Help with Leitz Focomat 1C Condenser Head

[Loren Sattler]

Hi, I picked up a Focomat 1C enlarger recently. It looks lightly used and is in very good condition with original lens and instructions.

I cannot determine how to disassemble the condenser head to clean the glass condensers and replace the power cord which is severely frayed. It looks like is should split horizontally at the middle seam, but it will not budge. Any suggestions? Maybe light oil on the seam? Heat? Before I try anything more than applying some finger pressure on the horizontal bead, I though I would seek advice. See photos.

Thanks in advance.

 

[summicron1]

the top should lift right off at that seam, unless some nimrod glued it or something. Probably just jammed on tight and hasn't been taken off for 50 years or so.

Try a bit more twisting or something. But, seriously, it lifts off. No screws, no bolts, no nothing. Friction joint, mostly just gravity, keeping the lid on.

Inside is the bulb and condenser. removal of condenser is very easy from there.

 

[Loren Sattler]

Got it open successfully by applying a little heat around the bead. Thanks Summicron for the help.

 

[Nathan King]

I had to rewrite mine, but it looks new and prints beautifully with the anti-Newton insert. After the top is removed twist the cap holding the condenser in. The cap will come off along with a spring. Lift out the condenser very carefully. Don't forget to remove the anti-Newton sleeve before lifting out the condenser! Don't ask how I know about that.