've heard him wrong, that infact its a D6. Now i need to re-ask the previous questions: How much should i offer him for it?, how tall at full extention?, can i get it through a door?

thanks again!

Omega D5

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