Leitz V35 Question

[jmal]

I currently use a cheapo Omega C700 enlarger with an older Nikkor lens (the heavier metal bodied version). I'm considering picking up a V35 and was wondering if I could expect better image quality with it? I would assume that the alignment of the enlarger would be much better. It also seems that it uses a glass carrier, which would mean flatter negatives. Lastly, the lens might be a little better, but I don't know. Any thoughts? Is it worth the upgrade? Thanks.

 

[kameranerd.com]

I dont know the Omega but i use the V35, and its easy and fast to use, autofokus works good, i have tried both carrier with glass and without, cant see any difference.

Kent

 

[Mark Fisher]

It is hard to say if you will get higher quality prints, but I can say it is much easier with the V35......particularly with the color or VC head. My 35mm prints are noticable better with the V35 than with my other enlarger (Omega D2). Given how cheap the V35 is now, it seems to an easy decision so long as you can live with a 35mm only enlarger.

 

[clogz]

I have used one for years and I like it a lot. Make sure to adjust the column for the height of your easel or else the autofocus can't do its work.
http://www.bonavolta.ch/hobby/en/photo/v35.htm

Hans

 

[mmcclellan]

I've been using a V35 for years and love it! I will never sell it -- for 35mm, you can't beat it and it's so easy to use. I would not hesitate a second to make the switch, but be sure to test it first to make sure it's sharp.

 

[df cardwell]

No comparison, V35 is the best.

 

[Allen in Montreal]

No comparison, V35 is the best.

I would agree, nothing as nice, easy to work with and as good as the V35.

 

[Gary Holliday]

Without knowing the actual condition of your Omega and Nikkor it's hard to say. If your lens isn't that great and your enlarger is misaligned, you'll obviously not get good results...so buy a new enlarger. I have a C760 which I use for 120 and the V35 for 35mm stuff.

Assuming the V35 is in good condition, it's a really enjoyable enlarger to use with a lovely lens. The Hasselblad of 35mm enlargers!

 

[edtbjon]

...
Assuming the V35 is in good condition, it's a really enjoyable enlarger to use with a lovely lens. The Hasselblad of 35mm enlargers!

Ehh, a little format mis-match I recon. It should of course be "The Leica of 35mm enlargers."

Now if only Leitz had put decent lenses on the Focomat IIc... (Did I hear Keinzle?)

(A longer story: I visited PhotoKina some 20 years ago and had a beer and a chat with the then new swedish agent for Leica. I was quite surprised with hearing him say that a Leica did give the same result as a Hasselblad. It took me a while before I could convince him that it wasn't a good selling argument with the knowledable crowd using any of (or both) of the brands.
Needless to say, this was at the time when AF cameras really started to gain market shares. Leica didn't gain anything in Sweden and it took about a year or so for this particular agent to sell the agency to someone else.)

//Björn

 

[Lee L]

The Hasselblad of 35mm enlargers!

Interesting choice of metaphor. I'd have called it the Leica of 35mm enlargers.

Lee

apparently Bjorn would as well

 

[Gary Holliday]

Ok I concede

 

[DanielOB]

V35 Leitz enlarger is the best choice for 35 mm film. However the Leitz lens that come with the enlarger should be replaced to make it all top enlarger.
The best is to ger Schneider 40mm APO-Componon lens (arond $500), or
even better to find Rodenstock 50mm APO lens and make the enlarger change for that lens. Take care for light bulbs and make supply of 3 of them.

Daniel OB
www.Leica-R.com