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Most "reasonably" sized 4x5" enlarger
So as much fun as it is to contact print, I feel like there's not a whole lot I can do without an enlarger for my 4x5" endeavors.
There's an Simmons (Omega) D2 enlarger on my local CL and it's tempting, but I wanted to get some input from y'all before I go any further.
If I get a 4x5" enlarger, it needs to be my one and only enlarger, so it needs to be convenient for 35mm as well. Also, smaller is better, lightweight is golden.
What would you recommend?
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I also have an Omega D2 that I only use for 4x5 and it is great to work with for 4x5. It's a nice enlarger.
Helping to save analog photography one exposure at a time
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How does it compare size wise to others? Ever use it for 35mm?
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A 4x5 enlarger will handle MF and 35mm with the right lenses and negative carriers.
Size Enlarger lens
4x5 135mm to 150mm
120 80mm to 90mm, 105 also
35mm 50mm
The larger [and heavier] an enlarger is, is generally related to its ability to damp out vibration.
Consider the height of the table the enlarger will be on and the maximum enlarger height. You want what you buy to fit in the darkroom vertically.
Steve
Warning!! Handling a Hasselblad can be harmful to your financial well being!
Nothing beats a great piece of glass!
I leave the digital work for the urologists and proctologists.
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I know about the ideal lenses for diff. formats, but I guess I'm worried about having some gargantuan light head that requires a motor just to lift it up and down. I'd prefer something more manageable, especially for the 35mm end of things.
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Smaller is not better and lightweight is not golden. As 4x5 enlargers go the D-2 is pretty compact. I had a D-2 That I bolted the base to the table and used turnbuckels in the ceiling. Very steady, a joy to work with. I enlarged 35mm to 4x5 on it. They can be mounted to the wall allowing for max enlargements. When I went to 5x7 I sold it for a Durst, now thats big and heavy.
Go for the D-2. BTW they should be real cheap. There's millions out there, just about all schools used them and most have closed their darkrooms.
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The Omega D2V model is not too big or heavy and the condensers can be adjusted for various film formats.
Jon
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I have an Omega Pro Lab 4x5 with a turret lens mount. I have a second turret and I cover everything from 35mm, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 and 4x5. I keep a couple extra lenses for 4x5, a 135 and 150, and 80 and 90mm , plus a 50 and 105. It takes up 20"x 30" space on its own stand, enlarges up to 16x20 prints. Its convenient to use and easy to swap lenses and adjust the condensors. I have 5 other enlargers, four are set up for specific formats, and one for color(35mm & 6x6). I recommend you get the Omega D2
Rick A
Argentum aevum
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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
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Indeed, the D2 seems like a good bet. If this CL unit doesn't have all the bits, like negative holders, condensers, light bulb, etc., is this stuff easy to find at affordable prices?
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The Omega D-2 or D-5 enlargers are great for all formats up to 4x5. They are not too big, but sturdy and do not require much effort to raise the head. If you shoot a lot of formats often, then consider the D-5 instead because you will have the option of adding a three lens turret to make the format change quicker and easier.
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