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What to do with semicomplete Leica V35 Focomat?

Stuggi

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Sep 2, 2008
Messages
93
Location
Helsinki, Fi
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Multi Format
Hi,

I recently got a semi-complete Leica V35 for free, it seems to be missing the bulb and holder, along with the lens.

So, is this thing worth fixing (I understand that it's supposed to be quite good), and in what manner? Some sites seem to recommend getting the original lens so the AF will work (what is this and do I need it?), while others recommend a Nikkor instead. And how hard are the bulbs to get and where do I get them from?

Sorry for all these not so bright questions, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to the whole printing part of darkroom work.
 
This is a great enlarger for 35mm. You can use any normal lens, but will require to refocus when you change image size. The most common original lens is the 40mm Focotar. You see these for sale, but they can be expensive. I don't use the autofocus feature on mine, although I have the correct lens. If the lamp holder is missing, I would suggest contacting the Leica distributor for your area. They may be able to supply the parts, and most likely at a competitive price. The lamps are available from various sources. There is some useful info online, and in the archives of this forum, which may help you. Alex
 
I got a V35 for free that was missing only the rear plate behind the bulb holder. I emailed Leica (the German company, not a distributor) and they sent me one for free, commenting that this was the last one they had in stock. I couldn't believe the great service.
 
What to do with a semi-complete V35?? Fix it up and use it!
 
The Kaiser enlargers with colour head work also that way: diffusor with colour fiklters and condensors.
 
I got one today with the copy stand/ light focus /camera slider thing and an M3 attached to it. 40mm focotar included.
 
During their production run, Leitz changed the bulb holder anyway. It may be missing because it had the earlier mount.
Find the specs for the lamp, locate a current equivalent and hit the local electrical supplier for a socket. I don't remember if there was an adapter needed, it's been a Looong time.
The connections for the socket were crimped connectors. auto parts store should have 'em. Hell, if ya do it that way I'll(PM me) send you a couple of different sizes but its pretty thin wire with a high temp insulation.
 
Hi, thanks guys for the info, I'll look into getting it fixed then, I can't believe that they threw this one out (I spotted it in a dumpster at a art school and asked if I could get it, they responded "That crap? Just take it!"). I'll try emailing Leica and see what they come up with. Any suggestions for a good lens for it? The autofocus seems like something I don't need (I won't be making much prints for starters, I work with a hybrid process at the moment), so any good lens should do it right?

Here's some pics for you guys to look at, it would be great if you could point out what I need to get it working!
https://plus.google.com/photos/108823317899678360613/albums/5832951780184313889

What seems to be missing is the bulb and it's holder (since the wires are just hanging loose in the back with some kind of connector, as well as something that's supposed to be fitted right under the bulb's heatsink. The negative carrier seems to be gone as well, right? And what is this easel I've seen people talk about, is it some kind of mask that limits the exposed area of the paper and also holds it down? Is this something that's specific to the enlarger or will just a right sized one work?
 
Hi. You have the most recent version of this enlarger. You are also lucky to have the variable contrast filter module for B&W printing. Most seem to come with the colour filter module. These are interchangeable. There was also a simple version with a red filter only for B&W. I don't see the negative carrier, which you will need. Try eBay. I see a lot of V35 stuff on eBay Germany. Your enlarger would have been fitted with the later type bulb/holder from new. The bulb is a halogen type with two prongs that fit into the small block attached to wires in your pictures. You need the metal casing which screws into the back with the bulb in place. Leica distributor in Europe, or UK, may be able to help. The paper easel can be any type. If using autofocus, you measure the height from the baseboard top to the easel top. You then raise the column by turning the knob on top to the measured height. There is a scale at the base of the column. You will also need a mains power lead.
 
I saw a Focomat B&W only on craigslist, very tempted to contact the seller. although i have 4x5mx enlarger already. for a small footprint, i can easily setup in the bathroom to get some print. But I am afraid the part are difficult to find will cost way to much to repair/service if I run into problems.
 
Try to fix it. It is indeed the best 35mm enlarger ever ! And a variocontrast module, GREAT !!
 
Lens

Let me know if you find the lens. I have the same enlarger and an extra lens that I don't use.

david
 
I got twelve v35s There is tow sorts of v35s. the newer one says Leica on it instead of Leitz. The newer on have a different lightbulb. The older ones are easy to get the socket for.

her is spare parts
http://store.khbphotografix.com/Lamp-Conversion-Kit-for-Leitz-Focomat-V35-Enlargers.html

http://store.khbphotografix.com/75W-12V-Enlarger-Lamp-for-the-Leitz-Focomat-V35-Enlarger.html

the lamp socket is some type of halogen standard and you can get it in a normal light store.

A new lens is easy to gett. It dose not have to be a Foccotar 40. Well you lose some focus when moving enlarger head but I manually correct any way al the time.
 
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