Leitz 1C Enlarger Lens

[bwieder]

Hello everyone,

I have these two lenses for my enlarger. A El-Omegar 50mm f3.5 and a Vivitar 50mm f3.5. Which one is the better lens to use? It will be used in my Leitz 1C. They are both equally clear of debris / dust in the elements.

Also I am missing the automatic lens focus lock thing on the enlarger. I have the top pressure spring tab. But not the movable lens lock tab (if that’s what it’s called). Does anyone have any insight on where to purchase this? Is it absolutely necessary?

Many thanks in advance,

 

[ic-racer]

I don't have the spec sheets for either, but I suspect both are 3 or 4 element lenses and would perform well up to about 8x10 enlargement.

 

[Elmarc]

Make a print with each lens and see which you like best or has better edge to edge performance.
The locking tab is only necessary if you want to achieve auto focus throughout the entire range of enlargements. If so, you will need the correct Leitz easel with a 1 inch baseboard to do so.
Alternatively, you can focus as you would normally with any enlarger.
I own a 1C and a Valoy. The latter is basically a 1c without the autofocus.
Hope this helps

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

As to which lens - try them both and see which one you prefer / dislike the least. Nobody here is going to be able to tell you which one to pick (won't stop anyone from voicing their opinion, of course).

 

[bwieder]

Make a print with each lens and see which you like best or has better edge to edge performance.
The locking tab is only necessary if you want to achieve auto focus throughout the entire range of enlargements. If so, you will need the correct Leitz easel with a 1 inch baseboard to do so.
Alternatively, you can focus as you would normally with any enlarger.
I own a 1C and a Valoy. The latter is basically a 1c without the autofocus.
Hope this helps

I don’t have the original easel. But the one I currently have is 1 inch. Would that be a viable substitute for it To achieve auto focus?

 

[Elmarc]

I don’t have the original easel. But the one I currently have is 1 inch. Would that be a viable substitute for it To achieve auto focus?

If the baseboard is one inch thick then yes. The tabs are not difficult to find. The two lenses will probably need independent calibration to the autofocus system.

 

[bwieder]

Thank you everyone for your response. It is greatly appreciated