Printing Medium Format with Omega DII

[Huram]

Hey Ya'll

I have an Omega DII (not D2) enlarger with a 3.5" condenser used for printing 35mm. I want to print 6x6 BW negatives, but this will require a 4.5" or 6" condenser (I do not have either).

1. Instead of buying a 4.5" or 6" condenser, could I just buy a D2 lamphouse and variable condenser head and put it on my DII frame?

2. Would buying a variable condenser head make sense, or should I just get a 4.5 or 6" condenser for the DII?

3. Would anyone be willing to sell me a 4.5 or 6" condenser so I can print some MF film?

Any thoughts would greatly help! Thanks.

Huram

 

[ann]

check with harry at classic enlargers, he will let you know

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I am fairly sure that this will work. The only head interchangeability issue is if you want to put a Chromega D color head on, then you need a different set of levers to accommodate the larger head.

Another option is to put in an Aristo cold light head (unless you have a particular preference for condensors. These aren't too expensive new from B&H, and it fits inside the 6" condensor housing. I use one.

 

[Ronald Moravec]

The heads will interchange easily. Probably the best route as the proper condensers are harder to find.

Don`t forget you will need an 1 in or 1 1/2 cone for the lens.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You only need a cone for lenses longer than 105mm, so a flat board should be fine for 6x6 with a lens in the 75-105mm range. The medium sized cone is for lenses of around 135mm, and the long cone is for lenses of 150mm.

 

[dr bob]

You only need a cone for lenses longer than 105mm, so a flat board should be fine for 6x6 with a lens in the 75-105mm range. The medium sized cone is for lenses of around 135mm, and the long cone is for lenses of 150mm.

Nice to see someone else with the ancient DII. I use mine with 120 negatives exactly as David states above.

 

[Christopher Colley]

though not exactly cheap, I would second the aristo cold light suggestion. I have one in my omega DII and it is great to work with.

probably much easier to get than finding good condition condensor lenses as well......

 

[Donald Qualls]

Harry at Classic Enlargers has the condenser glass for D2V (and, I think, the complete variable condenser upgrades as well). The glass is $200, new old stock -- which is the only reason I haven't already bought a set; it's the only thing I'm missing to be able to switch back and forth from cold light to condenser.