Omega Varigam Filter Turret with Filters

[ash13brook]

I have been asking about the Beseler 45/Omega D II differences.
I bought a D2 Variable Condenser instead of either of those. It comes with a Varigam Filter Turret with filters installed.
Does anyone have any knowledge of this accessory? Specifically - how does it mount? Is it easier/better than using regular filters?...

 

[Nokton48]

Sure I know what you are talking about. I'm also a DII Guy; D2 not that different.

As long as they are in good shape, you should be able to use them with Variable Contrast Paper (eg: Ilford Multigrade) and do split filter B&W printing. This process (once you learn it) gives you infinite control over high and low value print contrast.

About as good as it gets.

 

[ash13brook]

It looks to be in near new condition.
How does it mount to the enlarger?

 

[Nokton48]

Omega made a lot of interesting stuff. Show us a picture. If it's a turret most likely it attaches to a special lens board. This stuff is around here and there.

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/index.htm

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Condenser/D2Type2.htm


Lots and lots of stuff on the internet about Omega.

 

[ash13brook]

I'm picking it up tomorrow.
Once I get it in the house and situated, it might be self explanatory. I'll post some pictures regardless so anyone who has an interest can see since I'm not finding any info anywhere else.

 

[Nokton48]

I think I have seen what you are talking about.

I'm presuming it goes under your enlarging lens.
How does it fit?
That depends what you have on your enlarger, and the unit itself.
This unit would be handy for split VC B&W printing.
DuPont Varigram was a wonderful VC paper back in the 50s/60s
Wish I had a big stock of it but I don't.
But there in Multigrade Ilford 🙂

Omegas Ds are modular and lots of spare parts are available.
You might have to make something to make it fit.

 

[ash13brook]

I've only seen a picture so far. But there's an L bracket on the left side of the lens cone with a slot in it. It looks like the turret mounts there and you rotate whichever filter you want into place. That would place the filter below the lens, which is the only place I've ever used them.

 

[Nokton48]

Omega also made a filter like that for additive color printing. Primary Red, Green, and Blue could just be flipped individually under the lens. Kind of the reverse of subtractive color printing.

Really you could prolly put whatever gel filter you want under that lens. I've used a dark green wratten gel under the lens before, I took out the red filter out from what I had. Useful for what I was VC printing at the time. Green adds low contrast light. Wratten gels should not cut down on print sharpness.

 

[ash13brook]

The turret seem to have been made for Varigam VC paper. It has only 7 filters in it of which 1 is missing. If it had enough spots, I'd cut some Ilford filters to fit. It would be very convenient.
It does mount on a bracket on the lens cone.
Any ideas how I might utilize it with only 7 filter spots?

 

[Nokton48]

I would change it over to Multigrade filters. The 3x3" sets are not very expensive.