4x5 enlarger

[jtomasella]

I've been eyeing this up, but it seems no one will bid on it. It has been relisted three times. No carrier but they are relatively cheap. The lens looks like the size needed for 4x5. The 1 reason for not pulling the trigger is I've read about it being inconsistent.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Omega-DII-D2-4-x5-Photo-Darkroom-Development-Enlarger-Nice-Condition/193285281152?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Da6656230032240c5bd583216a057cfcd%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D274180718719%26itm%3D193285281152%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Ad9687fac-2f43-11ea-a3da-74dbd1804818%7Cparentrq%3A72bbbf1d16f0ac3df2c504ddff961dfe%7Ciid%3A1

[Bob Salomon]

What is inconsistent?

[Eric Woodbury]

This is only an opinion, but if I were in your shoes, I would NOT purchase this. You should be able to find an enlarger for next to nothing. A year ago I bought 2 enlargers, a CB-7 Beseler and an Omega with color head. Both in nice shape, but no lenses. $100 on Craigslist. Plus the guy drove 125 miles to deliver them to me. That's unusual, but not unheard of. The guy I bought them from had saved them from the dump at a college auction of photo gear.

Watch Craigslist, no ebay. Ebay folks are trying to make money. CL are folks trying to move stuff to a new home. Call the local schools and photo clubs. You'll find something much closer and to your liking.

This is only my 2-bit opinion.

--ejw--

[david@bigeleisenlaw.com]

Omega enlargers work fine if they are in good condition. They are fairly easy to find. Follow Craigslist and you will probably find one near you that you can inspect.

David

[jtomasella]

What is inconsistent?
Something about the light needing to be pre warmed.

[jtomasella]

Been watching craigslist too. There is a ton in New York. Been checking my whole state and also Delaware. I'm sure one will come up. The main problem with ebay is the shipping.

[Bob Salomon]

Something about the light needing to be pre warmed.

Why? It is basically a household lamp without a logo on the top. There is no pre-warming or after glow with a tungsten light bulb.

[Tin Can]

Don't buy enlargers on eBay

CL will be way better, look for a complete darkroom, which may come with many necessities

Use Search all Craigslist https://www.searchcraigslist.org/

I prefer Beseler

Be ready to jump on any good deal, don't delay a minute

I gave away 5 Omegas some time ago and 1 Beseler MX, I wish I had not...

[BrianShaw]

Why? It is basically a household lamp without a logo on the top. There is no pre-warming or after glow with a tungsten light bulb.

I thought that (pre-warming) was only true for the cold light heads.

[Pieter]

Some swear by the D2--I have a D5 that works great for me, and parts (carriers, lens boards) are still pretty easily available. But I would advise you to shop locally, either through Craigslist or ebay so you can pick it up. The shipping will kill you otherwise.

[jtomasella]

Don't buy enlargers on eBay

CL will be way better, look for a complete darkroom, which may come with many necessities

Use Search all Craigslist https://www.searchcraigslist.org/

I prefer Beseler

Be ready to jump on any good deal, don't delay a minute

I gave away 5 Omegas some time ago and 1 Beseler MX, I wish I had not...
Haha there was actually one to pop up for $500 last week 2 enlargers 8' sink trays etc. was gone as fast as it popped up.

[LabRat]

Don't buy enlargers on eBay

CL will be way better, look for a complete darkroom, which may come with many necessities

Use Search all Craigslist https://www.searchcraigslist.org/

I prefer Beseler

Be ready to jump on any good deal, don't delay a minute

I gave away 5 Omegas some time ago and 1 Beseler MX, I wish I had not...

And don't ask anyone to ship an enlarger, most sellers won't pack it right anyway...

Beseler 45's column are complicated to assemble correctly if taken apart, and if people don't pack stuff like condensers etc correctly they will be damaged...

Also, post an ad on C/L that you are looking... There are many in people's basements etc that have been there for a long time they would love to get rid of...

Good luck!!!

Steve K

[Leszek Vogt]

No idea where you are (NJ ain't that big), but saw a nice Beseler 4x5 in Philly....tho not my price :>).

Les

[neil poulsen]

In your search, if you were to get a D2, you would want a D2V. With a D2V, one can adjust the condensers for different formats. (i.e. 4x5, 6x9, 6x7, 6x6, 35mm). With the D2 on the EBay listing, you need a different set of condensers for each film size.

What you've heard regarding inconsistency pertains to cold light heads. (The listing was for a condenser head, which don't need a warmup time.) I began with a D2V condenser enlarger and used it for quite a long time and obtained nice results. But once I began using "cold-light", I never went back. The D2V condenser head itself sits on a shelf, and I've adapted it to my current enlarger. But, I've not ever used it.

At one point, I used an Aristo cold-light tube head, and it was indeed inconsistent. Ansel Adams had some warm up recommendations in his books for this, but they weren't effective. Frankly, it's not worth the effort.

I currently use an enlarger with a color diffusion head, and I like that a lot. It gives the same effect as a cold-light tube head, but without the inconsistencies. It works well for multi-contrast papers. (For greater than normal contrast, add magenta. For less than normal contrast, add yellow.) If you run across a decent enlarger with a color head THAT WORKS, consider it.

You can always begin with a condenser head, read about the different technologies, and then consider something more advanced.

For all aspects of black and white film, consider getting the three Ansel Adams books, The Camera, The Negative, and The Print. Get those published in the early 80's. (Preferably hardbound.) They are masterful. For example, he discusses the differences between condenser and "cold-light" enlarging. And, he discusses all other aspects of B&W, developing, exposing the negative, printing the negative, filtration, hardware lenses, meters, etc., etc., etc.

[jtomasella]

In your search, if you were to get a D2, you would want a D2V. With a D2V, one can adjust the condensers for different formats. (i.e. 4x5, 6x9, 6x7, 6x6, 35mm). With the D2 on the EBay listing, you need a different set of condensers for each film size.

What you've heard regarding inconsistency pertains to cold light heads. (The listing was for a condenser head, which don't need a warmup time.) I began with a D2V condenser enlarger and used it for quite a long time and obtained nice results. But once I began using "cold-light", I never went back. The D2V condenser head itself sits on a shelf, and I've adapted it to my current enlarger. But, I've not ever used it.

At one point, I used an Aristo cold-light tube head, and it was indeed inconsistent. Ansel Adams had some warm up recommendations in his books for this, but they weren't effective. Frankly, it's not worth the effort.

I currently use an enlarger with a color diffusion head, and I like that a lot. It gives the same effect as a cold-light tube head, but without the inconsistencies. It works well for multi-contrast papers. (For greater than normal contrast, add magenta. For less than normal contrast, add yellow.) If you run across a decent enlarger with a color head THAT WORKS, consider it.

You can always begin with a condenser head, read about the different technologies, and then consider something more advanced.

For all aspects of black and white film, consider getting the three Ansel Adams books, The Camera, The Negative, and The Print. Get those published in the early 80's. (Preferably hardbound.) They are masterful. For example, he discusses the differences between condenser and "cold-light" enlarging. And, he discusses all other aspects of B&W, developing, exposing the negative, printing the negative, filtration, hardware lenses, meters, etc., etc., etc.
I've read the first two Ansel books. I'm definitely going to buy the 3rd one soon. Thanks everyone for some clarity, the google rabbit whole is deep for enlargers.

[ic-racer]

the google rabbit whole is deep for enlargers.

Google is only good if you already know the answer. The second dark ages is already here. I'd recommend a book on photography. There were many published and not all burned yet.

[jtomasella]

199129

Going to pick this up on Saturday for $150. Just need to get a negative carrier and lens. For the lens should I be getting a 135mm or 150mm? for 4x5. Thank you for the suggestion of WTB on Craigslist. And I have no idea why the forum keeps spinning my photos.

[Luis-F-S]

I have both never use the 150 always the 135

[Tin Can]

Be careful moving it. I would take the head off, wrap it in a clean lint free towel and but it on the back seat floor.

Also make sure the electric motor height adjustment works, they usually do, and last long, but parts are expensive.
Your fotos must be cell phone direct, flip them upright in an editor

Get the best lens found first in either FL

Once home check all fittings and stage to base alignment

OE was a stick tried in 4 corners.. Find a manual online


199129

Going to pick this up on Saturday for $150. Just need to get a negative carrier and lens. For the lens should I be getting a 135mm or 150mm? for 4x5. Thank you for the suggestion of WTB on Craigslist. And I have no idea why the forum keeps spinning my photos.

[Tin Can]

That enlarger can use a 150mm well, as it can project on wall, or on a special table lower level.

Read this https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3991-REG/Beseler_8227_45MXT_Enlarger_Chassis_Only.html

[Eric Woodbury]

Focal length depends on your enlargement size. I make small enlargements, so I typically use the longer lengths. Really like the 180mm for 8x10s from 4x5. 150mm is fine too.

[John Kasaian]

My friend fished his complete D2 out of the Art Dept.'s dumpster at college.
I had to buy my D-II for $20 without a lens.
Some guys have all the luck LOL!

[Eric Woodbury]

John, basically where both my Beseler CB-7s came from. One from UCLA that was fished by an electrician clearing out the geology lab and the other from Cal State Fresno by someone bidding on Rolleiflexs who didn't want the enlargers to go to dump. I was offered a room full of Beseler 23s by a teacher getting a new room for cooking class that had been the photo class / darkroom. I have the feeling now that most of this type of activity is past. Schools either are keeping what they have or have already moved on to digi. Tragic.

[jtomasella]

199238199239
Testing to see which is right side up. Well here is the dry area, I picked up the Beseler 45mxt today. He said it had a lens board but it actually has a turret which is a bonus. Everything works. I printed out a manual so I have some reading to do. I chose to leave the table open incase I ever do a really large print, it has the option so why not. I have my eye on a glass carrier and lens, just waiting on the auction to get to the end. Hopefully I will be making some prints soon. It will be nice to see the pictures on the wall.

[Drew Wiley]

Another problem with shipping is that sometimes things like old wiring which have been reliable without incident for decades suddenly break during the trauma of shipping. This shouldn't be a problem with a chassis; but old power supplies and colorheads are certainly susceptible to this kind of damage.

[jtomasella]

Another problem with shipping is that sometimes things like old wiring which have been reliable without incident for decades suddenly break during the trauma of shipping. This shouldn't be a problem with a chassis; but old power supplies and colorheads are certainly susceptible to this kind of damage.

Everything seem pretty solid. I wiped lubricant on the gear track with my finger so it wasn't super wet. adjusted the carriage front to back and side to side. It was off both ways. I think the gears were off by 1 tooth also (did those first). Everything is now smooth and square. Ordered print paper this morning and hooked up the drain on the sink. Just have to bid on a carrier and lens and I'll be in business.

[Andrew Tymon]

I had to adjust mine when I brought it home, it to had come off its tracks. For a 4x5 carrier you might look for a negaflat they have this mechanism that pulls the film tight so the negative won't pop. I wasn't aware of them until I needed a 4x5 carrier. They usually go for between $50-100 depending on condition.

[Tin Can]

Agree a nice condition NegaFlat is a good thing to have

I found NOS fairly easily

[jtomasella]

I had to adjust mine when I brought it home, it to had come off its tracks. For a 4x5 carrier you might look for a negaflat they have this mechanism that pulls the film tight so the negative won't pop. I wasn't aware of them until I needed a 4x5 carrier. They usually go for between $50-100 depending on condition.


Agree a nice condition NegaFlat is a good thing to have

I found NOS fairly easily
Is this the same a glass carrier?

[Bob Salomon]

Is this the same a glass carrier?

No!

[Tin Can]

No and no

Many here despise glassless neg carriers

I don't

a Negaflat is glassless and tightens the film flat

Both cost about the same used, some have both


No!

[jtomasella]

No and no

Many here despise glassless neg carriers

I don't

a Negaflat is glassless and tightens the film flat

Both cost about the same used, some have both

Well someone sniped me at 2 seconds on ebay for the glass carrier so I found a negaflat for $70 buy now and also bought a 135mm and 150mm bundle for $54. The 135 supposedly has separation. 150 is okay

[Tin Can]

Good price if in good condition

Get on board with automatic sniping

I use Gixen and pay extra for the second server

Set it and forget it

I can then sleep through the drama

[Greg]

Simmon Omega Type D-2 enlargers are workhorses. Problem is that if they are not treated with care when moving them, they can be bent out of alignment. A friend called me in that he had found two of them at a tag/garage sale for very, very little money. Cosmetically he told me that they were in almost like new condition. I told him to buy them for me. When I picked them up, they were in fact cosmetically in almost "like new condition", but they were partially disassembled. When I put them back together, I discovered that they were hopelessly out of alignment. Best I could tell was that they must have been thrown around or dropped when they had been moved or transported. Ended up with a pile of D-2 parts that I eventually threw away.

[Tin Can]

You may need this list

Beseler 45/CB7 Negative Carriers (Updated 14 Jan 2014) http://www.oresteen.com/bes%2045%20carriers.htm

Some are hard to find

You should get Beseler glass carriers with and without AN just to enjoy for a while

Some have extreme dust problems which varies by location, climate, darkroom

Some are good at spotting

Some scan and spot

some don't


Well someone sniped me at 2 seconds on ebay for the glass carrier so I found a negaflat for $70 buy now and also bought a 135mm and 150mm bundle for $54. The 135 supposedly has separation. 150 is okay

[Corran]

Don't buy enlargers on eBay

CL will be way better, look for a complete darkroom, which may come with many necessities

Use Search all Craigslist https://www.searchcraigslist.org/

I prefer Beseler

Be ready to jump on any good deal, don't delay a minute

I gave away 5 Omegas some time ago and 1 Beseler MX, I wish I had not...

+1
Though I did buy my first enlarger from a member here, well a complete darkroom setup actually. Never met him - my dad picked it up from him and I got it later. I still have and use it, but have since found/purchased others for cheaper. I have found all the Beseler accessories I could ask for on eBay and here in the classifieds.

I suppose the first will always be the most expensive :).

[Tin Can]

Not necessarily

My first CL CB7 was $25 out of a horrible basement, I actually feared for my life, from the 2 wacko brothers, one eyeing me as meat, the other saying, leave now!

Later I bought a $200 CB7 from a member here, who graciously held it 2 months for better weather. I had a 600 mile winter round trip.

Both work, but the more expensive one is really nice, with a better color head than the first.

Another member here sold me a NOS Condenser head for it. CB7 heads are bigger than MX heads despite both being 4X5, more corner light.

Some parts interchange, especially lens boards and film carriers.




+1
Though I did buy my first enlarger from a member here, well a complete darkroom setup actually. Never met him - my dad picked it up from him and I got it later. I still have and use it, but have since found/purchased others for cheaper. I have found all the Beseler accessories I could ask for on eBay and here in the classifieds.

I suppose the first will always be the most expensive :).

[Corran]

I was just struggling last night with a bit of corner vignetting on my 45XL...

[jtomasella]

You may need this list

Beseler 45/CB7 Negative Carriers (Updated 14 Jan 2014) http://www.oresteen.com/bes%2045%20carriers.htm

Some are hard to find

You should get Beseler glass carriers with and without AN just to enjoy for a while

Some have extreme dust problems which varies by location, climate, darkroom

Some are good at spotting

Some scan and spot

some don't

Thanks for the link. I bought the Negaflat last night so I'll use that for now.

[jtomasella]

ah the frustration. So now I have two lenses a lens board and a lens turret that are all useless until I source other parts. Turret 39mm holes, lens board about 50.5mm not threaded, useless because the piece to mount the board to the enlarger is missing, I'm guessing it was removed to install the turret. 150mm lens 42mm, 135mm lens 50mm that I can mount to the board.

[Bob Salomon]

ah the frustration. So now I have two lenses a lens board and a lens turret that are all useless until I source other parts. Turret 39mm holes, lens board about 50.5mm not threaded, useless because the piece to mount the board to the enlarger is missing, I'm guessing it was removed to install the turret. 150mm lens 42mm, 135mm lens 50mm that I can mount to the board.

Why don’t you ask Beseler themselves?

[Tin Can]

Not a fan of the turret

My Beseler V-XL has an 8X10 conversion and uses a custom lens board to mount an EL-Nikkor 240mm f5.6 which is massive. I bought the system used and drove 1200 miles round trip for it.

Now you need a parts enlarger, the single lens 'board' on CB7, MX4X5 and all 23 medium format Beseler enlargers are the same.

No rules, make it work. I use hole saws often...


ah the frustration. So now I have two lenses a lens board and a lens turret that are all useless until I source other parts. Turret 39mm holes, lens board about 50.5mm not threaded, useless because the piece to mount the board to the enlarger is missing, I'm guessing it was removed to install the turret. 150mm lens 42mm, 135mm lens 50mm that I can mount to the board.

[Tin Can]

Forgot to add the V-XL also used the same lens board, but mine was milled from alu to make it fit the giant lens.

Yes, you may be able to buy parts, usually a parts enlarger is far cheaper.

No mod done to the actual mounting area

[jtomasella]

Why don’t you ask Beseler themselves?

I actually sent them an email tonight.

[Tin Can]

http://store.khbphotografix.com/Beseler-Enlarger-Parts/

[jtomasella]

Not a fan of the turret

My Beseler V-XL has an 8X10 conversion and uses a custom lens board to mount an EL-Nikkor 240mm f5.6 which is massive. I bought the system used and drove 1200 miles round trip for it.

Now you need a parts enlarger, the single lens 'board' on CB7, MX4X5 and all 23 medium format Beseler enlargers are the same.

No rules, make it work. I use hole saws often...
Never used a turret, but I'm not opposed to using individual lens boards. Only problem is there is nothing to attach them to. Once the turret is removed the hole looks like the shape of the negative holder.

[Tin Can]

There must be holes for bolting the refit in.

I suggest you appeal for parts on the WTB thread.

I don't have any and looking at eBay right now I regret giving away some of my Beseler

Also ask for a parts list with diagrams for your exact MX

Here's a look up inside the CB7 and i bet some of those parts are the same

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49401242271_0e0305659c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2igqhdp)CB7 Lens Board area (https://flic.kr/p/2igqhdp) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr


Never used a turret, but I'm not opposed to using individual lens boards. Only problem is there is nothing to attach them to. Once the turret is removed the hole looks like the shape of the negative holder.

[Andrew Tymon]

You probably need to get one of these.http://store.khbphotografix.com/50mm-x-21mm-Enlarger-Lens-Adapter-for-the-Beseler-3-Lens-Turret.html Maybe beseler sells them.

[Louis Pacilla]

You probably need to get one of these.http://store.khbphotografix.com/50mm-x-21mm-Enlarger-Lens-Adapter-for-the-Beseler-3-Lens-Turret.html Maybe beseler sells them.

You are absolutely correct. I have several late model Beseler MXII models two with turrets and those two both have the 39mm-50mm spacer. What this does other then convert the 39mm -50mm is give the space so the very rear element of the 135-150mm lens is FLUSH with the rotating turret like the other 39mm smaller format lenses do. Now you can turn the turret freely to any of the 3 focal lengths. I have two w/ turrets w/ one set with 50-80-135 & the other with 60-100-150 & both the 135mm & the 150mm use this spacer.

[jtomasella]

You probably need to get one of these.http://store.khbphotografix.com/50mm-x-21mm-Enlarger-Lens-Adapter-for-the-Beseler-3-Lens-Turret.html Maybe beseler sells them.


You are absolutely correct. I have several late model Beseler MXII models two with turrets and those two both have the 39mm-50mm spacer. What this does other then convert the 39mm -50mm is give the space so the very rear element of the 135-150mm lens is FLUSH with the rotating turret like the other 39mm smaller format lenses do. Now you can turn the turret freely to any of the 3 focal lengths. I have two w/ turrets w/ one set with 50-80-135 & the other with 60-100-150 & both the 135mm & the 150mm use this spacer.

I actually need that one fro my 135mm lens and the #8372 39mm to 42mm for my 150mm lens. Just have to find them. I have an email in to Beseler but I think they are closed for the weekend.