Leitz Focomat V35 Variocontrast module

[Malcolm Stewart]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[John Koehrer]

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

 

[Malcolm Stewart]

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]

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

 

[youngrichard]

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]

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]

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

 

[ruilourosa]

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

 

[Malcolm Stewart]

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..