Focomat IIc replacement bulb and exposure times

[Hilo]

One thing I need to ask, is does the Focomat IIc use short or tall bulbs?

My Valloy II uses short enlargers incandescent bulbs, something I learned while seeking my first bulbs, which turns out to be important and can result in too short printing times.

Eli, the IIc basically uses normal bulbs (which you call tall bulbs) and yes, the Valoy II is better off with short neck bulbs. To me that has always been about even projection and not about too short exposures. However, my prints are never smaller than 24x30cm (workprints of about A4 size). I imagine when you print smaller than that exposures can become quite short.

It is correct that the Valoy II gives shorter exposures compared to the Ic and the IIc. I believe that results from the smaller lamphead of the Valoy II: the bulb sits closer to the negative compared to Ic and IIc enlargers.
Practically, 20x24in/50x60cm prints of 135 negatives with the Ic take about 70 seconds exposure. Using the Valoy II this is about 45 seconds. This is when using the Focotar stopped down twice.

I don't know the exposures for 135mm with the IIc, as it is seldom I print this size negative with this enlarger.

Over the years I have collected enlarger bulbs, the short neck variant in particular. Also the very large bulbs for the Durst 138. The latter are now almost impossible to find, unless one pays unreasonable prices.

Attached a picture of a short neck and a normal bulb

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Dr Fischer knows (and makes) what you need, contact them.

 

[eli griggs]

Your 'normal' bulb is still a bit shorter than what I first had as a bulb when I received my Valloy.

Thanks for the comparison shot!

 

[Hilo]

Your 'normal' bulb is still a bit shorter than what I first had as a bulb when I received my Valloy.

Thanks for the comparison shot!

Yes, the size of the bulbs varies between brands. Perhaps more so with the smaller ones. . .