Leitz/Leica Focomat V35 model numbers

[asota]

Sorry for the late reply, but I've now remembered that I was given the part number for the double condenser module as "042-823.260-000".
This info was from a fellow darkroom enthusiast in the Milton Keynes, UK area. I remember doing a few eBay searches for one last year, but nothing came up.

...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.

 

[asota]

...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.

 

[Ron789]

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.

 

[Mike Bates]

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.

 

[choiliefan]

Another vote for the Focomat 1C.
The 1C Color model has a built-in filter drawer.

 

[chip j]

++1000 for the 1c--a real tool!

 

[lightswitch]

I think the change in the lamps does not correlate to the product versions. It may have been changed mid-cycle. The 6604 bulb is definitely the old one. You can get an adapter to the 13139 bulb from Kienzle (expensive). I'd go for a -002 version, unless you plan to install a LED lighting system or replace the power supply with a stabilized one. The reason is that the -002 Version has a transformer with multiple windings supporting various input voltages via a switch (110,120,220,230,240,250). In germany we used to have 220V later changed to 230 (we have mostly between 230-240 where I live). I think the same is true for the US 110->120V. The earlier Focomats only support 110/220V and since the power supply is not regulated (simple transformer) it will blow the 12V lamps sooner as they will burn hotter. In the beginning I had the switch at 230V and blew a lamp every other session. Since then I changed it to 250V and the lamps work for years.

I can't give you a definite answer as to product numbers, but I've seen about ten V35s personally which I've distilled to the following nomenclature:

1. First version. Black labelling on the head "FOCOMAT V35 / AUTOFOCUS". Stock config: 110/220V transformer, old lamp, old mixing chamber. Many have been upgraded by the user with the new lamp/mixing chamber.

2. Middle version. -002 in the type number. Grey labelling on the head "FOCOMAT V35 / AUTOFOCUS". Multi-voltage transformer and rotary voltage switch on the back side. Some with old some with new mixing chamber/lamp housing. I think it was chanced mid cycle. The later ones in the series have power switch which is rounded off on the edges. The earlier ones have a sharp edge rocker switch.

3. Late version. Black "LEICA V35" on the head (1989-1995 or so). Also the red dot logo is not solid but just a very thin plastic disc offset from the head which is easily scuffed. Came stock with the mv-transformer, new mixing chamber and new lamp housing, rounded rocker switch. I'm not certain if it had a -002 or -003 in the type number. It may have been a -003. Maybe Chris Lange could validate this details, as I believe he owns that model.

The only one to stay clear form (personal opinion) is the one with "LEICA V35" on the front. I've had two of these and sold them, the build quality is about two notches below the older versions. I would not go as far as saying the build quality is bad, it's still a very very good machine. But compared to the other eight older V35s I had, the lower quality was definitely noticeable, especially in the plastic parts.

The again it also depends on how the machines have been used. A new one barely used is better than an old one beaten to death in a news agency darkroom.

Of course, all this is derived from a sample size of ten and it might not be totally accurate. The definite answer to model numbers and design changes can probably be given bei Leica only.

Here is some more info, especially about the lamp versions and how to determine which mixing chamber you've got:

http://www.bonavolta.ch/hobby/en/photo/v35.htm

Replacing power supply. I have not done this, but as far as my electrical engineering skills go, it sounds reasonable. I'd go with the switching supply mentioned down the page:
http://www.bonavolta.ch/hobby/en/photo/v35suply.htm

Oh, an this wiki has some detailed info too:
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/V35_AF

For reference, if you need to align the head. The V35 has a perfectly aligned negative/lens stage. You need a hammer to misalign those two. However, the head/baseboard stage alignment is very touchy and easily misaligned (once its set, it's stays that way in normal operation, but if you accidentally push the arm a from the side or so or during transportation...). If it's only slightly off it can easily fixed by the little hex screws on the top of the column. Otherwise it gets a little more involved. It can be done but it's no fun. Here's a guide how to do (scroll down to the post by user "mpo"):

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/focomat-v35-alignment.286222/

Cheers,
~andi

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

 

[~andi]

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