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Leitz/Leica Focomat V35 model numbers



...spot on, Mike - the catalogue number on the Leica documentation for the Focomat V35 double-condenser lightbox is "042-823.260-000".

On to my little layman's test to ascertain whether the lightbox is a single- or double-condenser lightbox.

Directly below is an image of the V35 single-condenser lightbox on a flat even surface, with the light entrance for the IR cut-off filter facing upwards. The single-condenser lens is to the left of the image and the unit balances out with a slight tilt.


Leica Focomat V35 single-condenser lightbox

To compare with the image above, below is an image of the V35 double-condenser lightbox on a flat even surface, again with the light entrance for the IR cut-off filter facing upwards. The double-condenser lens is to the left of the image and, in comparison to the single-condenser lightbox, this double-condenser unit balances out flat because of the weight of the double-condenser lens on the left.


Leica Focomat V35 double-condenser lightbox

It appears the weight of the extra condenser lens suffices to balance the unit out flat - this does not happen with the single-condenser unit. Hope this makes sense.
 
...there is currently a Leica Focomat V35 double-condenser lightbox up for sale on eBay - the relevant item number is 132793589816. I hope notices such as this are not prohibited on this forum. Good luck.
 
Do you have a specific reason for wanting a V35? I had one for a while (2 actually, a second one for spare parts) bot sold it (them) and moved back to my good old Focomat 1c. I find the 1c a much better piece of equipment than the V35. The V35 is lots of plastic, cheap metal (the ones I had were quite rusty inside), very complex, vulnerable, spare parts hard to get, the polystyrene light box turns yellow and decays over time, DYI repairs are almost impossible, the issues with replacement bulbs are a burden today and will only become a bigger issue in the future. I am a huge fan of Leitz enlargers; I use a Valoy 2, Focomat 1c and Focomat 2c but I would not recommend a V35 unless you have some very specific requirements that a 1c cannot fulfill.
 
I appreciate the comparison to the Focomat 1c. I have no particular need for the V35 over a 1c. Perhaps I should be a little more open minded about a good 35mm enlarger.
 
Another vote for the Focomat 1C.
The 1C Color model has a built-in filter drawer.
 

Hi Andi, this is an incredibly helpful post for us trying to figure out what models exist for the V35.

I’m looking at both “first” and “late” version models. Two specific pros/cons I wanted to ask about -

For the “first” version - do you have concerns around the longevity of the transformer? I’m based in the US. And less clear on what the later transformer changes may improve upon, vs the first.

For the “late” - is the quality step down so bad, so to detract from ever getting this one?

Assuming similar price, condition and accessories/lens, which one would you choose


Thank you
 
Hi, sorry it took so long to answer, it seems I have not gotten a notification about your post.

> For the “first” version - do you have concerns around the longevity of the transformer?
> I’m based in the US. And less clear on what the later transformer changes may improve upon, vs the first.

No concerns at all. It should outlast your grandkids. The 10V more on the mains (120V s.110V) is not going to matter to the windings of the transformer. Its a simple standard barebones 110->12V EI core transformer. Even if it would fry at some point (and I'm fairly certain it won't unless there is a manufacturing defect), you can simply exchange it for another one salvaged from a desk lamp or so. Or go for a ready made regulated one (the ones made for LEDs should work fine. Just make sure the power rating is high enough (150W should be plenty).

> For the “late” - is the quality step down so bad, so to detract from ever getting this one?

I'd say it depends on the price. Its still a fine machine. If you can get the middle one, I'd prefer those. But if you can get a good sample of the late one for a good price, I'd not hesitate. I think its far more important to get one which is not run down - no matter which model.

Hope that helps you out.

Kind regards,
~andi