Leitz/Leica Focomat 1a enlarger

[chandni]

Hi,
I have the opportunity to buy a Leica/Leitz Focomat 1a, although I know that the Focomat Ib, II onwards are highly regarded, I haven't been able to find much information on the Focomat 1a, its features, limitations and performance.
The column and baseboard is included but not the focotar lens.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thank you.

 

[frank]

I have one of these that I don't use because the bellows is kaput.

Sturdy unit. Make sure you have the neg carrier.

Looks like this:

 

[Hilo]

I would say this enlarger is interesting for someone collecting Leitz enlargers. For actual use in your darkroom, I would look for the later versions of either the Focomat 1C or the Valoy II.

 

[chip j]

I read it's not quite as sturdy as a Ic, but I'd give it a go if the price is right. You can probably use any 50mm lens on if the auto-focus is adjustable like the Ic. Google it!

 

[chandni]

I can use a 50mm lens, the information from google so far tells me of its specifications, what fits etc, difference from later models.

Any opinions on its performance? image quality wise?
Would you prefer equipment this over say a beseler 23c or omega b22 or any of the basic models of other brands?

 

[fotch]

Welcome to APUG

 

[John Koehrer]

Smaller & more compact than the 23C. The B22 is a bit taller but as light, it's also able to print with 6X6 negatives. With the B22XL you can do larger prints on the baseboard.
The Focomat may be limited to 8X10 print size unless you raise the focusing parallelogram setup and focus manually. If you wanted to leave it in the raised position, the AF can be adjusted to work.