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Thread: Omega D3

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2013
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    Central Minnesota
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    Omega D3

    So, this past weekend I rather impulsively purchased an Omega D3 "Automega" enlarger from Craigslist. It came with a focusing track for a 135mm Rodagon lens and a 1 1/2" lens cone for a 75-80mm lens. This is my first enlarger, I've never even made a print in the darkroom before, although it's something I've wanted to do for a while now. I had done some research about the D3 prior to purchase and was aware of some of its "quirks", although maybe not completely prepared for what I got myself into.

    I've got a few thoughts/concerns/questions.

    I have since purchased a 135mm Rodagon, but I'm having some problems finding a 4 1/4" lens cone. I thought I found one at my local camera shop, but it turned out to be for a D2. I've found a few places online that sell them, but the prices are very high (twice what I paid for the enlarger.) I'll probably post a WTB in the For Sale/Wanted forum. But if anybody knows where I might find a reasonably priced cone, please let me know.

    Secondly, the bellows are in pretty rough shape; dry and with a number of pinprick holes. I think I can tape them up, but eventually they will need a replacement. I've found nothing online for replacement bellows. I may end up making them myself.

    Lastly, I believe the D3 requires a 1 inch high easel for it to focus correctly. Any idea where I might find one? That's not a spec that is very common when looking for easels. I suppose I could always shim a thinner easel too.

    I've got a bit of buyer's remorse at the moment. I kind of wish I would have waited for a nice D2 or D5 to become available. On the other hand, I'm excited for the project of finding everything I need, restoring what I have, and... eventually... making prints.

  2. #2
    David Schaller
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Williamstown, MA
    Posts
    818

    Re: Omega D3

    Others more knowledgable will chime in, but let me say--don't worry, be happy. You've already done the hard part.
    Search Omega enlargers on Google and you may find that parts are still available new.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Eastern Ontario
    Posts
    83

    Re: Omega D3

    The place to go for information about the D3 is http://www.classic-enlargers.com/cgi...argers/YaBB.pl and register into the "Ask Harry " forum. Harry Taylor is the expert, and the D3 is one of his favourite enlargers.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Gabriola Island, BC, Canada
    Posts
    263

    Re: Omega D3

    I looked and didn't see any post of yours on APUG. I find there is often a goodly number of people advertising Omega enlarger parts on APUG. I suggest you put a WTB post there also.
    you can find my images on flickr at:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/feberdt/sets/

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Posts
    4,589

    Re: Omega D3

    I have a D2, and an E3. Congratulations on your D3 -- Omega are FINE enlargers.
    Don't worry about the Autofocus; it's not exact and will have to be touched up manually, anyhow. It's only really helpful if you're doing LOTS of prints, as in a photolab.
    Wilhelm (Sarasota)

  6. #6
    multiplex
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    local
    Posts
    5,359

    Re: Omega D3

    you might contact http://store.khbphotografix.com as well.
    they are good folks and might have what you are looking for.
    i have an E as well, and when i was looking for a large negative carrier
    they were going to fabricate one for me at very little cost, maybe they do the same for focus cones ?
    in addition to an E i have a mil. contract d3V and (on both) i don't use the focus cones at all,
    but i use the "auxiliary" focus cone. it was originally used for doing jewel prints ( reductions / wallet size images )
    it has a bellows so you can attach whatever lenses you have on there, adjust the bellows, and not bother having to find a cone for every lens.

    good luck with your enlarger, once you get it going you will be very happy you have it !
    john

  7. #7

    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Central Minnesota
    Posts
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    Re: Omega D3

    All, thanks for the suggestions!

    I have checked out http://www.classic-enlargers.com and it is a great resource. I've learned a lot about the D3 from that site. I will post some of my questions on that forum as well.

    I do have an account on APUG and will post on there as well.

    http://store.khbphotografix.com does have the the focus cone, but it is $150 (Canadian). It's a bit more than I would want to spend, but if I get desperate, at least I know there's an option.

  8. #8
    ic-racer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    6,737

    Re: Omega D3

    This cone was listed November 28th and is still available: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Lens-C...IAAOSwNphWWk8e

  9. #9

    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Central Minnesota
    Posts
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    Re: Omega D3

    Quote Originally Posted by ic-racer View Post
    This cone was listed November 28th and is still available: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Lens-C...IAAOSwNphWWk8e
    I saw that yesterday and it is on my watch list. That LOOKS like the correct cone, but there are a few things about that posting that give me pause.

    - It says it's for a D2/D3 enlarger. However the cones are not compatible between the two.
    - It says it's a 4 inch cone. I need a 4 1/4 in cone. (Probably just not measured carefully.)

    If the seller offered returns, I'd probably take a chance. As it stands, I'm unsure. I do think it is the right cone though.

  10. #10

    Re: Omega D3

    Quote Originally Posted by mijosc View Post
    I saw that yesterday and it is on my watch list. That LOOKS like the correct cone, but there are a few things about that posting that give me pause.

    - It says it's for a D2/D3 enlarger. However the cones are not compatible between the two.
    - It says it's a 4 inch cone. I need a 4 1/4 in cone. (Probably just not measured carefully.)

    If the seller offered returns, I'd probably take a chance. As it stands, I'm unsure. I do think it is the right cone though.
    I had the E3 and don't think that's the correct cone for the D3. Looks like one for a D2 to me.

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