Should I Buy This Enlarger? Simmons Omega D2

[ic-racer]

I don't think one would have to 3D print any components for that enlarger because it uses many parts from the D3...

 

[Donald Qualls]

For negative carriers and lens boards/cones, it might well be easier to 3D print them than to find the ones you need, when you need them.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

The D2 is a dog. Really, it just kind of sucks. I would look for a good Beseler 23C or a 45 model.

 

[ic-racer]

The enlarge pictured in the first post is a D2 not the DII ("old D2 designed in 1941"). This D2 is a direct descendant of the D5 which was produced until recently.

Although [New D2] was effectively discontinued in 1975 when the D5 was introduced, there was one last production run in 1977. It remains popular on the used equipment market since it was solidly built and most of the major parts for it are still available.

Old DII for comparison to the enlarger in the original post (which is the new D2):

 

[bdial]

Having used both, I prefer Omegas to Beselers, but they each have their plus and minuses. I've printed 1,000's of prints on Omegas.

Omega lens boards and lens cones are easy enough to find, so are carriers. A non-profit photo gallery I am member of probably has both carriers and lens boards for them. If you decide to buy it, pm me and I'll link you up.

If you go back for a closer look, be careful if you pull out the silver condenser housing, and don't invert it, as the condensers are not secured, and you'll dump them on the floor. My guess re: the wiring is that someone cobbled up a ground wire for it, probably not a big deal. It looks like it has a flat lens board sitting behind the lamp house, the flat board is for short FL lenses, with a little luck, it will have at least one lens cone for longer lenses for your 4x5 negs.

 

[David Reynolds]

The D2 is a dog. Really, it just kind of sucks. I would look for a good Beseler 23C or a 45 model.

First of all a 23C won't print a 4X5 (Please read the OP) and if a D2 is a dog then the Beseler 45 would be a horse's ass.

 

[Donald Qualls]

The D2 is a dog. Really, it just kind of sucks. I would look for a good Beseler 23C or a 45 model.

This is clearly a matter of opinion. And opinions differ wildly.

 

[John Koehrer]

With a 150 you will need the lens cone and appropriate lens board for your lens.
The boards will be sized by the diameter of the threads of the lens.

Beseler vs. Omega:
Preference are just that but I've found that what you start with will have a big effect on what you're going to prefer in the future.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have used many enlargers over the years, the C23, Beseler 45, motorized and manual crank, Federals, old Kodak, Leica, Durst, and many others, The D2 is a tank, well made, rugged, what a Besler offers is double bellows, no need for additional condensers or lens cones. Otherwise, the Air Force and Army used Omegas, ther reason, would take the hard use. Well to be fair, in the 40s and early 50s Omega was by and large the best enlarger around. Once you have the parts it will last, my D3 is as old as I am, but in better shape. For the price, if the carriage and easily moves up and down the column, and if he variable condense it there, a great price.

 

[MattKing]

First of all a 23C won't print a 4X5 (Please read the OP) and if a D2 is a dog then the Beseler 45 would be a horse's ass.

And many people really like both horses and dogs, including their component parts.
If you have well maintained and accessorized versions of either a D2 or a Beseler 45, you have a very good and highly usable enlarger.
If you have both, you will probably find you have a preference for one over the other.

 

[Bill Burk]

And many people really like both horses and dogs, including their component parts.
If you have well maintained and accessorized versions.....

Doesn’t take much maintenance, just a dust cover to keep it clean when you’re not using it. Horses and dogs, funny. I like dogs.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

I had one of these about a year ago, ended up selling it for $100 on Craigslist. A fellow drove all the way up from North Carolina to Maryland to get it. He was planning to retrofit it with an LED light source. I wish I had kept it, I have been feeling a bit limited by my Durst 606. $45 is a great deal, especially with the variable condenser. Mine did not have that, only the one for 6x6 and the variable ones are a bit expensive and hard to find on eBay.

 

[Paul Howell]

I would look for an Astro cold light, I've seen go for $100 on Ebay.

 

[Old_Dick]

This is why I feel $45 fot that enlarger is not a good deal. From CL "Omega D2v xl enlarger. Mint condition. 35, 2 1/5 and 4 x 5 negative holders. 2 Schneider lenses and an 8 x 10 sage light." $125.

 

[eddie]

Looks like there's a lens board (and lens) wedged behind the head in your photo. I think the most important things are the condensers. If they're complete, and in good shape, it's a good deal.

 

[Donald Qualls]

This is why I feel $45 fot that enlarger is not a good deal. From CL "Omega D2v xl enlarger. Mint condition. 35, 2 1/5 and 4 x 5 negative holders. 2 Schneider lenses and an 8 x 10 sage light." $125.

And how much for shipping?

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

First of all a 23C won't print a 4X5 (Please read the OP) and if a D2 is a dog then the Beseler 45 would be a horse's ass.

Over the last 30 years I've used them all, and the D2 was pretty much the worst. Sorry.

 

[Old_Dick]

And how much for shipping?

Purchase it locally. Deals like that can happen anywhere. NH, MN and MA to name a few. You just have to be patient.

 

[Donald Qualls]

That's what the OP is doing -- he's got $45 locally, just has to verify the condensers are present and undamaged.

 

[Rowreidr]

Totally hijacking this thread, but am basically asking the same question as OP. This came up locally:

For $350.00 : You will have Omega Enlarger D-2, with Variable Condenser Provides even Light distribution
for 2" to 6 3/8" Focus Enlarg9ng Lenses without changing Condenser.
Also you will have : 2- 4 X 5 Film holder, 1- 2 1/8" x 2 5/8", 1- 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" 1- 35mm, and 1- Lab Exposure Timer.
Omega D-2 Enlarger is in Very! Very ! good condition.

Is this everything I need? I see the above prices, so it $350 out of line?

Thanks

 

[Donald Qualls]

Totally hijacking this thread, but am basically asking the same question as OP. This came up locally:

For $350.00 : You will have Omega Enlarger D-2, with Variable Condenser Provides even Light distribution
for 2" to 6 3/8" Focus Enlarg9ng Lenses without changing Condenser.
Also you will have : 2- 4 X 5 Film holder, 1- 2 1/8" x 2 5/8", 1- 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" 1- 35mm, and 1- Lab Exposure Timer.
Omega D-2 Enlarger is in Very! Very ! good condition.

Is this everything I need? I see the above prices, so it $350 out of line?

Thanks

I'm sure you'll need lenses -- 50mm for 35mm film, 75-80mm for 6x4.5 and 6x6, 105 mm for 6x9 (can also be used for 6x7), and 135-150mm for 4x5 -- though obviously, if you don't shoot 4x5 (yet) you won't need a 150mm lens (yet). You'll need lens boards/cones for the lenses you choose. If the timer works and the condenser glass is good, this price isn't terrible (especially with local pickup, so you don't pay shipping), but it's certainly not "everything you need." If you shoot more than one format, you can expect to spend $100 or more on lenses, plus more for mounting hardware.

 

[Rowreidr]

I'm sure you'll need lenses -- 50mm for 35mm film, 75-80mm for 6x4.5 and 6x6, 105 mm for 6x9 (can also be used for 6x7), and 135-150mm for 4x5 -- though obviously, if you don't shoot 4x5 (yet) you won't need a 150mm lens (yet). You'll need lens boards/cones for the lenses you choose. If the timer works and the condenser glass is good, this price isn't terrible (especially with local pickup, so you don't pay shipping), but it's certainly not "everything you need." If you shoot more than one format, you can expect to spend $100 or more on lenses, plus more for mounting hardware.

Thanks! Going to see if they have.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Thanks! Going to see if they have.

If that $350 includes at least two lenses with appropriate mounts (cone for 150, flat boards will work for 50 and 80), and the condenser glass is good, and all the mechanical motion is smooth, it's probably a reasonable price. Not a steal, but not a blatant rip-off.

 

[btaylor]

Totally hijacking this thread, but am basically asking the same question as OP. This came up locally:

For $350.00 : You will have Omega Enlarger D-2, with Variable Condenser Provides even Light distribution
for 2" to 6 3/8" Focus Enlarg9ng Lenses without changing Condenser.
Also you will have : 2- 4 X 5 Film holder, 1- 2 1/8" x 2 5/8", 1- 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" 1- 35mm, and 1- Lab Exposure Timer.
Omega D-2 Enlarger is in Very! Very ! good condition.

Is this everything I need? I see the above prices, so it $350 out of line?

Thanks

Doesn't look like it includes any lenses or lens boards- I would think that's a little steep if you weren't able to start printing right away with it. But it is kinda nutty out there with enlarger prices. If you need an enlarger and don't want to spend a lot you are pretty much limited to what's available locally. From what I have seen prices are rising and the haul it away free or dichro color 4x5 enlarger complete for $75 are largely over. I paid $900 for my used Beseler 23 Dichro enlarger in 1982, a 4x5 model would have been $2000 at least- in '82 dollars! I just don't think $600-800 for a late model color 4x5 is that bad.

 

[David Reynolds]

For all those who are interested in purchasing Omega enlargers there is a D5XL (Color Head) in Cedar City Utah @ $375. and a D2V (B&W) in Tulsa Oklahoma @399.73. Of course on Ebay. Both are local pickup . Why not jump in the car and purchase both and see the country at the same time. With the equipment offered in these sales as some of the aux.parts can be used on both units you would be all set to print anything up to 4X5.