Omega C700

[RobinWinter]

Im trying to set up a darkroom in my closet at home and bought an Omega C700 enlarger a while back which I'm working on getting read to go. Unfortunately, I don't know the first thing about enlargers, all the ones I've used previously were in darkrooms where they were already set up for 35mm and that was all we did. I know the C700 can do medium format, and that different film sizes need different lenses. The question I have is: what lens(es) should I get? I'm thinking a 75mm since it will let me print 35mm and smaller medium format negatives, but I'm not sure. Also, don't now what mount I need or what lenses are good. Any advice?

 

[ACullen]

Im trying to set up a darkroom in my closet at home and bought an Omega C700 enlarger a while back which I'm working on getting read to go. Unfortunately, I don't know the first thing about enlargers, all the ones I've used previously were in darkrooms where they were already set up for 35mm and that was all we did. I know the C700 can do medium format, and that different film sizes need different lenses. The question I have is: what lens(es) should I get? I'm thinking a 75mm since it will let me print 35mm and smaller medium format negatives, but I'm not sure. Also, don't now what mount I need or what lenses are good. Any advice?

I use a C700 and its a fine budget enlarger. It takes standard 39mm screw enlarging lenses. A 50mm lens will only cover 35mm but will allow for bigger enlargements without reversing the column (which although possible is a PITA).
The condenser that mine came with can handle MF in addition to 35mm but I recall that a small condenser lens set was available that only worked for 35mm. In terms of lenses the market is pretty much awash with suitable quality glass. I use El Nikkor 50mm f2.8. Rokkor 75mm f5.6 and Durst 75mm . Rodenstock , Schneider all do great lenses but be aware that many manufactures had cheap lines carrying the name but not offering amazing quality.

 

[Dwig]

There are a lot of threads here on this topic. I suggest that you do some searching for opinions on enlarging lenses.

One thing to keep in mind is that "medium format" is an extremely incorrect phrase. It should always be plural (e.g. "medium formats") and the proper enlarging lens to use varies with exactly which of the many medium formats you chose to use. Many people will just chose to use the appropriate lens for the largest "medium format" that their enlarger can handle (80-90mm in your case), along with a 50mm lens for 35mm printing. Generally, 75mm lenses don't work well with anything larger than 6x6.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I too use an Omega C700. IMO it's a good choice when space is at a premium.

I only print 35mm now. Though I own a 50mm enlarging lens I prefer to use a longer focal length.
I can't crop/enlarge as much but I find the higher working height of the head more comfortable.

In addition to the 50mm lens I have 75mm and 63mm, my favorite "compromise".
It's a little faster; the brighter image makes it easier to compose on the easel.
However I'm not sure the 63mm can cover larger than 35mm.

If you will be printing 35mm and medium format my advice is to get the ~75mm lens first.

Chris