Autofocus  4"x5" Enlarger

Introduced: 1954
Discontinued: 1979

As with all the Omega autofocus enlargers, the autofocus mechanism worked by means of a wheel that followed a "track" as the carriage was raised and lowered. The wheel was connected to a lever mechanism that altered the focus adjustment. The tracks were long aluminum plates configured for each focal length of lens being used. Due to variations in manufacturing tolerances, each track had to be custom profiled for the individual characteristics of a particular lens and lens mount combination. The track and lens mount were then engraved with the serial number of that specific lens. Up to three tracks could be installed on the enlarger at one time. Manual focus was limited to a fine focus adjustment; an uncalibrated track for the appropriate focal length was required for lenses for which no custom track was available.

In addition, the autofocus mechanism was designed for a 1" easel height. Users were instructed to prop up thinner easels to the required 1" height. Autofocus was not possible for lenses shorter than 50mm, and the D3 was never offered in an XL version.

In an era before automated print processing when even "drugstore" prints were printed individually, the autofocus enlargers were a great convenience. However, as automated printing of small prints was introduced, the autofocus advantage diminished and demand dwindled. The D3 was the last of the Omega autofocus models in production. 

Used Advice: Check that autofocus tracks and lensmounts included will meet your requirements.  Bear in mind that the short column and autofocus mechanism restricts minimum and maximum reproduction size and therefore the versatility of the unit.