Leitz 1c Under Lens Filter Options

[Richard Jepsen]

The previous owner of my 1c fabricated an under-the-lens filter holder. I noticed the fabricated filter holder is vignetting the projected image in two corners when making large prints.

Has anyone used the swing-out holder (with the filter removed) to rest flat 2.5 x 2.5 inch contrast filters and avoid vignetting?

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

See if you can raise the filter and/or filter holder towards the lens.

 

[Richard Jepsen]

I never thought of the obvious!! The fabrication consists of a nice cut wood block glued to the 1c rounded metal horizontal piece which is attached to the two parallelogram arms at the bottom of the enlarger under the lens. A metal holder is screwed into the wood block.

 

[Steve Weston]

Hi
The method i used was to glue a Cokin filter holder to an ilford below lens filter holder. Cut of the bolt holder lugs from the ilford filter holder so it is flat. Cut the filter slots of the Cokin filter holder and then super glue them together. Fit the appropriate adaptor ring to the Cokin adapter and screw in to the lens. This enabled me to use the ilford safe filter and have a filter holder that could rotate slightly for easy access. i did have a Nikon lens fitted to my 1C so adaptor ring was not a problem. i am not sure if the Leitz lenses have screw threads but it worked a treat. Sadly I have not got my darkroom any more. Turned digital and sold it all. Now my wife doesn't understand me wanting to get a film camera and getting back to the simple things.

Steve

 

[Richard Jepsen]

I'll have to look again. I have access to the ilford/Kodak plastic square filter trays which come with their kits. The one that use screws to attach the plastic holder to I think the lens. Won't that work??

Good to hear you're thinking of returning to wet processing. A good print looks different than digital; richer and deeper. Besides, everyone can do digital.

 

[Steve Weston]

Thats the one. Yes you can use the screws but they always seem to be in the way. i also used this holder to fix it to my Vivitar VI rather than play around with dials etc.

Steve

 

[Richard Jepsen]

A few months ago I discovered the vignetting problem was not the fabricated filter holder but the lens. The vignetting was eliminated when I replaced the 50MM Schneider Componan-S with my Leitz Focotar. The Focotar is ever so slightly longer. I have to say I am surprised and delighted. Using the 1c with the fabricated filter holder is certainly convenient and a Leitz 1c is only equaled by a V35. The vignetting was noticeable on enlargements greater than 5x7.