Bulb for (black) Focomat 1c

[Larry Cloetta]

I am looking at buying a nice Focomat 1c, but it is the earlier black round one and not the later grey egg shaped model. The internet tells me that the bulbs I would need to operate the black version in a fully optimal way, are no longer available, and that this poses a problem. However, the internet is a little bit unsure about this, but mostly it involves opinions people have about currently available bulbs that they 'think' will work, or 'are sure' will work, but have not tried.

Anybody here with hands on knowledge that there are currently available bulbs (what are they?) which can be used in a black Focomat 1c without compromising what could have been done with either the original bulbs or just getting the later grey model for which correct bulbs are still available?

After I get this question answered, I'll need to tackle the larger one which is whether it even makes sense for me to set up a wet printing darkroom at this point in time, or just go with a hybrid technique of scanning (which I do now) and something like piezography for printing. (Internet has many opposing opinions on that as well, unfortunately. I'd like to only spend the money in one direction, but sometimes you don't know until you go.)

Any help anyone could offer on any of this is appreciated, as always.

Thanks,
Larry

 

[Graybeard]

I am looking at buying a nice Focomat 1c, but it is the earlier black round one and not the later grey egg shaped model. The internet tells me that the bulbs I would need to operate the black version in a fully optimal way, are no longer available, and that this poses a problem. However, the internet is a little bit unsure about this, but mostly it involves opinions people have about currently available bulbs that they 'think' will work, or 'are sure' will work, but have not tried.

Anybody here with hands on knowledge that there are currently available bulbs (what are they?) which can be used in a black Focomat 1c without compromising what could have been done with either the original bulbs or just getting the later grey model for which correct bulbs are still available?

After I get this question answered, I'll need to tackle the larger one which is whether it even makes sense for me to set up a wet printing darkroom at this point in time, or just go with a hybrid technique of scanning (which I do now) and something like piezography for printing. (Internet has many opposing opinions on that as well, unfortunately. I'd like to only spend the money in one direction, but sometimes you don't know until you go.)

Any help anyone could offer on any of this is appreciated, as always.

Thanks,
Larry

I use a PH211 (75 watt) bulb in my black Focomat. These are widely available; B&H and eBay, for example, are two sources.

If the bulb is too bright, you can control its output with an ordinary household light dimmer.

There is much to like with this enlarger.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

I use a PH211 (75 watt) bulb in my black Focomat. These are widely available; B&H and eBay, for example, are two sources.

If the bulb is too bright, you can control its output with an ordinary household light dimmer.

There is much to like with this enlarger.

Thank you! That helps. I had heard somewhere that the PH211 was 'too bright', but I guess you've found the simple solution for that.

Any thoughts on whether starting on a wet printing path at this late date makes any sense? I understand that anything you enjoy makes sense, so there's that.
I've gotten pretty good at scanning and scan processing; I've just never gotten around to printing things once I have the files. I've been waiting for progress to be made in black and white inkjet printing and maybe we are there now. I'd have a lot to learn either way, which intimidates me to a certain extent. Plus, I'd need to build up a darkroom. I wouldn't mind doing that if it made sense, given the other options available for printing these days.

At this point I've been sending files off to Digital Silver Imaging for printing. Happy enough, but there is always that desire to do it yourself for more control (and you don't really have more control unless you are good at it).

Anyone with more thoughts, feel free.

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Larry, I have three, and use two, Focomats...(for many years). The ones I use are both 1c. Luckily I still have the two original Osram 150 watt bulbs which seem to last forever. But to feel safe I bought several bulbs from B&H. They are very inexpensive. I bought the Eiko PH211 75 Watts and the PH212 150 Watts, so if I find the 150 too bright I can move down to the 75 Watt, but so far I have never had to do that. Other than cleaning and lubricating the enlargers the two most useful things I have done are to install the anti-Newton glass and spacer. They are not cheap, but they are worth every penny. If you are lucky the glass and ring are already installed. Many are. The second thing is that I bought Omega DII filter holders and put them beneath the lens'. You will need to cut the 'neck' of the holder with a hacksaw (very easy) and drill a new hole so that the 'hole' of the holder is centered beneath your lens. These Omega holders, once installed, almost seem as if they came with the enlarger. Using a filter under the lens makes absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in the quality or sharpness of the prints. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions and I will be glad to answer if I am able. Robbie

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Larry, I have three, and use two, Focomats...(for many years). The ones I use are both 1c. Luckily I still have the two original Osram 150 watt bulbs which seem to last forever. But to feel safe I bought several bulbs from B&H. They are very inexpensive. I bought the Eiko PH211 75 Watts and the PH212 150 Watts, so if I find the 150 too bright I can move down to the 75 Watt, but so far I have never had to do that. Other than cleaning and lubricating the enlargers the two most useful things I have done are to install the anti-Newton glass and spacer. They are not cheap, but they are worth every penny. If you are lucky the glass and ring are already installed. Many are. The second thing is that I bought Omega DII filter holders and put them beneath the lens'. You will need to cut the 'neck' of the holder with a hacksaw (very easy) and drill a new hole so that the 'hole' of the holder is centered beneath your lens. These Omega holders, once installed, almost seem as if they came with the enlarger. Using a filter under the lens makes absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in the quality or sharpness of the prints. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions and I will be glad to answer if I am able. Robbie

Robbie,
Thank you very much for that. The 1c I am looking at is very complete, and very nice, my only reservations had been the availability of bulbs, because I kept hearing that only bulbs for the later grey model were still available, and whether I wanted to start darkroom printing. My first reservation seems to be solved, now I just have to decide whether I think wet printing is a better option for me than some kind of hybrid technique using a modern inkjet. So many people seem to be abandoning wet printing in favor of a hybrid technique it does make me question my wisdom for even considering this.
Ive got thousands of negatives, with maybe half of them well scanned by now. I haven't been doing DIY printing myself either way, have just been waiting to decide on a direction, and waiting for inkjet printing to improve. Now, some obviously saying that it's as good as wet printing at this point, others not so sure.
I guess I should just go for it and see how it goes, but opinions welcome.
Wish I were younger.
Thank you again for your input.
Larry

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Larry, I understand your dilemma. So many are doing the hybrid technique you speak of. For me it has been no question as I have always been a black and white printer. I was a newspaper photographer for more than 20 years when newspapers were all in black and white...and I have never stopped..so it is second nature to me. I do scan for convenience sake on some photos but for my own work I would never do anything other than a traditional print. If you do decide to do the traditional enlarging please do not hesitate to ask me any questions. Good luck!! Robbie

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Thanks, Robbie.