Omega D3, Wollensak Raptar - Questions?

[tim atherton]

Having resigned myself to trying out 4x5 contact printing till I could afford an enlarger, I found a used enlarger in town today.

I would appreciate any comments on its usability.

It is an Omega D3 Auto, and came with 4x5 and 35mm neg carriers as well as the t wo condensers.

Apart from being pretty dusty and in need of a bit of grease, it seems in very g ood condition - the bulb still works! The box for the condensers seems to be dat ed 1960, which looks about right.

It came with two lenses - a 50mm schneider (I have a modern one anyway) and a 13 5 4.5 Wollensak Raptor. This seemed perfect once it was dusted off and cleaned - no scratches or hazing.

So, how will this lens be for enlarging? (it will be a while before I can afford a more modern lens - I've already spent too much setting up in 4x5 in the last couple of months!).

By the way, I got it for CDN$100 which seemed too good a price to miss?

Thanks.

Tim A

[Tony Brent]

The Wollensak will do fine. I have pulled many prints in the US Navy darkrooms. The standard equipment was a D-2 with the 135mm Wollensak.

My partner and I just had one of those outfits given to us the other day. Had to readjust the lift arms for the lamphouse and clean it up and patch a few holes in the bellows, but for free, we'll take it.