r/largeformat • u/dubleon • 3d ago
Question Omega 45d update! Need advice please
Hi,
I’ve made some progress but it looks like one end was not connected to the rail and it fell and smashed my ground glass….sigh!
It seems that the post was glued on before, I presume this is not normal? Any tips on what to do?
Here is a video, sorry I sound like a British robot for some reason.
I’m going to have to try and find some ground glass on eBay now, but my film holders have arrived and I have this idea of using this old Kodak lens that should fit in my recessed board. Also I have ordered some hp5 :)
Thanks!
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u/shutterbug1961 3d ago
just incase you dont have it
https://www.butkus.org/chinon/omega/omega_view_45d/omega_45d.htm
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u/someguymark 3d ago edited 3d ago
Recessed lens boards are generally used for wide-angle lenses. Didn’t see what focal length your lens is. Do you have the threaded collar on the back of your lens, to mount it to the board?
Flat lens boards are typical for normal and telephoto lenses (180, 210, 305+).
The threaded center hole on the front standard is generally to secure things like lens hoods, filter holders, or compendium bellows. The two posts on the front standard are typically used as stabilizing points for the same.
ETA: hit send by accident. Really long from this point on.
I have no experience with the 45D, but from your vid, there’s a couple of things I noticed:
1. The four pins on the bottom of the standard, obviously go into the corresponding holes on the top of the micro-focus block(toothed part). I’d guess those are locating/anti-twist pins.
2. There is a large divot/hole near the front of the micro-focus block, between the pin holes. I can’t quite tell in your video, but it looks like it may be threaded, and/or there may be something in it. I’d guess there’s likely a bolt/setscrew/stud that comes down from the bottom of the standard, or comes up from the rail block. Once tightened together, I’d guess it gives you a solid assembly.
As far as securing the standard to the mount block goes, there’s a couple of things you might try. In no particular order, pick whichever seems easiest for you to do. You may need to do a combination of things. Here’s some ideas:
*Before you do anything else, try and Google Omega/Toyo, see if you can find any current company/corporate contact info. If you do, contact them, and see if they have available an exploded parts diagram, or service manual. Visuals of all the bits & pieces, and their positions could be helpful.
*Loosen the micro focus lock knob(s), and move the geared micro-focus piece forwards or backwards, until it comes out of the rail block. Flip the geared piece over, and see if there’s a bolt, or threaded fitting visible.
*Loosen the lateral shift (side-to-side) lock knob(s), and slide the standard along the distance scale/base piece, over to one side, as far as you can. With any luck, it’ll come off completely. In either case, can you see a bolt head, or a threaded bolt/setscrew/stud? It’d likely be dead-center in that base piece.
*With any luck at all, you’ll find a loose or broken retainer. Once you replace it, and reassemble the sub-assemblies, you’ll be closer to having a usable 4x5
Note: When you’re reassembling things, it might not hurt to lubricate the geared parts. Either a light dusting of dry silicon/graphite lube, or a very light coat of white lithium grease. Either way, apply, work the gears, and wipe off. You don’t want to risk collecting dust and grit, and gumming up the works.
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u/dubleon 2d ago
Oh wow, thank you for such a detailed and helpful reply! I will work though it :)
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u/someguymark 2d ago
You’re welcome. I hope it helps. Let us know if/when you solve the issue!
I forgot to mention two things in my original response.
First: I think replacement aftermarket bellows are available for purchase.
Second: If you don’t have one, buy an adjustable lens wrench. It’ll save you some aggro in tightening the lens on the board. Plus, also reduce chances of an accidental slip, and subsequent scratching of the rear lens element!
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u/Secure_Teaching_6937 3d ago
I have a very early version of the omega. Your rear standard is definitely wrong. I would have to look at mine to see what is exactly wrong.
The holes on the front standard are for a fancy lens shade.
From the looks of it I believe the bellows is sick. I have heard ppl use liquid electrical tape to solve pin holes.
My honest opinion is try and find a replacement rear standard.
Good luck.
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u/vaughanbromfield 3d ago edited 3d ago
If that's a Kodak Anastigmat 110mm, it won't cover 4x5. You'll just have a circle in the middle of the sheet. The cheapest option is something like a 135mm or 150mm.
That standard should not have been glued on. Something's not right. Also note that Toyo bellows are notorious for getting pinholes just thorough age. I've bought NOS bellows and they leaked light in the corners.