Omega D II vs Beseler MCR 45

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ash13brook

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I can get either a Beseler MCR 45 or Omega D II(not D2) locally at about the same price with the same lens/negative carriers. Both are working properly and in about the same condition(pretty good).

a) Do they have about the same footprint?
b) Is the "lift and Lock" of the DII easy to use? Or a big hassle?
c) Is one "just better" than the other?

Please add any other opinions you might have on either one.

Thanks,
 
i've used an omega d II for 30+ years - it rock solid, flexible, easily maintained (clean it) and has yet to have any parts wear out. It's probably over 60 years old still looks and works great! It's a basic machine that work well - with a good lens you'll be happy with it.


jvo
 
Beseler's motor is pretty cool...:)..however,

The Omega is easy enough to raise and lower. (unlock, crank, crank, lock it)



I used them both (not at the same time) for about 20 years.
The "adjust ability" of the lens board and negative carrier on Beseler seemed a big plus. However, ultimately, I preferred the locked in rigidity of the Omega...
you Do want the lens board, negative carrier and paper easel to be in---and stay-- parallel to one another.
 
The Omega I'm looking at is a D II, which is an earlier model than the D2. The D II does not have the cranking system. You apparently have to unlock, lift/lower, and lock. That's the part I'm concerned about.
 
ash13brook said:
The Omega I'm looking at is a D II, which is an earlier model than the D2. The D II does not have the cranking system. You apparently have to unlock, lift/lower, and lock. That's the part I'm concerned about.
Click to expand...

That's what I have. The push pull mechanism works very smoothly.
 
I own the B22 and it is a smaller version of the DII. I used a DII both in high school and college. The B22 suits me just fine as medium format 6x6 is the biggest size negative my cameras make. Years ago I used a 4x5 neg size graflex in school and the Omega DII or D2 was necessary. It’s a big enlarger and I don’t think it would fit in my current darkroom because of the height.

I have both the condenser head and the chromega color head which is what I use as it work with VC B&W paper.

The largest print I have made is a 16x20 but I do have 20x24 trays. Now I mostly use 8x10 trays as that’s the largest I want to make anymore. Anything larger it’s digital.

Info on DII and others:

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/DII.htm
 
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