Review 5 of 5
Summary: If you want a piece of serious professional darkroom equipment that will probably outlast YOU, you won't go wrong with a used Omega D series enlarger, and the D3v is a particularly good one! Strengths: Indestructable build quality - we've been using one DAILY for over FORTY years and it works just as well as when it was brand new.
Versatility and modularity - the range of available lensboards/cones, illumination heads, negative carriers, etc. is just mind-boggling.
As opposed to the more common D2, the D3 is the "Automega", so called for its autofocus system. This is more properly "follow-focus", in that it keeps the image in focus as you change the image size (by means of a geared linkage between the focus and size controls). It works absolutely beautifully, and is a great convenience.
Ours is a D3v, with the variable condenser lamphouse: moving a single lens element into three different slot positions focuses the light for different focal-length lenses (and film formats). It works like a charm.
We have used this enlarger with a variety of lenses for everything from Minox negs on up to 4x5 negs (and also with a reduction bellows for critically-sized prints from any-size litho negs) and it has always been a spectacular performer. Prints are always sharp and evenly illuminated. Weaknesses: It's big and heavy, and you can't easily use it in a part-time darkroom setup in a kitchen or bathroom - it really needs a dedicated place to live.
Ours developed a focusing bellows leak recently. The quick-fix solution - duct tape - has been fine so far, but new bellows may eventually be required. (After 40+ years, that's not unreasonable!) Similar Products Used: Many - Beseler 23C, Durst M600, giant old 5x7 and 8x10 Elwoods - lots of others. Customer Service: Never needed any, but I think Omega no longer supports these babies. But numerous other specialists do, there are lots of Ds in use all over the place.
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