Leitz Focomat V35 Variocontrast module

Malcolm Stewart · May 24, 2017

A few months ago I acquired a V35 with Variocontrast Module. I've now cleared a mass of junk out of my darkroom, and finally have the enlarger where I can use it - when I've cleared space for some trays.
I now see that my Variocontrast module has a range of 0-4. All references I've seen list the range as 0-5, so I assume that my module must be a very early example. The module seems in good condition, and after I applied a trace of grease to the moving parts, it's stopped squeaking.

BMbikerider · May 24, 2017

I have used a colour head V35 for multigrade printing and could get a full G5. Why the Vario contrast head should only reach as far as G4 I have no idea.

I don't know what paper you are using, but with every packet of Ilford and Kentmere Multigrade they give the filtration needed for Gd 00 to Gd 5. I don't know if you can transpose these values. On the other hand just how often do you need Gd 5?

A few years ago Leitz had a centre in Milton Keynes and they cleaned up an early Summicron 50/F2 for me. If they are still there perhaps a visit could throw some light on the differences.

BMbikerider · May 24, 2017

Forget my previous post about the Leica centre in MK - I have just checked and that closed in 2010! I also found this information:-

The company has taken the first floor of 25 Bruton Place, directly opposite the Leica Store. This is to enable on-site Leica camera sensor cleaning and other product support. This new facility is due to be operative by mid summer 2010.

They may be able to explain the differences

Malcolm Stewart · May 24, 2017

Thank you for your reply, and info about Leica's change of address, etc.

John Koehrer · May 25, 2017

If nothing else use a gr. 5 filter below the lens.

Malcolm Stewart · May 25, 2017

John Koehrer said:
If nothing else use a gr. 5 filter below the lens.

Your prompt has had me doing a search for my set of Multigrade filters; so far, I haven't found them, but I have found a set of Ilford Ilfospeed Multigrade filters from grade 1 to grade 7 (70-80s era?), complete with plastic calculator for working out exposure time. In addition I found my set of never used Ilford Ilfochrome filters in yellow, blue and magenta, as well as a UV stopper. As I rarely throw anything out, it should be just a matter of time before I find my set of more recent Multigrade filters.

John Koehrer · May 26, 2017

^^^I just found a stapler I've been looking for for about two years. Funny how things just show up isn't it?

youngrichard · May 28, 2017

Malcolm Stewart said:
A few months ago I acquired a V35 with Variocontrast Module. I've now cleared a mass of junk out of my darkroom, and finally have the enlarger where I can use it - when I've cleared space for some trays.
I now see that my Variocontrast module has a range of 0-4. All references I've seen list the range as 0-5, so I assume that my module must be a very early example. The module seems in good condition, and after I applied a trace of grease to the moving parts, it's stopped squeaking.

youngrichard · May 28, 2017

I acquired my V35 in about 1990; I think the camera shop saw the digital revolutiom coming, and let me have it (a demo model) for a mere £1200. I loved it, such a joy to use, but never felt that I was really getting Grades 0 to 5 as I was supposed to. When I retired in 2007 I acquired a Leitz 11c and a Durst DA900, both with Ilford Multigrade 500 heads, and boy, do they deliver the grades. And incidentally they cost a great deal less than £1200.
I don't know how the filtrations changed over the various incarnations of Multigrade papers. Back when I used fllters I had two or three sets as time went by, and one of them was labelled Multigrade 2; after that they were just Multigrade, so whether there was a filter set for MG 111 and another generation for MG 1V I don't know.
Richard

Ronald Moravec · Jun 14, 2017

I think it is just recalibrated. You can always ys the color module with max magenta.

ruilourosa · Nov 23, 2017

I could never get the highest contrast with dicroic filters... whatever brand or model... and even separate filters fade...

Malcolm Stewart · Nov 23, 2017

Thanks for the info; and as predicted in post #6, I found my newer Multigrade filter set in the last few days - whilst searching for something quite different..

Leitz Focomat V35 Variocontrast module

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency