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This is probably not the most appropriate place for this, but, if anyone has any informed opinions, I would appreciate comments on the preference out of these two enlargers for both 35mm and 6cm film sizes:

LPL C7700 (with peripherals for about $200)
Omega Chromega C760 (with peripherals for $95 on the auction site).

Both come with 50mm lenses but I would need to purchase 75/80mm lenses.

I only plan on B&W at this stage, acknowledging they are both colour enlargers.

Either would be good, Patrick.

TBH, the Omega, if it sits at that sort of pricing, is a no-brainer decision.

What does "peripherals" mean? Timer? Safelight? Trays, tongs? Or maybe just a transformer?

Wish I had room for a wet darkroom. Then I'd need even more time ...

gstark wrote:Either would be good, Patrick.

TBH, the Omega, if it sits at that sort of pricing, is a no-brainer decision.

What does "peripherals" mean? Timer? Safelight? Trays, tongs? Or maybe just a transformer?

Wish I had room for a wet darkroom. Then I'd need even more time ...

Thanks Gary

Peripherals for the LPL package consist of trays, tongs, a waterbath for chemicals and some form of roller developing tank. The Omega kit includes safelight, Hauck timer, trays, easel, tongs, etc.

I failed to mention (based on my understanding and pending confirmation): the Omega will require the relevant negative carrier whereas the LPL has an adjustable carrier, I believe. Happy to be corrected.

My plan is to use one of the boys' bedrooms as a wet darkroom - I have read nothing to indicate that the use of chemicals will have any impact on small children . Seriously, we have a space downstairs that will be perfectly ideal (or ideally perfect) for a darkroom.

Reschsmooth wrote:I failed to mention (based on my understanding and pending confirmation): the Omega will require the relevant negative carrier whereas the LPL has an adjustable carrier, I believe. Happy to be corrected.

That sounds reasonable to me, and suggests that the Omega will come with a 35mm carrier. That may be something to check with the sellers though; without the relevant carrier, you're just buying a copy stand without the lights.

And the question of how readily you might be able to get the 60mm carrier for the Omega comes to mind.

gstark wrote:And the question of how readily you might be able to get the 60mm carrier for the Omega comes to mind.

Well, no it doesn't but the question of whether I want to spend USD80 on said carrier, plus shipping from the US does. There is the question of the 'mixing chamber' for the Omega enlarger required for 60mm negs that differs for the 35mm neg chamber. Additional questions I have posed to the vendor.

Oh, and Gary, if you come along to the coffee meet (date to be confirmed), I may have this up and running at that time, just possibly.

Reschsmooth wrote: There is the question of the 'mixing chamber' for the Omega enlarger required for 60mm negs that differs for the 35mm neg chamber. Additional questions I have posed to the vendor.

MY recollection may be wrong, but I suspect that's a question that's only relevant for colour processing, and might not be an issue while you're playing in the mono sandpit.

Oh, and Gary, if you come along to the coffee meet (date to be confirmed), I may have this up and running at that time, just possibly.

Hmmmm ....

Omega. LPL was kind of a cheaper brand. Omega was common in professional darkrooms.

Thanks Matt

I have also found an instruction manual for both the basic elarger and the dichroic head, which is good.

Did my first print tonight... I am hooked.

Reschsmooth wrote:Did my first print tonight... I am hooked.

Congrats!

Reschsmooth wrote:Did my first print tonight... I am hooked.

It does that to people. Happened to me.

Matt. K wrote:It does that to people. Happened to me.

Not that I want one, but is there a cure?

Patrick...when can I come over to play?

Actually I have some left over Ilford MG 8x10 and maybe some 5x7 from the photo courses I did a few years back that should still be ok to use...if you want the paper let me know

Sorry...it's terminal.

Don't be sorry, Matt. Happy to be bitten by the bug.

I may restructure my darkroom to another room that may provide more space. If I do, I may try to organise a printing meet. I have 3 film developing tanks so we can even organise an afternoon film shoot and development and then print in the evening when the film is dry. Perhaps.

Cameron, PM sent.