Axomat 4 expiriences

I am forming my laboratory and found on sale Axomat 4. Does anyone have any expirience with this enlarger? It looks to me low-tech but I plan to find some good lenses for it.
And of course, what kind of coil (I think that`s the word) does it have for lenses and where can I find them?
Thanks!

Boris, an Axomat 4 is quite an old Enlarger

However, if it has been well looked after it should be OK

Meopta made good enlargers

I have never used one

Where do you get Enlarging Lenses from - if they are not available locally can you import one from Europe - there is a good trade in second hand Lenses.

Enlarging Lenses have two standard thread sizes - 30.5mm dia - which is the old standard and 39mm which is the newer standard

More lenses are available in the 39mm thread size - but 30.5 are still available

I did a Google search and found a User Manual for the Enlarger - http://www.oldtimercameras.com/ephotozine/stock/Model.asp?Model=6641&ModelPage=true

I wish you success

Martin

what is more important in an enlarger,the lens or the enlarger itself in producing a good image?

The lens is far more important that the enlarger. It has to be well built, stable and available. Replacement parts and accessories are also something to consider. Take these factors into account about the enlarger and get a decent lens. This way, you'll be able to get some fine results.

The lens is most important, but there are a few things about an enlarger that will make a difference. The biggest thing is that the enlarger is properly aligned. That means that the negative plane is parallel to the lens board which is parallel to the base board. Fortunately, you can usually figure out a way to shim or adjust things to make everything parallel. By "coil" I think you might mean the lens thread (?). Modern lenses have a 39mm thread and older ones often have a smaller diameter thread. If the enlarger only accepts the smaller size, you can simply enlarge the hole to 39 or 40 mm so the lens will fit. Many enlarger lens boards are not threaded and a nut is used to retain the lens so you don't need to thread the lens board.

The lens is by far the most important part. Almost any enlarger can be adjusted to work well.

Hello Boris,
I have used two older Meopta enlargers, variations of the Opemus. Meopta represents " a lot of bang for the buck," as we say here in the U.S.A. They represent very good value and are a well-designed machines: the masking blades on the negative carrier ensure best contrast. The glass carrier ensures negative flatness.
The thread or coil might be a problem. Meopta used it's own thread mount, as well as 39 mm screw; I believe Meopta also sells adapters for mounting 39 mm lens to it. Properly aligned, and with a good lens, the Meopta enlarger is capable of totally professional results..

Hi Boris,
Axomat has serious limit of being for 35mm negatives only!!
You will find very easily Opemus 5 or 6 in Belgrade. There are thousands of them over there. Even better if you can find Magnifax 3 or 4, but look that they have condenser #3 for 50 mm lens. Originally they were sold with condensers for 105/80mm lenses. #3 condensor was sold separately and only thought Meopta Service centre in Zagreb (back in the day when we were the same country). Or you can look for Opemus with color head.
Srecno!!

Goran-who in his "previous life" lived in Belgrade

Hi Boris,
Goran again!
Please fell free to send me PM in serbian. It will be easier to communicate for both of us!
gorbas@lightspeed.ca
G