Enlarger came in, so that’s a good news. I gave it complete deep clean, because it needed it and also I really enjoyed that. I really love how sturdy and simple these things are. I mean, they are basically just lamps, I know, but not really. There is some complexity to it – adjusting system, condenser lens, bellows and stuff. And all of this is put together in very clear and simple way, with screws, so very easily disassembled and assembled again. I wish all things were like this.
It is also so beautiful, that I seriously consider photographing it. Expect some pictures. Update: and so I did photograph it, here are some pictures:
Bad news is, that somehow condenser lens got smashed. I had hell of a time unstucking one lens from it’s housing and second has part of a glass chipped off. That made me kinda sad, because now the chipped part of lens throws shadow in the frame. Oh well. I guess that means I’ll have to get spare condenser lens (not super easy to find), or whole another Opemus. Or I’ll leave it as it is and count it as a character.
Another bad news is, that lens – Meopta Belar 75mm – has some optical issues. That is kinda to be expected, but still, when you buy lenses – those pictures where seller photograph the lense without flash light going through it are mostly useless. It just doesn’t show lens flaws like this.
Overall – I am very happy with the acquisition. It is beautiful, it is great representation of clean, simple and sturdy engineering and manufacturing and pretty design of the past and it makes pictures. And that is the main thing. I made some first prints and they are well ok. For certain type of people, this enlarger would be even too perfect, I’m sure.