Replacement opal glass for Chromega E

I'm hoping the collective hardware expertise here can help.

I've got a Super Chromega E Dichroic II color head adapted to my main 4x5 enlarger. I use the E-size (5x7 inch) mixing box.

The 5x7 opal glass in the mixing box is not in the greatest condition and I'm afraid it's going to bite the dust here soon, so I'm looking for a source for a replacement.

The OEM part seems rather sophisticated: it's a piece of opal glass ground to a slight spherical surface on one side to counteract light fall-off.

I'm wondering if anyone here knows of a source for OEM (or used) parts (I've checked KHB - they have nothing listed), or has an idea for an after-market replacement.

I'd probably spring for an entire 5x7 mixing box if I could find one.

TIA,

Doremus

I can't help but give KHB a call, I found out they have lots of stuff not listed in the store. You never know what they may have.

If the diffuser is like the one in my Chromega F, the diffuser is translucent molded plastic, not glass. Mine is also bellied downward to counter the radial falloff of light intensity. The only way you’d be likely to get a replacement is by contacting the owner of the brand, Omega Brandess in Hampstead, Maryland. It might be a long shot, but you won’t know unless you ask.

http://www.omegabrandess.com/products/Omega-Enlargers

http://www.omegabrandess.com/contact_us

If your using the a 5X7 color head on a 4X5 chassy how important is the slight curve? Might not show on a 4X5 or smaller negative. You may want to order either a sheet of opal glass or plastic cut to fit to see if makes a difference. Also what signs are you seeing that indicates that your current plastic sheet is not in good shape, discoloring or cracking?

George,
I e-mailed Kevin at KHB. He has an entire mixing box, but not the diffuser. It's kind of on the expensive side, but I may go for it eventually.

Ian,
I stand corrected; the diffuser is indeed acrylic, not glass. I'll try getting in touch with Omega. Thanks for the links! I assumed Omega was completely gone.

Paul,
Good point! I may try just a flat piece of acrylic/opal glass and see how it works. In a pinch, I could figure out how to grind the slight curve as well.
The problem with mine is that it had some marks/defects on the bottom surface that were showing up as light areas on the print. They were scuff marks from bad handling by the previous owner. I cleaned/etched away the dark areas as much as I could and the result is 100% better. However, upon disassembly, I noticed a broken corner and a crack that may eventually spread to the image area, so I wanted to find a back-up before things went south. It may last the rest of my life; who knows?

Thanks again,

Doremus

Doremus Scudder said:

I'm hoping the collective hardware expertise here can help.

I've got a Super Chromega E Dichroic II color head adapted to my main 4x5 enlarger. I use the E-size (5x7 inch) mixing box.

The 5x7 opal glass in the mixing box is not in the greatest condition and I'm afraid it's going to bite the dust here soon, so I'm looking for a source for a replacement.

The OEM part seems rather sophisticated: it's a piece of opal glass ground to a slight spherical surface on one side to counteract light fall-off.

I'm wondering if anyone here knows of a source for OEM (or used) parts (I've checked KHB - they have nothing listed), or has an idea for an after-market replacement.

I'd probably spring for an entire 5x7 mixing box if I could find one.

TIA,

Doremus

Click to expand...

Doremus,

www.glennview.com Glenn Evans machines and sells a 5x7 version of replacement diffuser. Not cheap but he says also not easy for him to machine....

I have not purchased this item but I have thought it might want to go in my E3 Enlarger.

Nokton48,

Thanks for the tip. I've just sent an e-mail off to Glenn with an inquiry.

Best,

Doremus

http://www.glennview.com/omega.htm

The light balancing diffusion disk (with picture) is about half way down in his Omega section; Right before the carriers.

5x7 $250