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

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

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.

Similar Products Used:

Omega DII 35mm/4x5 Meopta Opemus III 35mm/120 Bogen T35 35mm

Price (includes a "Darkroom Kit")
Compact Size

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

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.

Customer Service

Never Used

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Omega D5XL

Inexpensive and seemingly inflation proof

It ain't top quality. Stability problems.

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.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

None

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).

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

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.

Customer Service

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

Similar Products Used:

None, my first enargements