Focomat Ic and lens question

[mllanos1111]

I just purchased a very clean Focomat Ic with a Leitz Elmar f=5cm 3,5 lens for a little over $100.
I have a couple questions about it and the lens.
My plan is to replace my Beselar 23c which has COMPONON-S 50/2.8.
The Focomat seems very well built and I'm hoping that I dont have to worry about alignment issue with it like the beseler.

Was this a decent price for this setup? Is the lens on par with the Componon or should I switch them?

Does the Focomat have a different look to the images than the beselar?

Thank for all your help

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I think the price is a steal equates to around £64 GBP. The lens usually sold with the this enlarger is the 50mm Focatar 1 or 2 depending on the model. The last models were made in grey not black. The "c" stands for the color model which means it should have a pull-out tray above the light source for filters. It's an "auto focus" design but can be re-calibrated to work manually (I have) as it was originally designed to work with their small paper easel's that clip onto the baseboard. The more modern ones have a thicker baseboard depth.

Does the Focomat have a different look to the images than the Beselar?

Thank for all your help

This "look" rather depends on what you're using as a light source head on the Beselar. The Focomats use a single condenser resulting in a very sharply focused light almost like a mini point source lamp. Just like a point source head you can raise the position of the bulb above the negative. I would put a stronger bulb in i think mines 150w as the 75 was too slow. You can use split grade printing by swapping out the multi-grade filters which you'd need to cut to size to fit the filter drawer. When correctly aligned they make exceptional prints but they will show all negative imperfections and dust. I use one to print all my 35mm images, i took it off the original baseboard and mounted it on a small shelf so i can make 20 x 24" prints.

 

[mllanos1111]

Thank you so much for the information. So it would be ok to install a higher wattage bulb? Is the bulb anything special and is there a particular one you recommend?
I also noticed that the enlarger doe not have a filter holder. Not sure if its missing or if there is a way to install one above the lens.
I dont see a pull out tray above the light source, but I will have to examine it a bit closer.
It sure looks like it's built like a tank, I cant wait to start using it.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

If i can find it i have the manual i can scan it for you so you can see what is what and how to manually adjust the auto focus setting. I'll also check my current bulb type and wattage (it will be a UK one).

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I found this link online which shows the scans of the manual guide pages:

http://members.cox.net/leitzleica/Manual.html