Omega D2 and zone VI cold light questions

[dhgustaf@gmail.com]

Hi all,

I picked up an Omega D2 with dichroic head from a local photo club. In addition to the D2 I was also given a box labeled Zone VI Cold Light. I'm trying to figure out what I have here and what I'm missing to set up and use the Zone VI head. I feel like I'm missing something that will let me attach the cold light to the enlarger. And what's that third plug on top of the cold light? Any help is appreciated.

[Conrad . Marvin]

You have two wires which I assume have standard plugs on the end. One should turn the light on and the other is probably a warmer to try and keep the output constant. The socket is a sensor to connect to a timer marked “compensating “ . This will sense any fluctuations in light output and the timer will adjust automatically for any needed change.

There should be a diffuser, usually some kind of white plexiglass.

I don’t know what the lenses are, maybe they are condenser lenses for another light source?

This can get you started and maybe someone else will have more specific information. Good luck!

[dhgustaf@gmail.com]

Thank you! I don't see a diffuser so I'll add that to my list.

[Ulophot]

Dave, as you probably know, the Zone VI is only for B&W and requires one to use contrast filters, above or below the lens, for variable contrast papers, while the dichroic head, which is also a diffusion head, can print either color or B&W, and it's built-in filtration can be used with variable contrast B&W papers.

[Dave Ogle]

do you have the power supply / voltage stabilizer?
I did my d2V. took off lamp housing. took out the condenser lenses out of the 4x5 one, put cold light in there. ya, you need a white plastic diffuser. I made a filter holder out off matt board. that goes between the negative and light source. or Kodak under the lens filters. been using it for years. get great prints. not sure if really any better than with the condenser set up. There are lots of lamp houses out if you want to go that route. I sure I have 1 or 2, somewhere. Dave O

[Dave Ogle]

[Tracy Storer]

As pointed out, you need a diffuser, a round piece of white plexiglass goes below the cold light grid.

Here's what nobody else has said yet: The diffuser and cold light go into the aluminum "drum" after you carefully remove the condenser lenses. Then you attach the condenser drum with cold light and diffuser inside back to the enlarger head after removing the original light source from the top.

[dhgustaf@gmail.com]

Thanks everyone. So it looks like I'm missing a few pieces. Looking at Dave's pictures it looks like I need some kind of bracket or housing to attach the light source to the enlarger chassis? So I can raise and lower it. And then the white plexiglass which I'm missing. Is it worth it to try and piece this together or should I just stick with the Super Dichroic the chassis came with? I only print B&W on VC paper.

[Luis-F-S]

... Is it worth it to try and piece this together or should I just stick with the Super Dichroic the chassis came with? I only print B&W on VC paper.

I would probably used the Super Dichroic head the chassis came with if it works and if it's complete. If you're only printing B&W on VC paper that is the easiest way to go! L

[Dave Ogle]

agree. use the color head. less hassel