Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
6 votes

Price Paid:  $212.00 from B&H Photo

Summary:
For the money I think this is an outstanding enlarger and capable of producing very nice prints. As with most things photography related, at the low end of the price spectrum there are certainly compromises but nothing that can''t be overcome. VC filters are a must since this thing is pretty contrasty, as is the heat absorbing glass. I use a piece of frosted glass over the condensor to tame the contrast and find it works nicely; slightly more diffuse images that still show that wonderful Tri-X grain. The center column could be a little more solid. Focusing, while smooth, takes a pretty light touch since the column/head will move or vibrate while turning the focusing knob. Additionally the column could have been a little taller. 11x14 is the maximum print size on the baseboard though you can turn the head around to print on the floor if you need to go bigger. All things considered I think these are fairly minor complaints. After all this is a 6x7 enlarger that costs 200 bucks. With a Nikkor 80mm f/5.6 lens and the optional (should be included!) heat absorbing glass I''m getting fantastic prints from 645 negs. If you''re on a budget or don''t have the room for a professional model then I''d highly recommend giving the C700 serious consideration. After reevaluating my needs, as well as the space available for a darkroom, I sold my DII and so far have no regrets.

Strengths:
Inexpensive and compact. Put a good lens on it and you''ll get prints just as nice as from a more expensive model.

Weaknesses:
Heat absorbing glass is a must. Omega should include it. Very contrasty. Get a set of VC filters. Center column could be more solid.

Similar Products Used:
Omega DII 35mm/4x5 Meopta Opemus III 35mm/120 Bogen T35 35mm

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $284.00 from B@H

Summary:
If you are beginner in Black and White printing go for it. There's no more joy than to make your own image. You can regulate everything contrast, darkness, ets. Good, I would say exelent enlargement for someone on budget, and not only. buy it.

Strengths:
I am not beginner in photography, but it's my first enlargement with which I did my own Black and White enlargements. I am very happy with it. It has real (two) glass condensers. 99% of body is made either from metal or heavy dent aluminum. Has filter drawer. Despite seemingly simple construction it is good. What is more important enlarger built in a way that only upper part of condenser gets somewhat hot, however negative enlarger and filter drawer areas remain to be cold; I don't know how they done it. You may also reverse it for bigger (16-20inch)prints. It also can be aligned, they don't tell it how in their manuals, but you can figure out (two bolts which keep lens mount in its place).

Weaknesses:
It would be nice to have more sophisticated method of alignment.

Similar Products Used:
None, my first enargements

Customer Service:
Good. Called them for rubber gasket, they send it to me.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Price Paid:  $200.00 from CALDOR

Summary:
This is the only enlarger I have ever owned (have used quite a few). The condenser system gives sharp enlargements. Great for small enlargements, but you need to reverse the pillar mount for larger (16X20)prints. The single post vibrates and the enlarging board is too small. Stabilize the enlarger head with wire and turnbuckles, buy a larger board at your home improvement store and paint it pale yellow and you have a very useful inexpensive enlarger.

Strengths:
Inexpensive and seemingly inflation proof

Weaknesses:
It ain't top quality. Stability problems.

Similar Products Used:
None

Customer Service:
None

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $330.00 from Helix Camera, Chicago

Summary:
This enlarger is geared for students and for those who do not have a dedicated darkroom. If you want to experiment with B&W photography, I would recommend this enlarger. It's cheap, it can be setup anywhere, and it makes nice prints.

Strengths:
Price (includes a "Darkroom Kit")
Compact Size

Weaknesses:
The base is small and the column needs to be longer. Cannot be expanded to handle color photograhpy.

Similar Products Used:
Omega D5XL

Customer Service:
Never Used