Omega Universal 4x5 enlarger question

[stradibarrius]

I have an Omega Universal 4x5 enlarger with the variable condenser. I do not have the variable, "movable" condenser and wonder what it does? If I understand it is not really needed when enlarging 4x5 negatives but is when enlarging smaller format negatives.

What does the movable condenser do?

 

[Mike Wilde]

Usually they alternate condensor lenses, or alternate condensor lens placement focus an even distribution of light intensity across a smaller area, so you can achieve faster printing times, if you want to, for negatives smaller that the maximum size the enlarger can handle.

 

[bdial]

To add a little to Mike's comment, the box above the fixed condensers has three positions to place the variable condenser to give you a concentrated (or not) light beam for smaller negatives.

another Barry

 

[rjbuzzclick]

On my Omega D2, the third lens in the variable condenser is not needed for lenses around 150mm and longer, but has three positions for lenses 135mm and shorter.

 

[stradibarrius]

I found a variable condenser and I am using a 135mm enlarging lens. I found that it keeps the time from being so short. I was also having a bit of a problem with the exposure being too shot to burn a dodge.

 

[mfohl]

If I read Strad correctly, he does not have the movable (i.e., variable) condenser. In that case, he would need individual condensers for the different lenses. I now have a D2V, the variable (movable) kind, but I started with just a D2. I had to change condensers when changing lenses (50, 80, 105, 135/150). Not a major pain, but it was inconvenient. Assuming you have the condensers in the first place.

 

[Paul Howell]

I found a variable condenser and I am using a 135mm enlarging lens. I found that it keeps the time from being so short. I was also having a bit of a problem with the exposure being too shot to burn a dodge.

Do you mean you have the condenser that is moved depending on the lens or your a non variable condenser that swaps out? In any case what blub are your using, 75, 150 or 250 watt?

 

[stradibarrius]

I have a D5XL with the variable lamphouse but did not have the moveable condenser. On Friday I found the movable condenser. So we will see if that makes a time difference.