Omega Enlarger Instructions

Description

• The enlarger consists of a head assembly that contains a light source (the lamphouse), a negative stage that holds the negative carrier, a bellows for focusing and a lens. The enlarger head moves vertically on a column to control the enlargement ratio. The enlarged image is projected onto a baseboard that supports the column.

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• The first step in making an enlargement, is to select the correct negative carrier to hold the negative. Omega makes a range of negative carriers in sizes from subminiature to large format. After obtaining a negative carrier that matches your film format, place the film in the carrier, emulsion side down (shiny side up). The negative carrier is then placed in the enlarger's negative stage. With your left hand, pull the lifting lever toward you to raise the lamphouse away from the negative stage. Slide the negative carrier into place, and then lower the lamphouse onto the negative carrier.

Focusing and Composing

• Enlargements can be made directly on the baseboard of the enlarger, however most people use a photographic easel to hold the enlarging paper and to provide a uniform border on their print. To compose and focus your print, put an upside down piece of scrap or used photographic paper in the easel.

  Turn out the lights and turn on the enlarger light source. Standard models have switch located on the power cord, while color models have a switch located on the separate power supply panel. On color (Chromega) models, lift the lever on the right side of the lamphouse to provide white light for focusing. Adjust the print size by raising or lowering the head assembly, using the crank on the right. Lower the head for a smaller print; raise the head for more enlargement. Lock the head in place using the small column lock knob located below the crank.

  To focus the image, use the focusing knob located below and to the rear of the bellows. Some models have a second, smaller focusing knob for fine focusing. When done focusing, turn the lamphouse power off, and on Chromega enlargers, lower the lever on the right of the lamphouse.

Exposure

• If you are making color prints, adjust the yellow, cyan and magenta filters on the lamphouse, according to your enlarging paper's data sheet. Some Omega enlargers use knobs to adjust the filters, while others use thumbwheels. In any case, the color coded adjusters are located on the front of the lamphouse.

  Place your enlarging paper in the easel or on the baseboard, emulsion side up. Keep in mind that enlargements must be made in darkness--under safe light conditions for black and white enlarging papers, and in total darkness for color enlargements. Turn the power on to make your exposure. The exposure time is often controlled by plugging the enlarger into an optional timer. Many Chromega models have a built-in timer located in the power supply.