Leitz Focomat 1C extending the column

[Hilo]

Check out what I found for this enlarger. I had never seen it. As far as I understand it is a column extender and probably for the short column version of the Focomat 1C. Works perfect and brings the head up far enough to do 50X60cm (20X24). I believe it is made by Leitz, but am not sure. Anyone ever seen it?

Michael

 

[Alex Muir]

I've never seen one of these, but it looks good. Your enlarger is in great condition. I picked up a 1A for free a few weeks ago. It's not in great shape, but can be restored. I'm keeping it as a project.
Alex

 

[Hilo]

Alex, yes that 1C is a beauty!

What I forgot to say in my 1st post, is that to have the enlarger head go a bit further away from the column is also a good thing . . . some of my easels bump into the column when doing large prints.

 

[Alex Muir]

Alex, yes that 1C is a beauty!

What I forgot to say in my 1st post, is that to have the enlarger head go a bit further away from the column is also a good thing . . . some of my easels bump into the column when doing large prints.

I noticed the design pushes the lens axis a bit further from the column. That will certainly help with bigger prints. The problem with straight columns is the tendency for the column to obstruct the easel as you say. Durst make a column extension for some models that works a similar way, only on a flat column.
Alex.

 

[Hilo]

Durst make a column extension for some models that works a similar way, only on a flat column.Alex.

Do you know if Durst made this extension arm for their L1000?

I use a Leitz easel that takes 16X20 (40X50cm) paper and this is ok with the Focomat 1C. Then a RRB easel for 20X24 (50X60cm) and this just makes it, leaving some white around the image.

The Valoy II gives more problems, if I remember well 16X20 is already a problem. I extended a Valoy II myself for this reason. Sacrificed a 2nd one and used it's rectangular "plateau" under the head. Works very well, now it goes up to 20X24.

Yesterday I first installed this 1C extension and just checked with a negative projected. Although it is not that much that the arm comes out further from the column, it makes quite a difference. But I wouldn't mind to have it further out, so I could bring the whole thing down the column - this is not possible now.

 

[Trask]

What an interesting accessory -- now that I know these exist I'll look for one for my Ic too. Thanks for posting.

 

[Fred D]

What an interesting accessory -- now that I know these exist I'll look for one for my Ic too. Thanks for posting.

I see something else I did not know it existed. The filter holder looks like it was made by Leitz! Is it? Or did you use another brand holder?

Thanks, Fred

ps first time poster here

 

[Hilo]

The filter holder was made by Leitz. It replaces the red filter and you need a special longer screw with it. Not easy to find. You can also use filter holders of other brands, with a small modification.

I think it was made in the US or in Canada, when poly contrast filters were introduced. If I am correct it is listed in one of the catalogs of Leitz US. Obviously it was (almost) a service to owners of the first version Focomat 1C without the drawer for colour filters. I think these were not made by Leitz in Germany, but I am not sure. It is just that they never show up in Europe.