Focomat 1c and Taylor Hobson Ental ll enlarging lens

[Robbie Bedell]

Has anyone here even mounted a 2" 3.5 TH Ental ll enlarging lens on a Focomat 1c? I just bought a nice one and am awaiting it from England. Now I am reading that the lens may have different mounting threads and I am beginning to worry. Does anyone know if the lens just might have regular E39 threads? Thank you! Robbie

 

[apbphoto]

Hi Robbie, yes and as you have probably discovered it does not mount directly. If you don't have the adapter already what you need is a 1.25 inch to E39 adapter. Jose at customphototools.com can provide this. The lens is worth the effort/expense and has an entirely different backfocus to any other 2"/50mm lens I have tried. You may not need the extension tube that Focotars and other lenses need.

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Hi Robbie, yes and as you have probably discovered it does not mount directly. If you don't have the adapter already what you need is a 1.25 inch to E39 adapter. Jose at customphototools.com can provide this. The lens is worth the effort/expense and has an entirely different backfocus to any other 2"/50mm lens I have tried. You may not need the extension tube that Focotars and other lenses need.

Yes! I have learned this. In fact I, 10 days ago, ordered one from Jose and he emailed me yesterday that his is preparing to mail it, so my wating game has started. I cannot wait to try it. A long time ago I got two half-sized Focomat extensnion rings, so if the lens needs just a little extension it should work. My Ross Resolux works like that. I will report back in a week or so how every thing works out. Thank You!

 

[apbphoto]

It's a really nice lens with smooth contrast and sharp though corners are not perfect: rarely a problem. Solidly built and ergonomically satisfying. Mine had a yellow cast which IU think comes from Thorium glass. A few weeks exposure to sunshine cleared that up (a UV lamp might be quicker) but I guess it would have only extended exposure times a little at worst. Enjoy it!

 

[cliveh]

A 2" Taylor Hobson is the dogs bollocks of lenses. Lucky you.

 

[Lachlan Young]

At the end of the day, it's just another 4e/3g enlarging lens with a mythical reputation because so few have used one. It might have been better than many of its contemporaries of similar layout, but there are good reasons why so many Focomat Ic's acquired 50/2.8's almost as soon as the 6e/4g lenses started appearing.

I think there are a few Entals out there that had barrels specifically for dropping into the Focomat Ic - or it might have been the equivalent Ross Resolux.

 

[Robbie Bedell]

It's a really nice lens with smooth contrast and sharp though corners are not perfect: rarely a problem. Solidly built and ergonomically satisfying. Mine had a yellow cast which IU think comes from Thorium glass. A few weeks exposure to sunshine cleared that up (a UV lamp might be quicker) but I guess it would have only extended exposure times a little at worst. Enjoy it!

My adaptor is finally in the mail to me from Portugal and can't wait to try it. Mine is as clear as new with none of the yellowing. I suppose being adicted to enlarging lenses is not so serious a vice, but hey, what can I say? That's the way it is!

 

[Robbie Bedell]

A 2" Taylor Hobson is the dogs bollocks of lenses. Lucky you.

Thanks! My dogs bollocks collection is growing!

 

[apbphoto]

Robbie, I’d be interested in your findings after you’ve had a chance to try this lens. I’ve got one as well as a 3 1/4” and a monster 8 1/4”. They’re all fine lenses but like you I’m addicted to them rather than having any real need.

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Robbie, I’d be interested in your findings after you’ve had a chance to try this lens. I’ve got one as well as a 3 1/4” and a monster 8 1/4”. They’re all fine lenses but like you I’m addicted to them rather than having any real need.

I will report back as soon as I try it! Stand by...a week or so...