Simmons Bros Omega B Enlarger

[Bob Marvin]

Wollensak enlarging lenses, as opposed to their camera lenses don't have a great reputation. I vaguely recall reading long ago that their were serious errors in their design. However I used a 90 mm Enlarging Raptar for 6 X 9 negatives for a while and it seemed fine. You might as well try them.

If you ever decide to buy better six element lenses (Schneider Componons, Rodenstock Rodogons, El-Nikkors, etc) they're usually available used for pretty low prices. The lens discs for the Wollensak lenses have openings smaller than the 39 mm that's standard now, but you can easily enlarge them with a round rat-tail file if you don't want to look for 39 mm discs.

 

[belfastdispatcher]

Wollensak enlarging lenses, as opposed to their camera lenses don't have a great reputation. I vaguely recall reading long ago that their were serious errors in their design. However I used a 90 mm Enlarging Raptar for 6 X 9 negatives for a while and it seemed fine. You might as well try them.

If you ever decide to buy better six element lenses (Schneider Componons, Rodenstock Rodogons, El-Nikkors, etc) they're usually available used for pretty low prices. The lens discs for the Wollensak lenses have openings smaller than the 39 mm that's standard now, but you can easily enlarge them with a round rat-tail file if you don't want to look for 39 mm discs.

So would any more modern lens would work if I can get it to fit? I have a mate with I lathe and I'm sure he can sort something out for me.




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[Bob Marvin]

Yes, newer lenses would work fine. I use a 50mm f2.8 El-Nikkor, a 60mm f 5.6 Schneider WA Companon, an 80 mm f4 Rodenstock Rodogon, and a 105 mm f5.6 Rodenstock Rodogon with my B-8.

Omega lens discs with a 39mm opening are available; the B-8 uses the same disc as the D-2 and they're plentiful, at least in the US, but it's easy to enlarge the openings in the discs you already have. Still. you may be happy with the Wollensaks and they're worth trying.

 

[fotch]

The Wollensak enlarging lenses should be fine to get started with. If you start doing lots of large prints, then a better/newer enlarger lens may be of interest to you. Good Luck

 

[Paul Howell]

I have later model Wollensaks, 50 mm, 90mm 135mm the rapiar and a 160 (sp?) these are 4 element lens all are sharp at F 8, but just very slow and rather dim. I tend to newer lens like a 50mm 2.8 Minolta but at times I just like the looks of the Wollensaks.

 

[agnosticnikon]

I've been using an Omega B-8 enlarger for almost 30 years, and I can testify that they are very tough. Mine came with the Omegalite cold light head, and the cold light head doesn't need to be modified in any way to use different, formats and lenses. So I can't be of much help on the condenser issues, except to say that my Omega D-2 uses a variable condenser to use different formats and lenses. If you're not going to be doing any other formats than the ones stated, you should have all you need. If you do need other lens cones for other formats, make sure they fit a B-8, as the cones from the D series will not fit. And I agree, that if your lenses are older models you might want to upgrade to modern 6 element coated lenses. (although older Schneider Componon lenses are usually fine) Good luck!

 

[Michael Barce]

Omega Simmons Bros. Pat Pending Enlarger pre 1940's? #4953

This was my grandfathers enlarger. I used it for a number of years then moves (4) kept it packed away. I would like to see this old gem get a decent home. Where should I start? Will add pics if there is any interest.
Thanks in Advance
Michael

 

[Ronald Moravec]

I took my B8 to college when I was a senior and lived in an apartment. Set it up on a Sunday evening and took the lamp house top off and turned the timer to focus. Bulb blew instantly. Tried a second and it blew. I drover all over West and Lafayette , Indiana and believe me the bulb is not easily found in drug stores etc open on Sunday evening.

I later learned the bulbs are position sensitive unlike household bulbs. No trouble on Monday finding replacements in the numerous local camera stores. But that was 1965.

Prints are fine, but treat the condensers like a fine lens. They are soft glass and will scratch. And the scratches show in every print.

On a 4x5 set of condensers, you can not hold and reassemble without fingerprinting. You make a cradle of string and lower it into the collar. I can not remember what I do with smaller sets. Do not drop them or they will hit and chip the centers rendering them useless.

 

[Ronald Moravec]

Replace the Wallys. an enlarger lens sees every print .

 

[BobMarvin]

FWIW I'm still using the same PH111a bulb that came with my B-8 when I bought it about 10 years ago. I have several extras so, at age '71, I think I'm set for life. If anyone inherits my enlarger after me and decides to use it they too will probably be set for life.