Where and how to install the spacer ring into Focomat iC ?

Lakchai Thongsripong · Sep 3, 2017

Dear all,

I got the Focomat iC gray head with the newton filter but it's came without the spacer ring. So I order the spacer ring from Kienzle. Now I got the ring but I have no idea where to put it on. Could anyone please let me know how? Even better if anyone can provide it with some photos.

Thank you for your help.

Svenedin · Sep 3, 2017

http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/misc/Leitz_1C_manual.pdf

Trask · Sep 3, 2017

I just gave the manual in the link a quick perusal, and didn't see reference to a spacer ring. Here's some info from another website:

Spacer ring, for use with Leitz 12X16" easel and Leitz 1c enlarger. I have had several of these easels over the years, but none came with the spacer ring. The Leitz 1c enlarger is designed to autofocus on the baseboard or on a 25mm high easel. The Leitz 12X16" easel is thicker than 25mm, so a spacer is required. The spacer goes where you see it for use with the Leitz 12X16" easel.
See attached photo, the ring is blue, and sits above the pin.

Patrick Robert James · Sep 3, 2017

Trask is referring to a different ring that elevates the head a touch.

The ring you have needs to be placed inside the lamphouse. Take off the top, unscrew the cap covering the condenser by pushing it down and rotating it. Carefully. It is less of a screw and more of a slot. Then take out the spring and the condenser. Place the ring you have down the tube before you put the condenser back. It sits on the lip at the bottom of the housing for the condenser. Then replace the spring and the cap.

Don't forget to clean the condenser as long as you have it out!

Now the condenser won't go down as far making space for your anti-newton attachment.

I have a custom neg carrier on mine and used an old wire hanger to make a spacer. Worked perfectly, though most Leicaphiles would frown on it.....

Hope that helps!

chip j · Sep 4, 2017

Hilo · Sep 4, 2017

Before you do as Patrick says: remove your AN ring, otherwise it will drop down as soon as you pull up the condenser ! I would also take out the negative holder so nothing can drop on it, or touch it's pins . . .

It could be you will find the very thin spacer ring on the round ridge of the condenser house. Just leave it sit underneath the 3mm spacer you got from Kienzle . . .

Lakchai Thongsripong · Sep 5, 2017

Thank you so much for all your advices, I was completely misunderstood what is the 3mm spacer ring for. I thought it for put more compression on the negative to make it flatter. Actually I already got room to fit the Newton filter, may be my iC already got the spacer ring. I thought it would be something visible from the outside. Anyway I will do just Patrick and Hilo told me to and I will give you're guys the update, thanks again

Hilo · Sep 6, 2017

In that case I would not be surprised the 3mm spacer ring is already installed.

About the condenser, after removing your AN glass, the black bayonet ring and the spring: use two fingers of each hand to press to the outside of the opening and lift it up. It is very easy, just pull it up and make sure it does not drop down. You need medium warm water with some dish washing soap and a totally soft sponge to clean both sides of the glass. Then rinse with the same medium warm water and use a soft cloth to dry everything . . . when putting it back use a good light to see where the two pins slide in and bring it down in the same way. A clean condenser is a must.

Where and how to install the spacer ring into Focomat iC ?

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