Omega D4 on Iowa Craigslist

Stephanie Brim · Feb 27, 2008

Okay. I came upon an Iowa Craigslist post for one of these enlargers at what I thought was a pretty good price: $150. Has two lenses, negative carriers, etc. Don't know what two lenses or what negative carriers yet, but I'm emailing the guy to find out. There's also other things, such as a timer, included.

Good deal? Bad deal? Oh, and if you're here, Guy Who Sells This Enlarger, PM me and I'll talk to you that way. I'm having email trouble.

PVia · Feb 27, 2008

I bought a D5XL with Super Chromega head and timer on the LA craigslist about 6 months ago for $150. Paid a little extra for two Componon-S lenses and got 2 neg carriers thrown in for free.

I'd say you have a nice deal there if all is in good shape.

Kevin Caulfield · Feb 27, 2008

Just make sure the lenses are clean and free from fungus.

mgb74 · Feb 27, 2008

Enlargers are cheap, lenses are cheap, but it can cost a lot (relatively) to acquire negative carriers, lensboards, and especially condensors. If this has what you need, great. If not, it might be worth looking further.

Also, the D4 does not seem as common as the DII, D2, D3, and D5. Does it use the same accessories?

matt miller · Feb 28, 2008

Stephanie, I bought a D5 from this same guy (photo instructor at local college) a few weeks ago. This enlarger is from the school's darkroom, as was mine. Mine seems well used, and needs some tweaking and alignment to get it right. He's a nice guy to deal with though. It's sad, to me, that they have closed the school's darkroom. They're all digital and photoshop now.

Lee L · Feb 28, 2008

Stephanie,

This appears to be a pretty good deal. The model has been out of production for 35 years, so given that it was in a student darkroom, I'd check for wear and make sure the alignment adjustments can still be set properly (D series enlargers aren't "easy" to align). It is a robust design. Be sure to ask for him to throw in negative carriers in the formats you have, or are considering getting. New carriers are on the order of $90 or so, and they run $15 and up used in common sizes. Have him look around or allow you to look around for useful accessories that he can throw into the deal. You do see carriers for the D series enlargers from time to time on APUG at decent prices.

Here's a page on the D4: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Discontinued/D4.htm

Lee

PVia · Feb 28, 2008

I've found D carriers on eBay for very good prices. The last one was a 35mm carrier for $25, and a 4x5 glass carrier (will even fit Pol 55) for $20.

In fact, I may have an extra 4x5 full-frame glassless one for sale soon...let me know if you're interested.

280hpwrx · Feb 29, 2008

Omega D3/4s require focusing cams for whatever lenses you are using. These are initially more important than carriers. They sit mounted inside the girder. Make sure you get those two. PITA IMHO....

They also took specific lens cones that differed from the DII/D2s if memory serves. I once owned a military D3 (5x5). D5/6s are easier to operate.

Check here for getting any missing accessories:

http://www.classic-enlargers.com/

CH

Stephanie Brim · Mar 2, 2008

It looks as though I'll be getting D2 instead. I know tons of people here have those so I think it's a better bet for me. If I don't know where to get a part or need assistance on using the thing, I know right where to come.

Omega D4 on Iowa Craigslist

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