Focomat IIc or Zone VI Type 2 Enlarger? Complete System?

[ikhwan]

Ikhwan, there are 2 lenses on IIc (but you already know that). One is 60mm (6cm) Focotar and other is either 95mm Focotar or 100mm V-Elmar or Focotar-II. If you have V-Elmar version, you can easily exchange it for Focomat-II (if you are able to find it). You can find more information here: http://leica-users.org/v31/msg11354.html

There is German company which maintains some spare parts and upgrades Focomats:
http://www.kienzle-phototechnik.de/...IIc__Vall/leitz_focomat_ic_iia_iic__vall.html

They also can exchange the lens mounts to accept modern lenses, although it's quite expensive.
Contact them for more information.

Whoa! Thanks palec. The ability to use modern lenses on IIc is great news! The site doesn't state how much it will cost tho. But I still hope I can see a comparison with V-Elmar and Schneider. Yes, Focotar II is very hard to find, it's like a myth. I've seen a great demand on this Focotar II lens since early 90s(from reading old forums), why can't Leica just make it again?

 

[Ronald Moravec]

If you want a 4x5, any color head machine is a diffusion enlarger. Contrast can be controlled with magenta and yellow filtration.

My omega D6 chromega does fine work from 35mm to 4x5, although I had to make /modify a 35mm carrier with a glass top. It is easy to allign and it stays that way.

The D2 also does fine work.

As far as diffusion vs condenser, a neg developed to print on either with #2 paper will look very close. Diffusion does not hide dust on a neg. how could it without obscuring detail? When working with small neg, a condenser will show a little more prominent grain but the effect is so small that you have to have comparison prints side by side. You can not look at one and say it is diffusion or condenser.
Taking one neg and varying the paper contrast does not give the same result. You must optimise the development for the enlarger and then put the prints side by side. Then you will be hard put to see the difference.

All that being said, I use a Focomat Ic for 35mm and the V35 sometimes. For 4x5 usually I pick the D2 over the color head D6. All color is done on the V35 and and Chromega.

It is all in the lens. That is where the money needs to go. Then a well alligned enlarger. The rest is all your skill.