Omega Variable Condenser & Beseler 45M

I am looking to purchase my first enlarger and I need a little advice. First I shoot mainly medium format - 6x6 and 6x8 - and always black and white. I have seen what seem to be two good options locally- an older looking Omega Variable Condenser Enlarger (a little unsure of the model but it's a 4x5) that will come with negative carriers for 6x6, 6x9, and 4x5, as well as either a Schneider or Rodenstock 150mm lens (no specifics on the lenses yet) and a timer for $400. The other one is a Beseler 45MXT Chassis with baseboard, EL-Nikkor 150mm f/5.6 enlarging lens, filters, 11x14 easel, timer, and one 5x4 negative carrier for $500.

It seems that the 150mm lens is a good length for 4x5, but will it also work for 6x6 and 6x8?

Are these ballpark fair prices?

I would appreciate anything you have to offer. I have searched a lot of archives, but if I missed one - feel free to point it out.

Both enlargers are well made and will work well once you get the enlarger you pick alined. I use an Omega D3, just because I have always used Omega, Omegas are very reliable and rugged. The 150mm is long for 6X6 or 6X9, you will need a 90 or 105, if you buy the Omega you need to also get a lens cone. I think with a Bessler you adjust the top bellows to adjust for different lens lengths. I cant comment of the price of the Omega without knowing the model and features.

We have both in our lab at school. I have 2 45's in my own darkroom and tend to like them better. However, that is probably because i have been using them for 30 years.

I agree with Paul, both will do the job, both are well made. With the Beseler you do change the condensor head for specific negative sizes.

Prices here are cheaper, however, which timer may be effecting the cost, type of easel etc. the last 45 i saw in a store that sells used equipment was about 300, however, the lens was a 50 not the 150, had negative carrier for 35mm and various other items that went along with the package. Looked in good shape.

The Omega, may be a better buy as it comes with a variety of negative carriers which may appeal to you, as the negative carriers for the beseler will vary in price used and about 90 dollars new.

Which one will need additional equipment to set and use with your present formats? That may help decide how much more you will need to spend or not spend.

If it weren't for the lack of negative carriers for your film size, I would go with the Beseler, but the Omega sounds like it has more of what you need that might be hard to come by. If I could lay my hands on the required neg carriers for the Beseler, I'd take the Beseler, as I believe its support bracing is a sturdier design than the Omega's simple inclined column.

My understanding is that you can use the 150mm lens with smaller (than 4x5) format film. The drawback is that the size of your enlargements will be more limited than what you could attain with a shorter lens.

Unless you're planning on making huge enlargements, you'll probably be fine with the 150mm.

If my understanding is incorrect, I'm sure someone will be along presently to correct me.

In today's market I think both are at the high end of the range.
The Omega with three carriers would seem to have a very slight edge in the kit catagory.
The Beseler is nice from a flexibility standpoint, as all you need do is crank the lamp housing up or down to adjust condenser position.

Omega enlargers are quite rugged and hold their alignment well. The condenser light source uses a “normal” size incandescent bulb* still available at my photo store ($15.00 U.S.). Any repairs necessary can be done with “kitchen” tools. All the accessories, lens cones, extra condensers, different light sources, can be found on the used market.

Some caveats to be aware of when obtaining a used enlarger: the condenser lenses are soft and easily scratched. Mine became that way through careless use of a home made carrier. Reversing their positions cured the problem at no expense.

It is always said to get the best lens one can afford. This is no “wife’s tale”. However you do not need to purchase the newest super-great item. Older used lenses will work just as good. Just make sure they are free of problems.

Good luck.

* A PH112 150 watt with the manufacturer's symbol on the side - not the bottom - of the bulb.

I would go for the Omega, parts are readily available, KHB in Missisauga being one , glass carriers at Focal Point in Florida , and Omega Sattar on the East Coast. I have quite a few of these enlargers in my darkrooms and have been very satisfied with their performance, as stated above, they will hold alignment well and easily aligned , I wall mount and have braces at the top end that help as well split printing with this enlarger is easy. You can put ,cold heads, diffusion heads, condensor or point light heads on them , as well the chromega colour head and the Ilford multi contrast B&W head fit well on the chassis.

Thanks to everyone - I really appreciate your comments.