Focomat v35 Negative Carrier - Glass Missing

[soapy]

Hi all,

A few months back I purchased a Focomat v35 enlarger. I've been able to make some decent prints, it's a great machine. However, I didn't realize that the negative carrier was supposed to come with a piece of glass in the top circular window to press the negative flat. Mine came without that, it's just a hole. I presume the seller broke it and removed it long ago.

While the center of the image is in focus as per my grain focuser, I've noticed the edges of my prints to be ever so slightly out of focus and even sometimes blurry. This appears to be less of an issue at f/8 to f/11, probably due to DOF.

Do I have any options for getting a new v35 negative carrier, or at least one that has the piece of glass? I've searched around ebay and found nothing but one that was also clearly broken. I don't want to have to find and purchase another entire v35 just to get a negative carrier 🙁

 

[Freakscene]

Hi all,

A few months back I purchased a Focomat v35 enlarger. I've been able to make some decent prints, it's a great machine. However, I didn't realize that the negative carrier was supposed to come with a piece of glass in the top circular window to press the negative flat. Mine came without that, it's just a hole. I presume the seller broke it and removed it long ago.

There is a glassless negative carrier and there are single and double glass carriers.

While the center of the image is in focus as per my grain focuser, I've noticed the edges of my prints to be ever so slightly out of focus and even sometimes blurry. This appears to be less of an issue at f/8 to f/11, probably due to DOF.

They should be sharp to the edges. You may have the carrier that should have glass on top to hold the negative flat.

Do I have any options for getting a new v35 negative carrier, or at least one that has the piece of glass? I've searched around ebay and found nothing but one that was also clearly broken. I don't want to have to find and purchase another entire v35 just to get a negative carrier 🙁

You can just get a piece of anti-newton glass cut to size, but you’ll need to know the right thickness. I don’t have a v35 but maybe someone else can help you out.

There are three carriers on eBay.de right now. The 17012 has a 25x37mm aperture and is glassless, and works the best of the v35 carriers I’ve used. When I used the v35 professionally, the hinges in the carrier broke under heavy use, so a spare might be a good idea anyway.

Marty

 

[DownUnder]

Freskscene is, I think, entirely correct.

I had this same situation when I bought a Leica 1c (obviously a long time ago!!) with a Multigrade head. The negative carrier that came with it was glassless. A little research revealed there were two carriers, one with glass and the other without.

I called the Leica dealer in Melbourne who told me they could order one for me. Some weeks later Leica Australia contacted the shop to say my carrier was a with glass one - but they didn't have a glass in their stock and didn't know when they would be able to get one.

Obviously the 1c is older than your V35. Even back then the two carriers were available. Likely this would apply to your newer enlarger.

As we are most regrettably know Leica prices for anything are now way beyond rooftops. Ebay also is overpriced for just about everything The relatively small effort of a few calls or email queries to reputable secondhand dealers may get you a used glass. Good luck with this.

I no longer own the 1c, but it was a wonderful printing machine. Your V35 (I've always wished I had found an affordable one, no such luck) with or without the glass negative carrier is newer so it should be even better. Please enjoy.

 

[Ororaro]

I’ve rebuilt a IIc that needed many pieces that was once Tom Abrammson’s, and it’s been my daily user for a decade and a half now.

Kienzle have everything you need

Leitz Focomat Ic,IIa,IIc, Valloy II