Want to Buy WTB: Focotar 40mm / APO Componon HM 40mm

[calebarchie]

Hi all,

Recently acquired two Focomat V35s; one complete with Heiland split grade and all modules and the other for parts missing a few bits. I would like to restore the second unit and dedicate it to colour printing, I have fixed the electrical issues and will need to machine a new lamp holder but unfortunately the lens was pinched!

So I am after a good replacement 40mm either the original focotar or an APO lens (machining a new cam would be another fun project). No rush on this one so will wait for a good deal, let me know if you have anything!

Cheers

 

[summicron1]

must it be a 40? I have a 50mm f 4.5 focotar I am not using. Happy to discuss terms. I started out using a 50mm nikon enlarging lens and have never felt a need to switch. Lens includes the mash nut that holds it on.

 

[John Koehrer]

I believe the V35 was set up for a 40mm. With either of the lenses you're looking for you will most likely be able to adjust the AF
and not have to go a grinding.

 

[calebarchie]

must it be a 40? I have a 50mm f 4.5 focotar I am not using. Happy to discuss terms. I started out using a 50mm nikon enlarging lens and have never felt a need to switch. Lens includes the mash nut that holds it on.

I like the enlargements it gives on the baseboard so would prefer a 40mm for now. The only reason I am considering another focotar is to retain AF function.

I believe the V35 was set up for a 40mm. With either of the lenses you're looking for you will most likely be able to adjust the AF
and not have to go a grinding.

I've read some reports that AF can be used with another 40mm but is not accurate throughout the entire range of enlargements. We will just have to see - I would consider making a whole new cam just for fun but not modify the original!

Bests

 

[summicron1]

I like the enlargements it gives on the baseboard so would prefer a 40mm for now. The only reason I am considering another focotar is to retain AF function.



I've read some reports that AF can be used with another 40mm but is not accurate throughout the entire range of enlargements. We will just have to see - I would consider making a whole new cam just for fun but not modify the original!

Bests

well, i am not familiar enough to speak to the V35, but i use a 50mm Nikon lens on my Fococmat IC and it focuses just fine. The cam is adjusted to the individual lens and, once set, you never touch it again in your life.

 

[John Koehrer]

Way back before memory got faded I also used a Nikkor 50/2.8 on a lC just for giggles all that was
needed was a SLIGHT adjustment of the mechanism. When I parted ways with the enlarger I put
the focotar back on & adjusted it for that. only took a few minutes and in both cases the lenses
were in focus throughout the range.
From that, although it was a lC not V35 assuming Leitz quality control & engineering abilities there
would be no concern on my part that 40 for 40 would be nothing more than minimal tweaking.

 

[calebarchie]

Way back before memory got faded I also used a Nikkor 50/2.8 on a lC just for giggles all that was
needed was a SLIGHT adjustment of the mechanism. When I parted ways with the enlarger I put
the focotar back on & adjusted it for that. only took a few minutes and in both cases the lenses
were in focus throughout the range.
From that, although it was a lC not V35 assuming Leitz quality control & engineering abilities there
would be no concern on my part that 40 for 40 would be nothing more than minimal tweaking.

I believe the older focomats had more adjustable cams (with three screws) whereas the V35 does not but I am not certain. Only one way to find out!

 

[calebarchie]

Bump!

 

[Patrick Robert James]

IIRC Leitz made a 50mm cam for the V35. Don't quote me on that though...

 

[calebarchie]

IIRC Leitz made a 50mm cam for the V35. Don't quote me on that though...

Quoting yes as a option from factory generally not user adjustable etc, different sloped cam which is one whole part.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

I have a V35. When I bought it used it came with a box of accessories, including a second Focotar 40mm f2.8.
I could be persuaded to sell it.
What country are you in?
It's just the lens, no caps, cams, nothing but the lens. The blades seem to open and close as expected, so I guess it works fine. It looks fine but I've never used it. It's been in a box of accessories for years.

 

[calebarchie]

I have a V35. When I bought it used it came with a box of accessories, including a second Focotar 40mm f2.8.
I could be persuaded to sell it.
What country are you in?
It's just the lens, no caps, cams, nothing but the lens. The blades seem to open and close as expected, so I guess it works fine. It looks fine but I've never used it. It's been in a box of accessories for years.

Excellent, I have sent a PM

 

[Rob Skeoch]

Let's switch to email as the PM aren't going through.
skeoch@sympatico.ca
I did send this email a few days ago but will resend here.

i checked out the box of stuff but nothing else except a metal donut shaped ring that holds the old style bulb in place.

I checked the asking price on eBay for the lenses but they're out of touch with reality. I'm asking US$100 plus shipping.

 

[calebarchie]

Bump... keep forgetting about this one!

 

[calebarchie]

Weekly bump!

 

[calebarchie]

Just had my surgery, still looking!

 

[calebarchie]

Fortnightly bump!

 

[calebarchie]

Weekly bump!

 

[calebarchie]

Weekly bump!

 

[calebarchie]

Wrapped up studies for the year, still looking!

 

[apbphoto]

Jumping in with what I hope might be helpful info: I have two V35 enlargers and use them with both the original 40mm Focotar and the 40mm Apo Componon HM. They are both fine lenses up to what most people would be able to manage enlarging in a normal darkroom (i.e. up to the maximum sheet size available in most countries of 20x24"). From 12x16 to 20x24 the Schneider lens is a little better but needs to be stopped down to f8.0 for decent corners in this range. The Focotar is good at 5.6 even in this range but not stellar. A better option optically is the 45mm Apo Componon and on much the same level is the Focotar-2 50mm though the latter in particular constrains maximum print size and neither will autofocus. A possible alternative that should be both easier to find and a bit cheaper is the WA-Rodagon 40mm f4. Slower and less exotic and most likely needing to be stopped down to f8 rather than the 5.6 some of the options require, it would be worth looking into though I have no personal experience to share (other than very positive impressions from other Rodagons). FWIW my APO Componon 40mm autofocuses perfectly with the V35 I use it on which I bought without a lens. Happy to share my experiences if it's helpful...

 

[calebarchie]

Jumping in with what I hope might be helpful info: I have two V35 enlargers and use them with both the original 40mm Focotar and the 40mm Apo Componon HM. They are both fine lenses up to what most people would be able to manage enlarging in a normal darkroom (i.e. up to the maximum sheet size available in most countries of 20x24"). From 12x16 to 20x24 the Schneider lens is a little better but needs to be stopped down to f8.0 for decent corners in this range. The Focotar is good at 5.6 even in this range but not stellar. A better option optically is the 45mm Apo Componon and on much the same level is the Focotar-2 50mm though the latter in particular constrains maximum print size and neither will autofocus. A possible alternative that should be both easier to find and a bit cheaper is the WA-Rodagon 40mm f4. Slower and less exotic and most likely needing to be stopped down to f8 rather than the 5.6 some of the options require, it would be worth looking into though I have no personal experience to share (other than very positive impressions from other Rodagons). FWIW my APO Componon 40mm autofocuses perfectly with the V35 I use it on which I bought without a lens. Happy to share my experiences if it's helpful...

Thanks mate, good to know! Now if someone local could sell me any of these lenses at a reasonable price that would be super

 

[calebarchie]

Weekly bump!

 

[calebarchie]

Weekly bump! Last lens I need..

 

[calebarchie]

Weekly bump.