Disclaimer #
For this project, I used a lot of AI for getting some starting point, doing research about domains I know close to nothing (optic, electronic...) and debbugging microcontroller software (I'm too lazy to read a datasheet in detail).
Goal #
Refurbish an old Omega D2 (maybe ?) enlarger. Build a light box with repeatable exposure.
Non-goals #
Build a perfectly calibrated-according-to-industry-standards light box. I'm working in closed loop and care only about comfort of use, repeatability and the final results I can get. Some calibration procedures and automation are foreseen though (because it's fun to work on that too).
Steps #
- Make a diffusion light box to replace the current light bulb + condenser
- Make a controller for exposure
- Replace worn out / missing focusing mechanism
Light box #
The light box must provide a light with even intensity and even wavelength that will flow through the negative and the lens and hit the photographic paper. Format I use are 24x36, 6x7 and 4x5.
Light is provided by three sets of LEDs
- Green for soft grade
- Royal blue for hard grade
- Red for focusing with safe light (optional)
Exposure controller #
The exposure controller ensures that the photographic paper receives the intended amount of light from each channel.
Exposure controller provides a UI for the enlarger head and drives the ATMega328p sending commands to turn on / off, set the intensity etc... via I2C.
Focusing #
Focusing mechanism is made of 3D printed parts and of the shelve parts. Bellows is hand made with thick paper.