At what point should one replace a scratched condenser(s)? I have an old Omega D-2V along with an Aristo cold light. Over the years as I’ve swapped between cold light and the two 6.5 inch condensers, I’ve managed to pick up a few scratches in the glass. At some point I’ve got to believe this will affect my prints, thought I haven’t noticed it yet.

Has anyone come across this? Should I replace them?

Thanks,

Nick

I think you've already answered that question for yourself. If it doesn't show, then it's not a problem. What are you worried about?

Yeah, if they don't show, don't worry. However, when you start seeing futuristic lazer war in the sky of your photo like this . . .

http://www.apug.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=675&d=1101081041

. . . then it is time to find replacements.

Thanks for the responses…

I was worried that scratches may somehow affect how light travels through the condensers and that excess scratches could pose some kind of uneven exposure.

At any rate, I think I’ll replace them anyway.

If the bottom condenser is really close to the film, scratches may show. I'd use the best condenser on the bottom, and not worry about the top condenser.

:oare there supposed to be two condenser lenses? I've only got the one on my beseler 45!

Bobby,
You should have one condenser assembly with two lenses in it. Each lens should have the flat side exposed, one up, one down.

Nicks are a problem and show as out of focus blobs.

Reassemble holding the top condenser with a loop of string.

Better yet, buy an extra collar for the cold light

I used to reassemble using a good-sized suction cup to hold the top glass.
I had a deep scratch in the bottom condenser which would show as a line in the print. I've another set with small scratches and I haven't been able to notice them yet. The 4x5 set just asked to be gouged and chipped when inserting and removing it. The 120 set is much more robust due to the smaller surface size of the glass.

Some day i'd like a Durst 138/S-45.. sigh. I'd settle now for a D2 with variable condenser. My D-II with worn tensioning rollers will have to suffice for the next 10 years.

Some day i'd like a Durst 138/S-45.. sigh. I'd settle now for a D2 with variable condenser. My D-II with worn tensioning rollers will have to suffice for the next 10 years.

Go to http://www/classic-enlargers.com and see if Harry can't supply you with some parts to rehab that old D2. No reason you cant do whatever you like with that machine.

Absolutely, i'm sure that Harry could help me out. There is actually a magazine article (someone on APUG had pointed me to it) that describes how to restore an Omega D-II enlarger specifically. $25 worth of bearings, bushings and vinyl tubing from Mcmaster Carr and it would be like new (or better).

I guess I like shiny new things :) plus, after handling/fondling a s-45.. oh man they are so nice.

Photo Techniques.

I have that issue (bearings for enlarger)...just bought it for the VC paper curves article.

If you need to know what issue it is, I can get back here with the info.

That's very kind of you, i've actually since purchased the issue. I just couldn't remember the name of the magazine. Great article if you're looking to rehab a D-II.

Yeah, if they don't show, don't worry. However, when you start seeing futuristic lazer war in the sky of your photo like this . . .

http://www.apug.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=675&d=1101081041

. . . then it is time to find replacements.

That's actually kind of neat.