leitz v35

i just got this enlarger from a local auction, but it has one issue:
the blades for the cropping frames are stuck and one is probably not attathced to the adjusting nuts.
how do i get into the mechanism and how do i repair it ???
klaus
nibe

Over the last year I have acquired three Leitz V35s and there are some unexpected problems accessing that area. I don't think Leitz ever expected their V35 enlarger to get stored in damp cellars etc. where several areas were susceptible to going rusty.
The most I would recommend is to remove the enlarger lens, negative / slide frame holder and the condenser-diffuser assembly, and if the crop frame isn't visible, you're no worse off than with other enlargers not provided with crop frames. If the crop frame is stuck in position, and blocking image forming light, I'd suggest slight pressure using a flat blade screwdriver whilst turning the appropriate knob.
Knob:
Outer left - left edge of image
Inner left - front edge of image i.e. furthest from column
Inner right - rear edge of image
Outer right - right edge of image

The crop frames etc. on one of my V35s are somewhat rusted, and stiff to use. but my other enlargers have never had crop frames, and I've managed to produce acceptable, and even contrasty prints..

If you can project a full area image to the easel, my advice is to leave well alone. Trying to work out why my first V35 wouldn't focus correctly, I managed to remove the lower focus sleeve. I could then look up towards the cropping frames, but could I get the focus sleeve back where it belonged? No way! Eventually - after remembering something about freeze fitting, I tried deep-freezing the aluminium sleeve, and it went back with no problem. The other problem is the small spring loaded steel ball which flies out during the process. I've bought replacement steel balls, but I've still to get the steel ball replaced, and without it, there's no focus detent action. You certainly don't want to "adjust" in any way the AF cam setting, locked by blobs of paint - it's my understanding that these enlargers are no longer serviced by Leitz..

See http://www.bonavolta.ch/hobby/en/photo/v35.htm for more information.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

If you can print the full frames then just leave it as-is. The V35 is a nightmare to self-service.... I'm talking from experience. Leitz deliberately applied constructions that made it almost impossible to service them by yourself. Their philosophy was that this instrument was so delicate and precise that it should only be serviced by qualified technicians in Leitz repair shops using dedicated Leitz toolkits. But now we're some 40 years later, it turns out that even V35's don't live forever without flaws.... they rust, the lightbox erodes, the lamps are no longer available or extremely expensive, the autofocus is vulnerable. It's wise to be very careful when purchasing a V35. They are not built as strong and lasting as the earlier Focomats and Valoys. If you can get one that's good it's a great instrument; use it as long as it lasts and enjoy it! But if it has flaws.... forget it and better look for a good Focomat instead.

hi malcolm and ron.
thank you for your kind advices.
well, i like things prescent to operate properly, but in this case i understand there is no cure to the problem.
as the last recourse i thought of giving it a short blow of WD40 or likewise.
how does that sound to you ?

claudius said:

hi malcolm and ron.
thank you for your kind advices.
well, i like things prescent to operate properly, but in this case i understand there is no cure to the problem.
as the last recourse i thought of giving it a short blow of WD40 or likewise.
how does that sound to you ?

Click to expand...

My understanding is that the "WD" in WD40 originally stood for "Water Dispersant", and that it now also gets used as a branding. If you are keen on lubricating this area, I'd suggest using one of the lubricants aimed at the bicycle chain area. I have two - both spray lubricants, and one carries PTFE to the mechanism. I still don't think I'd recommend simply spraying any lubricant into the V35 innerds, but instead, spray on to a saucer or similar, and then apply using a small paint brush.
(I certainly wouldn't recommend the use of graphite powder in this application - too high a risk of graphite getting on your prints etc.)

Let us know if you are successful.

hmm, i am thinking, might leave it as is after all ?
klaus

WD 40 is a little lube, lots of carrier.

Home Depot has a garage door lube that work better than anything else I ever tried. Keeps garage door springs from rusting. Keeps some parts of my miter saw working when nothing else will do because it is stored outside.

Hopps gun oil for things stored inside