Graflex.org

hennesse · Joined: 30 Nov 2002 Posts: 10 Location: Bethesda, MD

My Graflarger works just fine, and it sure shows the versatility of a Speed Graphic.

And due to Les' prodding, I just picked up a Componon-S 135 on the 'Bay.

But one day I'll have to graduate to a real enlarger. What should I be looking for? I like to take pictures, but I'm not a pro. Not even a serious* "hobbyist"

So what are some makes/models I might find some good used prices on ?

Thanks,
Dave

* Of course, anyone who lugs around a 600 pound camera with pockets full of filmholders and flashbulbs and stuff can be considered somewhat serious...

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I love my Omega D2. Mine was bought by the first purchaser of my Crown Graphic, at the same time in 1953. Both are chugging along just fine, thank you. Lots of parts readily available.

Nothing wrong with the Beseler 45 enlargers either. It just seems there are more Omegas out there. Whichever one you choose, look for one near home - they are heavy and expensive to ship!

If you go the Omega route, look for the D2, not the DII. There is a big difference. The latter is an older version with a sliding mechanism, whereas the D2 works with a crank.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Alecj has been reading my posts before I can post them!
The thing that's getting nicer about the D2 is that they are getting cheaper and cheaper as more and more labs/hobbists go digital.
At one time the D2 was considered a very fine enlarger. Maybe not as robust as a DeVere or Durst, but a pro enlarger still the same. And these days not much more than a Graflarger!

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

sobahguy · Joined: 09 Oct 2001 Posts: 173 Location: Massachusetts

I will second the motions made by Alecj & Les!! The later Omega D2 (not the earlier model DII) is a fine enlarger. For information on these and other Omega enlargers have a look at:
http://www.classic-enlargers.com
Harry Taylor is a man with a wealth of experience & knowledge with these machines, he also has a help forum on his site with alot of great information. He has Omega parts & accessories, although I think his prices are kinda high.
More info can likely be found by doing a keyword search for "Omega D2" on
http://www.photo.net
hope this helps.
SG

hennesse · Joined: 30 Nov 2002 Posts: 10 Location: Bethesda, MD

Thanks guys - I got it. I'll start looking for a D2. Shouldn't be too hard to find one locally.

eBay is great for oddball things - that would take you forever to find around town, but you do pay the price.

Speaking of which, I was taking pictures of a folk duo in a club, and lost the nice original lens cap for my Ektar 152. I went back there the next morning, but it was not in the lost-and-found. When I asked them where their dumpster was (just imagine the looks I got), they said "Why don't you just go to Ritz Camera and buy a new one?" When I explained the situation, they said "It's around back, but they've already come and emptied it this morning".

OK Les, this is not sales - this is on my knees begging! Anyone got a spare?

Dave

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

Dave:

At the risk of repeating everything others have said, the Omega is one of the best and most affordable choices. Specifically you want the D2-V model, which has variable condensers instead of the separate condenser sets the earlier models have. I have seen them in the DC/MD area for anywhere from $250 to $600, depending on what came with them. Check with Penn Camera in Rockville. Carriers and other parts are readily available new and used.

Too bad about the lens cap. It is unusual to find these cameras with the original caps, and they are essentially irreplacable. I always leave mine at home to avoid their loss in the field.