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The Chromega D
was the lamphouse that launched the Chromega series of colourheads. By
eliminating the troublesome task of changing packs of acetate filters in a
filter drawer, the Chromega provided more accurate filtration and greatly
increased productivity in the color photo lab. Additionally, the Chromega
head was a diffusion light source, minimizing spots from dust and
scratches. It utilized acetate filters in a "wheel" arrangement to
provide stepless filtration. Since additional light output was required
compared to condenser enlargers, the Chromega D used two 100w lamps and
came with an external power supply/timer.
With the Chromega
D head installed on a modified D3 chassis, the D4 was created, but it
could also be fitted to the D-2 and D-3 chassis. Likewise, there was also
a single lamp Chromega B version which was fitted to the B-series
enlargers. Later an 8x10 version was created for the Omega F chassis, but
the 5x7 E-series enlargers were limited to the 4x5 Chromega D.
However, the
Chromega heads did not have interchangeable mixing "spheres" for smaller
formats, and the illuminator for the filtration dials was an
accessory. Even with two 100w lamps, exposure times were relatively
lengthy and the lamps darkened with use, reducing light out put further.
When the Chromega Halogen and Super Chromega lamphouses, which used
brighter 150w tungsten-halogen lamps, were introduced, Omega provided kits
to upgrade the incandescent D and F units to use the newer lamps.
Used Advice:
The original Chromega heads should be considered as obsolete and we would
not recommend their purchase. The filter assemblies have long been
discontinued, and while it is possible to replace the individual filters,
it is a laborious and expensive undertaking. Nor can the lamphouse be
converted to use dichroic filters. At best it could serve as a diffusion
light source for B&W printing. |
