According to the information on the lamphead of my Omega D5 enlarger, the 75-watt #211 bulb is standard. I would like more light output because I am printing XP-2 negs exposed at E.I. 200 (they're dense, but they make beautiful prints!). Has anyone tried a #212 (150-watt) bulb in a D5? Any problems?

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), June 16, 1999

Answers

Well, I went ahead and tried a 212 lamp in my D5 for a printing session of several hours, longest exposures 23 seconds. No problems as far as I could tell, and the lamphead was only slightly warm to the touch. So far, so good.

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), June 17, 1999.

I've heard of one danger but it's probably an old wives' tale - the top condenser may crack from the heat from the bigger bulb. I have a D2V that came with a 212. It also had a heat absorbing glass in place above the condensers. Printing times were so short I replaced it with a 211 so I can't confirm any problems. Nonetheless, I'd be a bit careful about allowing cold air on the top condenser after a long printing session.

Check also that your timer can handle a 150W bulb. The inrush current can be quite high which may cause the switch to fail if it's rated for a smaller bulb.

Cheers,

-- Duane Kucheran (dkucheran@creo.com), June 21, 1999.