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The D5500 employed all of the technology
and design advances available in the early 1980s. Like the C760, the
column had no baseplate, but was bolted directly to the baseboard,
providing a very rigid support. The negative stage was extended
further forward to allow the lamphouse to be mounted squarely with no
overhang, reducing alignment problems. To further reduce alignment
issues, lifting levers were eliminated; the heads were fixed in
position and the enlargers incorporated a new carrier system utilizing
mask holders with the actual masks held in position magnetically. The
chassis was designed to accommodate power lift and focus controls.
Elevation control was through a centrally mounted, self locking,
quick-release handle, which was faster to use than the rack and pinion
system on the D5. Another useful touch was left and right-hand focus
controls.
Control of
the colorhead settings was from a convenient table level controller or
translator/controller, connected to the lamphouse via a ribbon cable,
with the controllers also providing timer functions. Since filtration
levels were electronically controlled, accuracy was improved compared
to using the mechanical thumbwheels on the Chromega D Dichroic
colorhead. The controllers also provided a computer interface port,
the intention being that users could control the enlarging process
from a computer using custom software. Relatively few of the D5500 condenser
enlargers were sold as it was discontinued when the ProLab II
condenser enlarger was introduced in 1985.
Despite the
advanced features, the D5500 failed to outsell the venerable D5, and
as the enlarger market slumped it was the D5500 that was discontinued,
rather than the older model.
Used Advice: The D5500 is fully
serviceable, but some parts are expensive. The electronics should be
closely examined for proper operation. Early controllers with the
membrane keypad were prone to keyboard failure. Conversion kits are
still available, but not inexpensive. Test the Fine Elevation Controls
for proper operation - please refer to our D5500
Service Advisory for details. |
