Leitz Focomat 1c bellows - replacement?

[brothernature]

I just picked up a Focomat 1c. The bellows are shot and have multiple corners that are cracked open. Is there an easy way to replace them? Or if I patch up what I can with gaffers tape, how much will that affect my enlargements?

Thanks!

 

[Emile de Leon]

Maybe use some kind of silicone window sealer..mixed w/black paint..and cover with black tape..if it is just some light leaky cracks..
Or just buy a 2nd Focomat and use that bellows..
There used to be a bellows maker in the UK..dont know if they are still in business..that may be the best option.
The cool thing about the less advanced Valoy-2..is that it has no bellows..if you dont need to print extremely large..may in fact be an option for you if you dont need autofocus..and still want the Leica panache..
Some like the Valoy better..as it is a lot smaller..and just as capable..

 

[alexmuir]

The UK company is called Custom Bellows. I’m sure they will have made Focomat bellows before. The only issue with leaking bellows on an enlarger is the stray light fogging your paper. Repair might be quite easy with a thin, opaque tape applied on the exterior surfaces. Black electrical tape might work until you can get a replacement set. It’s a very good enlarger. I would try to make it serviceable if you can.
Alex.


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[Graybeard]

I just picked up a Focomat 1c. The bellows are shot and have multiple corners that are cracked open. Is there an easy way to replace them? Or if I patch up what I can with gaffers tape, how much will that affect my enlargements?

Thanks!

I'm not sure where you are located, but here in the US there is a useful product called "liquid electrical tape"; it is a jet black, gooey (technical term) liquid with the consistency of rubber cement which forms a flexible, opaque film when it dries. A small bottle of the stuff goes for about USD$3 locally - Ace hardware and Home Depot. Paint it over your light leaks.

I (and many others) have successfully used the stuff to repair bellows on view cameras. I expect the bellows extension on a Focomat is less than that on my Ansco 5x7 view, and the repair which I made on the Ansco has held up just fine for several years now.

Used sparingly, one bottle will last for 15 to 20 enlargers or view cameras; buy a second bottle if you have more than 20 of either. Use nail polish remover to get the stuff off of your hands.

Good light-

 

[brothernature]

Thanks everyone. Had I known about the Valoy II, I would have gone that route. I actually have another Focomat 1c enlarging head, but I'm not sure how to remove just the bellows, since the base of that head is cracked, so I can't just swap it out.

I'll try the liquid electrical tape.

 

[M.Hilo]

I would dismantle that cracked head - that way you have a chance to understand how the Ic bellows is fixed to the negative stage. And maybe you get lucky: that bellows could still be fine . . .


Otherwise you can write Kienzle in Germany, I am sure they sell Ic bellows.