D6 Versus Other Omega Enlargers

[Neil Poulsen]

I'm curious about a D6. Is it any better than say a D2 or a D5? For example, the one that I'm thinking of has a fine focus tool.

Can a D6 be aligned any better than a D5.

[MattKing]

I have a D6 that I bought last year (2009) off of a Craigslist listing.

As I understand it, when it was first introduced the D6 was an updated version of the D2. When the D2 was discontinued, the D6 went with it, only to appear again immediately as an enhanced version of the D5 with all the options included (including the fine focus accessory).

In case you haven't seen it, KHB has an excellent set of information on the Omega enlargers, including this page on the D6:

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Discontinued/D6.htm


Matt

[Rick Jones]

If by better you mean the capability to produce better prints the answer is no because all the D series enlargers from D2V on used virtually the same condenser setup. If by better you are referring to convenience that is a different story but only if you change formats frequently. The micro focusing could possibly get you to a precise focus point faster. The lens turret eliminates the manual switching out of lenses. The extended bellows ends the need for the cones the D2's need for focal lengths beyond 105mm. The zoom lamp house lets you adjust the upper condenser with the twist of a knob when changing formats while the D2V required the upper condenser be manually set to one of three positions. So is the D6 better than the D2? It depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is I mean "better" is.

[ralnphot]

I picked up one of the last model D-6's on Craigslist a few months ago. I am not going to part with this one. The only thing you need to watch out for, when buying, is the lens turret. Some of the early models have the 404-866 turret, which makes it hard to focus some 50mm lenses. Make sure it has the 404-867 turret, that is slightly thinner, allowing the 50mm to focus without any adaptors. Also; you need to refer to the lens mount plate chart on the KBH site MattKing gave to get the specific lens mounts for your lenses. This is a definite must have machine for versitility, and durability, especially if its in your budget.

Rick

[ic-racer]

Yes, the D6 is a D5 with upgrades already installed. Fine focus and turret (any others?)

I recommend to D series to anyone that lives in the US. The used market is basically flooded with them. And they are still available new.

[mjs]

Will these commonly available Durst enlargers go up to 5x7?

Mike

[Ken Nadvornick]

Originally Posted by ic-racer

Yes, the D6 is a D5 with upgrades already installed. Fine focus and turret (any others?)

I recommend to D series to anyone that lives in the US. The used market is basically flooded with them. And they are still available new.

I believe there is also an adjustable negative masking carrier or frame, if I'm not mistaken. Don't know the catalog number.

I have upgraded my D5 with both the fine focus (nice, but not absolutely necessary) and the 3-lens turret (don't know how I ever lived without it). I have plenty of carriers, so I'm not sure an adjustable one is even needed.

Ken

[lightwisps]

Alternate idea, I have owned just about every model from the D2 on. I now have a Saunders/LPL 4550XLG. Saunders is the company that made the D2. This enlarger is so stable that when I switch negatives they remain in focus. I know because I use a very good focus scope

[ralnphot]

Originally Posted by mjs

Will these commonly available Durst enlargers go up to 5x7?

Mike

We are discussing Omega D series machines. Durst did make 5x7 enlargers, but thats another thread.

Rick

[Neil Poulsen]

Thanks for the responses.

It's interesting that Omega went from the single column construction in the D5 to the double column construction in the D6. Does someone know the reason for this?

Also, it doesn't sound like the D6 came in a standard size; only the XL size.