Introduction
The three Simmon brothers began producing enlargers in the mid-30s and are still in business today (as OmegaSatter). The original company was Simmon Brothers, and the greek Ω symbol was the logo; but over the years the symbol became the name of the product. Enlargers by Simmon Brothers are almost always referred to as "Omega" enlargers.
Omega enlargers typically follow a reliable name scheme: the letter designates the format size of the enlarger (i.e. the largest negative the enlarger can accept); the following number indiciates the model generation. A B size enlarger is larger than an A, a D is larger than both, etc. Typically the higher the number, the more recent the model. E.g. a B-22 is more recent than a B-3.
The letter formats are: "A" (35mm), "B" (2-¼-square), "C" (3-¼-square), "D" (4x5), "E" (5x7) and "F" (8x10).
There are some exceptions, as noted. Marketing departments love to depart from a standard naming scheme, and in some cases, a very popular model enlarger (such as the D5) remained in production after more recent machines were discontinued.
To the best of my knowledge, the XL designation refers to an extended-length column.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Mfg | Col. Type | Col. Height | Lens Focus | Focus Method | Baseboard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1938-1940s | Single Tube | Unknown | Bellows | Manual | Unknown | Very similar to the B, but for 35mm and similar (e.g. 828) formats |
| A2 | 1955-1962 | U-tube | Unknown | Cone | Manual | Unknown | Two different column lengths available, a standard "portable" and a longer "professional" |
| A3 | 1967-1970 | Single column | Unknown | Unknown | Manual | Unknown | Unusual design doesn't mimic the other Omegas. Modern Photography Test March 1968 |
| A6 | 1966-1972 | Dual-Rail | Unknown | Unknown | Manual | Unknown | Intended for professional use |
Series Comments
Omega's A series handled 35mm and equivalent (e.g. 828, 126, and half-frame). There aren't very many models here--most manufacturers had far better sales in medium-format (in modern times, images shot on size 120 roll-film). Since an enlarger can print any negative up to its largest size, many photographers preferred to buy medium-format enlargers even if the bulk of their work was in 35mm, just in case. 35mm enlargers' main attraction was their compact size and light weight, which made them better candidates for temporary darkrooms and small spaces.
Model Comments
Complete (Model A)
Please see my comments in the Other Omega section.Model A
This is actually Omega's second 35mm enlarger (the first being the Complete Model A). This was a traditional enlarger with a single tube column and a double condenser system.Model A-2
The 15 or so years between A models made this a huge updating, like its U-shaped column that's raked forward in the Omega fashion. Unfortunately, according to KHB Photographix, it has very few parts in common with other Omega models, so finding parts for it is tough.
Model A-3
Another radical departure from its predecessor. This was very simple and meant to be a beginner's enlarger.
Custom-Lab A-6
[Note: if there's an A-4 or an A-5, I am unaware of them.] The last of the A series, and almost the opposite (in terms of design) from the A-3. It offered the dual-rail column, rack-and-pinion height and focussing, and a diffusion head. It was aimed at professionals and labs, rather than hobbyists.