I've been looking at various solutions to convert my Omega D2 to a diffusion enlarger. My long game is still to get or build an LED light source, but to get me by, I found an Aristo D2 in good shape. I did notice, however, it uses a W54 lamp which seems to predate the V52? Sounds like if I want to lower my contrast down to what I'm used to on, say, my Beseler 67, that I will need to use a yellow filter of some kind? I wasn't sure where to put this filter so that I could also use under lens mount filters (kinda bummed I lost my above lens filter tray but ah well - an above negative tray is something I may also try and design and 3D print).
I've contacted Louise over at light-sources.com to have a V52 made. They cost $170 each and 5-7 weeks to make. Cost isn't actually that bad and since it's new it should like quite some time. But for those 5-7 weeks I'm trying to figure out my options with this W54 lamp. Seems like using it will help me get used to a cold light, but the filters are all going to be off still which makes me wonder if I should just toss my condensers back in and use those for a while. They work well enough - it just makes for contrasty prints and more having to wrangle dust and imperfections. I really liked the look of my Beseler 67 but to print in 4x5, the D2 is all I have available right now.
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