Omega D5 focusing cams?

[Dave Dawson]

Hi All, I have recently managed to get an Omega D5 enlarger that has 3 focusing cams/runners (don't know if that is the correct term) installed which the focusing roller fits on.

There doesn't appear to be any markings or engraving on the cams to identify what focal length they are 'cut' for.....Is there a way of telling and where can I get different/additional ones from?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers Dave

[Martin Dake]

D5 and focus cams does not sound right.
I don't believe there was a D5 with auto focus.
Are you sure it is not a D3?

Either way, best places for Omega enlargers parts and such are..

http://www.khbphotografix.com/
Be sure to look in their links page as they have a great guide to Omgaa enlargers

And
http://www.classic-enlargers.com/

[Dave Dawson]

Hi Martin, I think you are correct.....It looks like a D3.....The only reason I assumed it was a D5 was that that is what it says on the baseboard

Looks as though the cams are no longer available so it looks like I might need to get some thin aluminium and a file !!!!!!!

Is there a manual available in an electronic format for a D3 please?

Cheers Dave

[Martin Dake]

I am sure the cams can still be had used and I think Harry at Classsic Enlargers will make them but I am not sure if Harry is still doing any work.

Look here for the manual.
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-c...s/manuals.html

I am not familiar enough with the D3 to know how usable it is without the correct cams, if it can be used like a non auto focus then you still have a fine enlarger.

[old time photo]

I presume you are talking about auto focus.
I remember back in the seventies working on
that enlarger. It"s ok when you are constantly
changing focal lengths. In today's world I no of
one who would except for you now would even
mention it. In regards to your question I do not
think omega made much of this product. Do you
know if it is optional on any one of there enlargers.
Good luck to you.

[Dave Dawson]

Martin, Funnily enough Harry hasn't responded on his site (he may be away)

Thanks for your help.......The enlarger needs a bit of cleaning up before use but as I won it for 99p (I gave the guy £5 because that's the sort of guy I am ) So yes it seems good and I will check the cams against the supplied 105mm lens and my 80 and 75mm lens's.

Cheers Dave

[ic-racer]

D3 is a great enlarger if you have cams and cones. If you don't change focal lengths too often it is no problem. Rapid change of focal lengths is not possible because the three-lens turret is not compatible. The cones,however, slide in and out. So if you have your lenses pre-mounted on the cones, and the matching cam is already installed it is not too slow.

Are the six digit codes visible anywhere? Did you get any cones?

[Dave Dawson]

I haven't noticed any 6 digit codes anywhere but the supplied 105mm lens is mounted on a cone so I can only assume (probably wrongly) that one of the runners is cut for it. Until I put a negative in the enlarger I won't know if it focuses correctly.

One worrying thing is that the D series enlargers are pretty rare here in the UK, so accessories will be very rare.

More to follow........Thanks for the comments.

Cheers Dave

[Chauncey Walden]

Since it is a 4x5 enlarger (excuse me 5x4!) at least 2 of the cams are probably 135 and 150. I have an E3 and the cams on it (none of which are matched to my lenses) are close enough for 3 of the 4 lenses I use on it. For an extra long lens I just have to pull on the cam follower until I get it about where I want it and then slip a thin board behind the follower. Bottom line, no real problem.

[Dave Dawson]

Initially I would only want to use the 105 and 80mm Rodagon..........Are there any templates about whereby owners could 'cut-their-own' cams out of thin sheet ali?

Cheers Dave