Need some help for the Letiz focomat 1C colour

CrazyCockatoo

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Hi guys, i have a letiz focomat 1c colour enlarger, i have successfully print several b&w photos. Can anyone give me some imformation and advice on how to do a colour print on this enlarger? Thanks
 

koraks

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Welcome aboard! Printing color is no different on this enlarger from any other. Get some color paper, developer and blix, and get going. Adjust filtration based on test strips and/or ringarounds. Plenty of tutorials and YouTube videos on how to do this.
 
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Focomatter

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The color versions of the Focomat models come with a filter drawer (for color printing filters as well as filters for VC B&W papers)
 
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CrazyCockatoo

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Focomatter said:
The color versions of the Focomat models come with a filter drawer (for color printing filters as well as filters for VC B&W papers)
Click to expand...

Thanks. Any ideas on what filter should i buy? i found a colour printing lens set on ebay Durst Color Printing Filters for Durst M601 Enlarger Unbreakable CPFIL601 93114, will it work?
 
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CrazyCockatoo

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can't find the correct colour filter, any ideas?
 

Patrick Robert James

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When I first started printing a few decades ago I bought a set of color filters that were branded Cibrachrome I believe. They worked fine although it isn't the easiest way to print color. A color head is obviously easier. If you can find a set though they will work. Ebay has them. Make sure you buy something in good shape though. Filters aren't very durable.
 
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CrazyCockatoo

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Ilford Cibachrome-A DY-Filter Set in Jewel Case | eBay

Filters are in excellent condition. Crack on the plastic jewel case.
www.ebay.com.au
 
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CrazyCockatoo

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Is it this one? i think i have saw it before on a Youtube tortorial before, the youtuber didn't say the name of the set, but looks like this.
 

btaylor

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The Unicolor 3x3 inch filter sets are fairly abundant on eBay for about $20.
 

Patrick Robert James

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CrazyCockatoo said:

Ilford Cibachrome-A DY-Filter Set in Jewel Case | eBay

Filters are in excellent condition. Crack on the plastic jewel case.
www.ebay.com.au
Click to expand...

I think so. I’d have to go digging but those look familiar.

If you really get into color printing though you’d be better served with a dedicated dichroic head or enlarger. i think dichroic heads were made for the Focomat. Whatever works though. As long as you are enjoying yourself.

Make sure you keep those filters clean.
 

MattKing

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A Cibachrome filter set wouldn't be the best choice - as it will be oriented toward printing positives from positives - but it may be possible to use one, as a close to last resort choice.
 

gijsbert

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https://www.freestylephoto.com/31633-Arista-RA-4-Color-Filters-3x3-in.-21-Pack they also have a 6x6 size

I have done colour printing with these kind of filters, but like koraks says it's a bit painful. Each filter you add or remove will change the intensity as well, so you have to adjust your timing, and fiddle with a stack of filters.
On the other hand, finding the right color head for ones enlarger is sometimes hard and expensive, so the filters can be a cheap way to try colour printing.
 

MattKing

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If you intend to use the old style of removeable and replaceable filters, you will want to make sure you are using fresh, good quality film, processed in a good quality, within specifications process line.
Otherwise your capacity to deal with frustration may be sorely tested.
I would stick with one type as film as well. And one type of RA4 paper, also fresh and of good quality. And the same with respect to the RA4 chemicals.
All of which together would allow you to arrive at a starting filter pack that should have you close for nearly all of your prints, and lead to relatively small corrections usually.
 

Hilo

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The filter tray of the Focomat Ic is excellent and a pleasure to use. The only downside that I don't like is that when sliding the tray in, it snags on a system that holds the tray in place. To get the drawer out again, you sometimes have to apply some force which can cause the whole head to move. I removed that clamp, now it goes effortlessly.

Wallner made a simple colorhead that shows up in auction now and then. It may have a additional round metal ring below, to match the round lower half of the Focomat and Valoy II enlargers.
 
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