dfoo
Well-known
Hi,
Since my old enlarger got destroyed when moving, I've been looking for a replacement. Although I shoot both medium format, and 35mm, my work is predominantly 35mm so I was thinking of getting a 35mm only enlarger.
I have a line on a quite new looking focomat 1c. Any words on this enlarger? Anything to look out for?
Since my old enlarger got destroyed when moving, I've been looking for a replacement. Although I shoot both medium format, and 35mm, my work is predominantly 35mm so I was thinking of getting a 35mm only enlarger.
I have a line on a quite new looking focomat 1c. Any words on this enlarger? Anything to look out for?
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
The Focomat 1c is one of the "industrial standards" for enlarger. Overbuilt and lasts forever.
If yours is a late.grey one with the tall column and white baseboard, you are in luck.
The thing to check on 1c's is the condition of the condensor - particularly the bottom part that lands on the film. Any scratches or nicks are bad. Also check the wiring - it goes through the upright post and can "rot" and it will happily ground through you, rather than the correct wiring! Easy fix as you just bypass the post and bottom switch and wire the lamp to a new cord and plug that into the timer.
Check the lens, on the later version (grey/white base board) it should be the Focotar-2 50mm f4.5. This is as good as it gets in enlarging lenses too.
Be sure that it comes with the negative carrier as these are difficult to find and expensive when you do!
I have been using 1c's and IIc's for decades and they are great. The condensor style light source can punch up the contrast a bit - but it is a sharp printing machine.
Setting the autofocus takes a bit of time, but the good part is that once done - it stays in focus forever. I usually check mine every 4-5 years, mainly to feel good about it.
Depending on if it has a filter drawer (bonus) or not. If it doesn't have one, just lift the lamp housing top off and drop the filters on to the top of the condensor. Sounds more complex than it is and works fine.
If yours is a late.grey one with the tall column and white baseboard, you are in luck.
The thing to check on 1c's is the condition of the condensor - particularly the bottom part that lands on the film. Any scratches or nicks are bad. Also check the wiring - it goes through the upright post and can "rot" and it will happily ground through you, rather than the correct wiring! Easy fix as you just bypass the post and bottom switch and wire the lamp to a new cord and plug that into the timer.
Check the lens, on the later version (grey/white base board) it should be the Focotar-2 50mm f4.5. This is as good as it gets in enlarging lenses too.
Be sure that it comes with the negative carrier as these are difficult to find and expensive when you do!
I have been using 1c's and IIc's for decades and they are great. The condensor style light source can punch up the contrast a bit - but it is a sharp printing machine.
Setting the autofocus takes a bit of time, but the good part is that once done - it stays in focus forever. I usually check mine every 4-5 years, mainly to feel good about it.
Depending on if it has a filter drawer (bonus) or not. If it doesn't have one, just lift the lamp housing top off and drop the filters on to the top of the condensor. Sounds more complex than it is and works fine.
dfoo
Well-known
Sounds great! This focomat has the filter drawer. I'll ask for details on the condensor. Does it really matter if it has the anti-newton insert?
photogdave
Shops local
What are the main differences between the Ic and the IIc? Which one is better to sho around for?
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
The Anti Newton glass does prevent those pesky rings. In most cases you will not have a problem with it, but if you shoot "green" film (just out of the film dryer, it can and will happen). The 1c anti newton glass is a bit scarce to find, but you can substitute by taping a "spacer" around the cut out in the negative carrier - or if you have access to a piece film big enough, just make a spacer from that. The condensor of the 1c sits right on the film (also keeps the film flat) and if there is any residual moisture in the film you can get an "interference" pattern.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
The Focomat Ic is strictly for 24x36 mm frame size or smaller. It is also considerably lighter and moveable! You can also change the lens on it and "upgrade" if you feel you need it. I occasionally use the Nikkor 63f2.8 and f4 on mine. The auto focus is not working with those lenses, but once I put the Focotar-2 back it kicks in again. If you dont need the auto focus function - look for a Valoy II Grey. It is the same enlarger without auto focus and the very late ones had anti Newton treated condensors! Eugeen Smith was a Valoy user and if you ever see some of his original prints - you probably wont need anything better than that.
The IIc will handle negatives up to 6x9 cm. It is a 80+ lbs machine. Quite complex with two different lenses, the 60f4.5 for 35 mm and either a 95 or 100mm 5.6 for larger negatives. It has custom fitted helicoils, matched to the specific lensbarrel. It also comes with mask's for various negative sizes. Unless you are using multi format negatives - go for the 1c. The learning curve of the IIc can bee steep and parts are getting difficult to find (Bowden cables for the switching of focal lengths, negative masks, up graded lenses- the old ones are OK but not great).
If you are printing a lot of 8x10 you will also bang your head into the lamp housing frequently. The housing is right at forehead level! You wont shake the enlarger - but you will definitely shake up your brain a bit!!!
Most IIc's have seen a hard life. They were standard at many newspapers and universities for printing. It is incredibly overbuilt - wearing one out would take decades.
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dfoo
Well-known
Thanks Tom! I just bought a Durst M 601, because I got sick of the seller not responding to my questions. However, I'm still interested in the focotar as well, and assuming the price is right I'll probably buy it. If buy it I'll post some pics here.
photogdave
Shops local
Thanks for the info Tom!
Edubarca
Member
Extension for my focomat 1c enlarger
Extension for my focomat 1c enlarger
Hello. I hope this thread is alive and well. After a health issue, now fully recovered, I want to start using my Leitz focomat 1c enlarger. The only problem I have now is that I am missing the extension tube so I can use my Nikkor 50mm f/4 lens. I found oneon the web but it is extremely expensive. Anyone of you guys can tell me where to get one with a reasonable price? I appreciate your help.
EDUARDO my email: [email protected]
Extension for my focomat 1c enlarger
Hello. I hope this thread is alive and well. After a health issue, now fully recovered, I want to start using my Leitz focomat 1c enlarger. The only problem I have now is that I am missing the extension tube so I can use my Nikkor 50mm f/4 lens. I found oneon the web but it is extremely expensive. Anyone of you guys can tell me where to get one with a reasonable price? I appreciate your help.
EDUARDO my email: [email protected]
Uncle Fester
Well-known
You don't need to have the Leica made tube to get your lens to work with the Focomat. Any M39 x 15mm (LTM) mount extension tube should work. Nikon even made one, probably to allow their 50mm EL-Nikkors to be used on the Focomat and the Valoy II as well.
Emile de Leon
Well-known
Usually you can find them if you look for about $25- usd..DOORX.
Here's one..offer him $25 for it..if he doesn't bite..there are plenty more..they come and go...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Leit...644772?hash=item2138e7eea4:g:L6wAAOSwhiZaglCy
But I would try to find a Focotar 2 with DOORX included..to put on your 1C..as that lens is good wide open and made for the enlarger...
Here's one..offer him $25 for it..if he doesn't bite..there are plenty more..they come and go...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Leit...644772?hash=item2138e7eea4:g:L6wAAOSwhiZaglCy
But I would try to find a Focotar 2 with DOORX included..to put on your 1C..as that lens is good wide open and made for the enlarger...
Edubarca
Member
Thank you very much. I am extremely excited to know that I don't have to sell my house to buy the extension tube!!!.
Edubarca
Member
I hope he bites!!! Thanks. And this is the only extension tube for my Nikkor lens? I won't buy another lens, for the time being, becuase I already have the Nikkor.
Edubarca
Member
He accepted my offer and the extension is on its way. Another question. When it arrives, the only thing i have to do it just screw it to the enlarger and lens? No other adjustment or anything else to adjust or do? Thanks, my friend.
Emile de Leon
Well-known
The DOORX is made for the Leica Focotar...you will have to see on the Nikon...should be fine though...as long as there are no mechanical or focus issues..
Don't know if that Nikon will autofocus on the 1c correctly though..you will have to see..
I don't use the autofocus..just focus manually all the time...as I don't like glass on top of my negs for dust reasons..
The DOORX also works as a nice extension ring for closeups with lenses with a 39mm thread..your Nikon should do great there..
Don't know if that Nikon will autofocus on the 1c correctly though..you will have to see..
I don't use the autofocus..just focus manually all the time...as I don't like glass on top of my negs for dust reasons..
The DOORX also works as a nice extension ring for closeups with lenses with a 39mm thread..your Nikon should do great there..
Blaidd_Drwgg
Member
For setting the Autofocus on the Ic:
- rest the clamp on the column on the pin set in the lower hole
- Do all the following settings on a piece of photopaper on the baseboard
- Put the head to highest magnification
- Focus using the knurled helix in which the lens sits. Depending on the lens, you may need no or a different M39 extension ring. The DOORX fits most of the standard ones. Without it, you can use a standard LTM camera 50mm
- If you have a clamp to fix the focus, position it now
- Lower the head all the way
- Loosen the two screws that hold the focus cam on the right side of the negative stage. Dont take them out completely, the plate behind the cam in wich they screw is a pain to get back in there. (wanna guess how i know?)
- Use the knurled chrome screw with the red dot to focus again. Don't touch the helix.
- If the image is in focus, tighten the two screws to fix the cam.
- Raise the head again. If the focus is still ok, you are done. Sometimes you have to repeat it because it was too far off.
- To use the Autofocus feature, you have to set the clamp to the easel height above the lower pin-hole. The upper hole is for standard Leitz easels of 2.5cm.
dickgillberg
Member
Thank you!
Edubarca
Member
As stated before, I followed the link you sent me, made an offer and he accepted. Your explanation is for installing my Nikkor lens as asked before? I am afraid I will have to contact you when the tube arrives because I think that unless I have the extension on my hands it won't be easy to follow your instructions.
Emile de Leon
Well-known
Its just an extension tube..screw the lens in to DOORX..and then screw DOORX into the enlarger..couldn't be easier..but lenses are different from different brands..and years made..but it looks like your Nikon f4 will do fine...fit that is..
But if you want autofocus..and don't want manual focus..you will have to see if the Nikon works or not..as lenses have different nodal points etc..
The Focotar 2 was made for the 1C enlarger..a perfect match..you may eventually want to get one of those..and use the less expensive Nikon in the meantime..
But if you want autofocus..and don't want manual focus..you will have to see if the Nikon works or not..as lenses have different nodal points etc..
The Focotar 2 was made for the 1C enlarger..a perfect match..you may eventually want to get one of those..and use the less expensive Nikon in the meantime..
PRJ
Another Day in Paradise
I have a DOORX and I also have a 1cm tube. Different lenses require different tubes. Not all lenses will work with the DOORX. Also, not all lenses will work with the autofocus because of slight differences in the focal length. This is especially true with 2.8 lenses. Leica built a little fudge factor into the system with their 4.5 lenses.
If you can't get your Nikkor to work well, try to find a Durst Neonon. They work fine and are great lenses and can be had for peanuts. (Probably better than your Nikkor.) They also match the autofocus, or at least the one I have does. Also, the Focotar 2 is not the be-all-end-all of enlarger lenses. Personally, I would avoid it from my experience. Too much curvature. If you want to stick with a Leitz lens, get the LFE version.
If you can't get your Nikkor to work well, try to find a Durst Neonon. They work fine and are great lenses and can be had for peanuts. (Probably better than your Nikkor.) They also match the autofocus, or at least the one I have does. Also, the Focotar 2 is not the be-all-end-all of enlarger lenses. Personally, I would avoid it from my experience. Too much curvature. If you want to stick with a Leitz lens, get the LFE version.