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At
first glance, the Custom-Lab A-6 enlarger looks much like other Omega
enlargers of the 1960s, but in fact it's very unique. It came with a
double rail column and zoom condenser lamphouse, both unusual for a
35mm enlarger. But it was the light system that was most unusual.
Instead of the standard PH111A or PH211 75w incandescent lamps, the A6
used a 150w projector lamp and a ceramic reflector to provide very
bright, semi-diffuse light. The power supply for the lamp was
incorporated in a box at the base of the column. The high light output
required some means of attenuation, so push buttons were provided on
the power supply to increase or decrease the light output by one and
two stops from normal.
It also boasted rack and pinion
elevation and dual range focusing. Intended for the professional photo
lab, the deluxe nature of the A6 meant that it was rather pricey -
more than 3 times the price of a B22 - though it did share negative
carriers and lens mounts with that model.
It was sold in only the XL column
length and no colourhead was provided for it. The high price, plus the
fact that it was limited to 35mm and smaller formats, meant that the
A6 never achieved significant sales figures.
Used Advice: This is a
relatively rare enlarger, so although negative carriers and lensboards
will not be a problem, the power supply and ceramic reflector in
particular should be checked, since these items will be difficult, if
not impossible, to replace. |
