So I purchased the D5 XL

[Dan95]

Also noticed that all 3 mixing chambers are slightly yellow-ish. Doubt It'll pose a problem as I only intend on printing B&Ws. But what the heck, Im replacing the lining. They can be purchased on ebay at around 20USD+.

They are oddly familiar to those .50$ styrofoam slabs sold at fish shops..

[Dan95]

And Im getting a baseboard built exactly like this one ! http://www.flickr.com/photos/babylinux/5148191535/

Raised a little, since the screws are protruding..

[Dan95]

Another problem! This thing ( as pictured ) cant lock the middle column. Am thinking of returning the enlarger. Too many problems

This I took off the enlarger :

The screw's too short.

[Brian Ellis]

I have to respectfully disagree. I see no reason to bring the level of communication down to the lowest common denominator. If someone doesn't understand a term they can always ask. I really don't think I should have to talk about my "4 inch x 5 inch" camera because someone might not know what a "4x5" camera is or "the zone system, which is a system used to determine the most appropriate film exposure and development times for a given subject" because someone might not understand the term "zone system."

David`s comment is valid in that we have a large diverse group on this forum with differing levels of knowledge, as well as the issue of an individual`s exposure to different equipment.

Greg has serviced this equipment for customers, ic has maintained his own, Fred has run a daarkroom with multiple units, and I have owned an Omega D5 XL for a number of years. Others do not share that experience.

There is also the issue that not all equipment is distributed to all countries (Omega is a USA manufacturer), nor might it be called the same in all markets for very valid reasons. There is the old story recounted in all basic international marketing courses, where General Motors tried to sell a popular car nameplate within the USA and Canada, in Spanish speaking countries with a nameplate that translated in Spanish to NO GO (NO VA)...

So yes a title of I Purchased the Omega D5 XL Enlarger would have been better.

[ic-racer]

Another problem! This thing ( as pictured ) cant lock the middle column. Am thinking of returning the enlarger. Too many problems

This I took off the enlarger :

The screw's too short.

That is a special knob/screw with a nylon, teflon or similar bumper on the end so it does not bugger up the column. A few years ago KHB in Canada had replacements. I suspect www.omegabrandess.com would have it as the D5XL is a currently still in production as far as I know.

There is one on ebay USA now, but, like yours, it looks like the teflon end is damaged: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Super-...#ht_640wt_1136

[ic-racer]

That is too bad about all the problems. I have repaired Omega enlargers that were worse than that (though they were free ) and I am sure Greg Blank has also. So far all the problems I see can be resolved with some $ or elbow-work to get the enlarger as good as new.

The links below may provide some encouragement to continue fixing up your D5:

Durst L1840 Repair and Resotration:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...wanted-to-know
Durst CLS2000 Repair:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...000-Color-Head
Componon Enlarging lens Disassembly and Repair:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...larging-Lenses
Repair of DESKMES Durst L1840 Remote Control:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...remote-control

Omega D5500 Rubber Filter Wheel Repair
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/9...er-repair.html
Omega D5500 Column Deteriorated Rubber Wheel Repair:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...0-repair-parts
Omega D5500 Keypad Upgrade:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/6...grade-how.html
Omega D5500 Power Supply; Complete Rebuild From Scratch:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/5...d-scratch.html
Omega D5500 How to Set Mixing Box Color Probe Offset:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/6...be-offset.html
Chromega II D Head Cleaning and Repair:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/6...a-ii-120v.html
Omega D5500 Lamp Socket Replacement:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/1...placement.html

[Dan95]

Oh the end thing that looks like silicone? Its there on my other knob. Though that one's sorta permanently stucked.

Another problem is the enlarger, when lowered, will move back upwards. Its not like this on my meopta. Sigh... I think a call to the seller is inevitable.

[Dan95]

That is too bad about all the problems. I have repaired Omega enlargers that were worse than that (though they were free ) and I am sure Greg Blank has also. So far all the problems I see can be resolved with some $ or elbow-work to get the enlarger as good as new.

The links below may provide some encouragement to continue fixing up your D5:

Durst L1840 Repair and Resotration:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...wanted-to-know
Durst CLS2000 Repair:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...000-Color-Head
Componon Enlarging lens Disassembly and Repair:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...larging-Lenses
Repair of DESKMES Durst L1840 Remote Control:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...remote-control

Omega D5500 Rubber Filter Wheel Repair
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/9...er-repair.html
Omega D5500 Column Deteriorated Rubber Wheel Repair:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...0-repair-parts
Omega D5500 Keypad Upgrade:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/6...grade-how.html
Omega D5500 Power Supply; Complete Rebuild From Scratch:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/5...d-scratch.html
Omega D5500 How to Set Mixing Box Color Probe Offset:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/6...be-offset.html
Chromega II D Head Cleaning and Repair:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/6...a-ii-120v.html
Omega D5500 Lamp Socket Replacement:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/1...placement.html

Any on column repairing? Mine doesnt wanna stay put!

[Erik Larsen]

Maybe this is obvious, but to make the head stay in place you need to just tighten the knob you have pictured a bit to overcome the spring pressure that is wanting to pull it up. If you do not tighten the knob it will want to rise up no matter what. Maybe I don't understand the problem you are having, but it seems you have all the parts needed to make it work correctly?
Regards
Erik

[Fred L]

This part doesn't seem particularly challenging to replace or McGuyver. In basic terms, you just need a clamp so that shouldn't be too hard to improvise. ymmv and good luck.

btw, I'd probably keep it and work on it vs sending it back.