Omega D2 and cold light

[Mark Christopherson]

I recently purchased an Omega D2 enlarger and will likely equip it with a cold l ight in the near future. I know these are simple devices, but any input re good /bad experiences with particular brands? Any common pitfalls to watch out for?

[pat krentz]

I have a D2 which I bought with condensers and after a year of saving bought Zone VI coldlight for it and have never looked at condensers again, I have had the coldlight for 5/6 years and have never had a problem with it or any of my Zone VI equipment. Pat

[Alec Jones]

I have that same setup and second everything Pat said. If you go the Zone VI route, look for a stabilizer for your light. There are lots of other choices, but this stuff just seems to last forever. It was made to because I've got a lifetime guarantee from Calumet if it breaks!

[Doug Paramore]

Mark: I use the D-2 with an Aristo cold light head and have for several years. I wouldn't want anything else. You have to turn the light on and let it warm up a few minutes before the light output reaches full intensity, but after that the heater built in keeps the output pretty stable. I don't have any problems without a stabalizer, but I don't have power fluctuations where I live. The stabalizer is supposed to keep things constant as the light heats up, but that is not a problem for me. I highly recommend the cold light. The prints are beautiful from it. Regards, Doug.

[neil poulsen]

Do you want to do variable contrast development? If so, you should consider the Calumet/Zone VI VC head that's sold specifically for the Omega line of enlargers. While it's expensive, it's a nice unit in that it internally adjusts for light instability for both elements, the green and the blue.

I had an Omega D2V, and it was difficult to use that setup with filters without removing the cold-light to insert a circular filter just above the diffuser. (Do others have suggestions?) If you go the Aristo route and want to do VC printing, consider getting the high intensity light with a special light element that they have for VC printing. (Call Aristo and speak with the tech.) Or, they have their own VC unit, but it isn't internally controlled.

[Scott Walton]

I have had my D2 for about 15 years and 10 of them have had the Aristo head... w ouldn't print with anything else!