I have an opportunity to acquire either an Omega D5500 with the CLS system or an D5XL with DII Dichroic head and chromagatrol. All other things equal, which is better system. I do b&w and color enlarging and want to make bigger prints to 20x24.

-- Mike Netecke (mnetecke@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002

Answers

I gave up on Omega enlargers (or they gave up on me) a long time ago but when I was shopping last year for a new one I got stern advice from my buddies at the Time Life photolab, avoid the D5500. They said the D-5 was much better, but still not a Beseler nor a Durst. I trust them and they based thier advice on experiance with both. They and I all have Durst L-1200's now.

-- Fred De Van (fred@freddevan.com), April 26, 2002.

Hmm, what's the matter with the D5500? I have one and like it, but I have no experience with other 4x5 enlargers, except worse ones. I find it very easy to use and have no complaints.

-- Erik Ryberg (ryberg@seanet.com), April 27, 2002.

Mike, the D5XL has the extended set of rails. That's what the XL stands for. Since you expressed your desire to make bigger prints, get the D5XL. It will enable you to raise the head higher for more magnification on the baseboard. The dichroic head can be used for B&W variable contrast , as well as color printing. Parts and accessories are readily available for the D5 series.

-- Eugene (TIAGEM@aol.com), April 27, 2002.