Omega D II vs Beseler MCR 45

[ash13brook]

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,

 

[jvo]

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

 

[ash13brook]

Is it easy to raise or lower?
That's my only concern, really.

 

[Nokton48]

Mine slides up and down very easily.

Darkroom renovation 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

I'm renovating my darkroom. You can see my DII right there.

 

[Canyongazer]

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.

 

[Canyongazer]

Cold light on the 4x5?

 

[ash13brook]

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.

 

[Nokton48]

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.

That's what I have. The push pull mechanism works very smoothly.

 

[Canyongazer]

Sorry Ash, my mistake.

 

[Bill Clark]

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

 

[Nokton48]

modern enlarging systems model 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Actually I just bought this new LED light source that fits my 4x5 DII. Out of production, I found this cheaply on Ebay. As bright as a 150w bulb, you can VC print with it using Ilford 6x6" Multigrade gels. Can't wait for it to arrive 🙂

 

[Bill Clark]

How far is it to your ceiling from the top of your cabinet?

I had cabinets made that I put my B22 on. Even with the B22 I had to cut off about an inch of the slider/girder as it was too tall and hit the ceiling. Actually it was when I put the spring on the top and then it was too tall. But it works now!

Info:


http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/B22.htm