Presently I have a Omega B66 enlarger. I am looking to getting a Omega D-2 or D-2V. What are the differences between the two oor does the 'V' refer to the variable condenser head. I understand that the D-2V is a real good enlarger that handles 35mm to 4x5 negatives. I also plan to switch to a cold light with this enlarger so I don't want to spend money on a condenser head. Would it be possible to just get the chassis and get the cold light from another source. Any advice/information is appreciated. Also what are some good sources for locating one, besides E-bay. Thanks

-- Mei Leng Lau (bohl-lau@erols.com), September 08, 1999

Answers

The Omega D-2 is a great enlarger, my personal favorite, one of the very best you can buy. Don't bother with the "V", which is the variable condenser model. Try to get a chassis and fix it up the way you want. They're a great bargain on the used market. Try Midwest Photo Exchange. Better yet, try to find one locally so you can get a good look at it and save youself the shipping cost.

http://www.ravenvision.com/rvapeter.htm

-- Peter Hughes (leonine@redshift.com), September 09, 1999.

I have a D2V which had the variable condenser head, since removed and replaced with a Zone VI cold light head about 4 years ago, works great. Pat

-- pat j. krentz (krentz@cci-29palms.com), September 10, 1999.

My father has used his Omega D3V (nearly identical to the D2V, but with the "autofocus" feature [more like follow-focus, it adjusts to keep the image in focus as you change the image size] added) virtually daily for around 40 years. These things are built like tanks and work beautifully. I've printed everything from Minox negs up to 4x5 negs with this enlarger, and it's a wonderful performer.

You almost CAN'T go wrong with an Omega D-series enlarger. They're pretty much the industry standard for some really good reasons. (Nothing against Beseler, Durst, etc., which are also fine instruments, but I've used enlargers made by each company, and I think the Omega is the best.)Enjoy!

-- Michael Goldfarb (mgoldfar@mobius-inc.com), September 13, 1999.