Super Chromega C Dichroic (Omega C67?) -how to unlock, raise and lower color head?

Stolen_Buick · Thursday at 10:37 PM

On the Super Chromega C Dichroic, I can't move the color head up and down the chassis. I can move it up, but there is clearly a locking mechanism to hold in place and for the life of me I can't find it. Does anyone have one of these and can you post a photo of where the lock, unlock mechanism is? I've heard it is on the left side (the hand crank is on the right side) but I've searched high and low and must be missing it. I thought maybe a button came off but don't see where it would have been. Any help with a photo to show the location and release level/button/pin would be much appreciated!

MattKing · Thursday at 11:07 PM

Welcome to Photrio.
The label "Super Chromega C Dichroic" actually refers only to an enlarger light light source - illustrated here on KHB's invaluable enlarger reference website: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Chromega/ChrCDich.htm
Which chassis do you have it mounted on? That is where the lock would be found.
This KHB link may help with my question: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers.htm

Kino · Friday at 9:05 AM

Sounds like you are having trouble moving the actual enlarger column up and down, or is it that you cannot raise the Dichroic head to insert a negative carrier?

Depending on the actual enlarger column; Look on the very back of the column and there is a locking screw that tightens to pinch the column and keep the chassis at the elevation selected. However, if you can raise it and it will not lower, your counter balance spring(s) that hook onto the chassis might have some issues.

The counter balance springs are located directly on top of the enlarger column and is (are) steel spring bands that help offset the weight of the head. Depending on the column, there can be one or multiple springs.

DO NOT JUST PRY THEM OFF OR YOU WILL BE INJURED! You must raise the head to maximum height and then take great care unhooking them and testing to see if they bind. They are quite powerful; wear gloves, eye protection and don't even attempt it if you are not "mechanically inclined".

How about showing us a few snapshots of the enlarger?

MattKing · Friday at 1:36 PM

Kino said:
Look on the very back of the column

A really good suggestion - and it might tell you which model of enlarger you actually have.

Stolen_Buick · Friday at 8:58 PM

Thanks folks! Here are some photos. the serial number is on the back. I did a little research and it says the "Super Chromega C Dichroic" came on what was originally called simply the C chassis and then later called the C67. When I did a search, this totally looks like the C67, but maybe you all may know better than me, There is a wire cable in front, and when you raise the crank to lift the color head, it will go higher than in the photo, but the the cable, bunches up. It won't go any lower at all. The cable is taut, like it is locked. But starting to think the thing is jammed up and not a lock issue since I see nothing to hold the head in place. Does anyone know what the problem might be?

Stolen_Buick · Friday at 9:06 PM

PS - And here is a close up of the cable. When I raise the crank, it gives my slack like the photo with my finger holding the cable, but won't lock higher, and when I lower it it is stuck in the position you see in the photos. It will not go lower. Any ideas?

Stolen_Buick · Friday at 9:07 PM

MattKing said:
Welcome to Photrio.
The label "Super Chromega C Dichroic" actually refers only to an enlarger light light source - illustrated here on KHB's invaluable enlarger reference website: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Chromega/ChrCDich.htm
Which chassis do you have it mounted on? That is where the lock would be found.
This KHB link may help with my question: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers.htm

Thank you MattKing! See my 2 additional posts and photos below. Any ideas? Anything else you want to see that might help?

Stolen_Buick · Friday at 9:11 PM

Kino said:
Sounds like you are having trouble moving the actual enlarger column up and down, or is it that you cannot raise the Dichroic head to insert a negative carrier?

Depending on the actual enlarger column; Look on the very back of the column and there is a locking screw that tightens to pinch the column and keep the chassis at the elevation selected. However, if you can raise it and it will not lower, your counter balance spring(s) that hook onto the chassis might have some issues.

The counter balance springs are located directly on top of the enlarger column and is (are) steel spring bands that help offset the weight of the head. Depending on the column, there can be one or multiple springs.

DO NOT JUST PRY THEM OFF OR YOU WILL BE INJURED! You must raise the head to maximum height and then take great care unhooking them and testing to see if they bind. They are quite powerful; wear gloves, eye protection and don't even attempt it if you are not "mechanically inclined".

How about showing us a few snapshots of the enlarger?

Thank you Kino! The problem is with raising the entire enlarger up and down the chassis. NOT with the negative carrier. See my 2 additional posts and photos below. Any ideas? Anything else you want to see that might help? No locking screws and no visible springs and no panels on the actual column to unscrew.

MattKing · Friday at 10:28 PM

That cable doesn't look right to me. I would have expected a steel ribbon instead. But I haven't worked with a C67, which is what I believe you have. It probably came equipped with that head - thus the model information on the label.
I'm wondering if the cable reflects a DIY repair.
There may be someone here who has more familiarity with that model. If no one like that chimes in, I would reach out with those pictures to Kevin Brown at KHB, who in my experience is very helpful.
I'll update your thread title to add "Omega C67?"

mshchem · Friday at 10:38 PM

Ollinger's Guide to Photographic Enlargers: How to Align an Enlarger (1996)

How to Align An Enlarger circa 1996.

www.jollinger.com

Kino · Friday at 10:41 PM

Well, I think the cable IS part of a recoil mechanism and the counter balance reel is behind the color head.

If you remove the color head, you can possibly gain access to it and might find the cable wrapped around something or frayed and jammed in the recoil reel.

Have you tried looking UP from the base board into the bottom of the carriage?

Just speculation...

mshchem · Friday at 10:52 PM

I agree with Matt, I suspect that the balance spring that I think (maybe) should be a flat metal tape has been replaced with a wire??? Not sure.

Should be some kind of locking mechanism. Might try a light spritz of WD-40

Kino · Friday at 10:58 PM

I would vote against the metal tape,as it would obscure the height markings on the column. Al least, all the Omega springs I have seen are wide enough to cover the numbers and make the scale useless. Note the narrow notch in the carriage; never saw a metal recoil spring that slim on an enlarger.

According to the KHB site it was more of a budget enlarger as it "Essentially, it provided the same features and professional quality as the D5 enlargers but in a medium format enlarger at a lower price."

Anyway, we remain on pins and needles for your report!

Super Chromega C Dichroic (Omega C67?) -how to unlock, raise and lower color head?

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Ollinger's Guide to Photographic Enlargers: How to Align an Enlarger (1996)

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