rob_rielly

I regularly use my Zone VI (type 2) with the VC head and I am quite

pleased with it. I also have a pair of Omega D5s. If I am printing

for gallery, the Zone VI is the machine I use. If I could fault it,

I would complain about the negative carriers. They are all set up

for landscape. I had to make my own set for portrait layouts, since

I hate to print sideways. I would also prefer to have some type of

extension on the focusing knob for those extreme enlargements. One

additional advantage that sold me was that you can fit the Zone VI 8

x 10 head on the same chassis, giving you the possibility of printing

those 8 x 10 negs. Rob

I forgot to answer your query about the micro focusing attachment.

Being a gadget freak I decided that I needed these on my enlargers

and so purchased one (used). In a short while, another one came into

my possession, so both of my Omegas have them. My advice - save your

money. The main focusing knob works just fine. I forgot to mention

that I teach photography at a junior college and our lab is loaded

with D5XLs and D6XLs. Some have the micro focusers and some do not,

but performance is the same if you keep the enlarger shafts properly

tensioned so that the focusing knob works smoothly. We have about 20

of these Omegas, and the parts have been swapped so much over the

years that we have probably have invented and new enlarger - Omega

Model D5/6XL version X1A or something. Enjoy your Omega - Rob

The Omega D5 and D6 XLs are basically the same enlarger. The only

real difference that you will notice is that the D5 has a trim plate

on the front of the column that makes it look newer. Both enlargers

have different knob designs, but cosmetics adside, they are the

same. Both take the same heads, either condenser or color. If you

really like the look of the D5 over the D6, you can purchase the

front trim plate for the columm and mount it yourself. I have

rebuilt a number of D2, D5 and D6 enlargers and they are all

basically the same. There will certainly not be any difference in the

quality of your prints between a D2, D5 or D6. I currently use a

D5XL with a color head, a D5 head and chassis with a VC condenser

head mounted on a D2 column and a Zone VI enlarger. I don't really

need all of these, but parts and pieces came along at the right price

and I couldn't help tinkering and rebuilding. So if you wind up with

a D2, D5 or D6 you will be able to produce anything you desire. Rob

I have a suuper angulon f8 lens that I have not used much. I do plan to use it on an upcoming trip (landscapes). Will I be able to get away without a center filter, or do I really need to pick one up? Thanks for the advice. Rob

My Tamrac backpack bag has been of some use, but I find it a bit clumsy and I am thinking of getting a new one. I know Tamrac, Lowepro and others all make better looking models. I need to carry my 4 x 5 wood camera, 4 -5 mounted lenses, spot meter, film holders and some miscellaneous stuff(filters). Ideally, it needs a secure fastner/mount for my tripod. Any one have any favorites they can suggest. I am also looking for a second, smaller unit that could carry my Pentax 67 outfit that my wife would carry. Anyone have any favorites they might suggest? Thanks, Rob Rielly

I am planning a vacation to the 4 corners section of the country(Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico) the last week or so in April (20-28). Since I am unfamiliar with the area and it is a long flight (east coast)I don't want to find myself without the right film. I normally use T-Max 100 & 400 (4 x 5) and assume that will be fine. Should I also be packing color film, and if so, what? I don't normally shoot color on 4 x 5. I will also bring either a Pentax 67 system or a Nikon system for more flexibility and speed if I need it. Some preliminary research indicates some good locations to shoot (Monument Valley, Moab, UT area, etc.) I'd appreciate any suggestions for locations from those familiar with the area. Love those great rock formations and mountain scenes, but I equally love old deserted buildings and such. Any suggestions for film, equipment and locations would be greatly appreciated. My wife and I are not into backpacking, but short hikes from the rented 4wd would be ok. Thanks for the help. Rob Rielly

To do copy work, I have been mounting my Zone VI 4 x 5 (newer model) on my Bencher Copymate II stand. Since I do not have a right angle finder, I usually place the copy stand on the floor so I can focus looking down. It would be preferable to keep the stand on my bench and use a right angle type of finder as I do with my Pentax 67 and other cameras. The only binocular or right angle type of finders on the market seem to be for the Cambo/Calumet cameras. I doubt if these fit without modification on the Zone VI. Has anyone attempted this, and if so, with what success? Does anyone know of a generic or brand type that either fits or could easily be adopted? Thanks for the help. Regards, Rob Rielly e-mail to ArtFlic@aol.com

There is a cheaper and more reasonable alternative to some of the expensive and large 8 x 10 enlargers mentioned above. I currently use a Zone VI 5 x 7 enlarger for much of my work. When I moved up to 8 x 10 I purchased the Zone VI 8 x 10 head, which fits on that chassis. I beleive that the current price is around $1000 from Calumet. I picked up a used El Nikkor 240 mm lens on line and with the combination I am now set up for 8 x 10 for under $1500. Switching the 5 x 7 head and the 8 x 10 head only takes a few minutes and is not difficult at all. I have my column mounted on the wall with drop down tables and sof far all works very nicely. It is one more alternative to consider. Regards, Rob Rielly

Does anyone know the image circle for the Fuji 210 W 5.6 lens? Does anyone have any experience with the lens that they cana relate? Thanks in advance, Rob

At a recent camera show I was advised by a dealer that a Red Dot Artar (barrel) would make a good enlarging lens for 8 x 10. As I am in the process of setting up an 8 x 10 enlarging system, the price seems attractive. Does anyone have experience using these lenses as enlarging lenses and if so, how do they compare to regular enlarging lenses by Nikkor or Schneider (which would be my choices) I primarily print B & W in 11 x 14 and 16 x 20, with an occasional foray into 20x 24, so the magnification is not that great. Thanks for the info - Rob Rielly

I recently acquired a Deardorff 8 x 10. I know it is one of the later

ones, round bottom plate, front swings, etc. McKeon's indicates numbers

begin in the 1950's and run from there to the end of production, but

his list is not specific. Does anyone have a listing that would help

me pinpoint the year of manufacture? The serial number on the front

standard is #5451. Thanks, Rob

Graflex put out a reference card to carry in your equipment case that lists the circle of confusion for the Graflex 135 Optar as 0.003". The card also has a depth of field reference for various distances at each f stop. I'd be more than happy to scan it and e-mail it to you, if that will be of use. Regards, Rob Rielly

I recently obtained an 8 x 10 Ansco, which I rebuilt and managed to get in perfect working order. Now I need to get a lens for it in order to pursue landscape photography. Although I am quite familiar with modern and a few older 4 x 5 lenses I am not really up on older lenses for 8 x 10. I have seen much discussion of the Goerz Golden Dagors and they seem to have their admirers and detractors. I have the opportunity to obtain a 12" (78xxxxx) at a fair price (according to my survey of adds, etc.). Will I be satisfied with this lens, or should I be looking for more modern lenses? I will contact print at first, and then if I like the format, I'll probably get an 8 x 10 head

for my Zone VI enlarger. I doubt that I'll do any color work with it as I am more interested in B & W. I'd appreciate hearing comments from those familiar with this lens and others of that length.Thanks, Rob