Leitz V35

[Becoming]

Ok, I'll start this by firstly saying that I am completely new to darkroom printing and am somewhat overwhelmed by all of the information spread across the web.

I have been researching enlargers over the past week and have read a lot of very high praise for the Leitz V35. It seems that for 35mm this is the enlarger to go for. I mostly want to make 12x8" B/W prints but I do shoot some colour and wouldn't mind trying my hand at printing some of that further down the line.

I have found two online from the UK both with the 40mm/f2.8 Focotar lens. One is £595 and the other comes with the B/W module for £645.

I have a few of questions to put out there, if you don't mind:

First, I was wondering if these prices seem OK for this enlarger? I hate to ask this question because I know prices vary so much. I know I could possibly get one cheaper by lurking on auction sites but I am really not keen on them. The enlargers I've seen are from a second hand darkroom supplies store that I've heard good things about so I feel a lot safer buying from them.

My second question is whether or not I can make B/W prints just using the colour head or would it be better to get the one with the B/W module for the extra money?

Lastly, the same place is selling a Leitz Focometer for £185, is it necessary to buy one of these as well or would a cheaper alternative fulfill the same function?

Thanks for reading and putting up with my questions.

Michael

 

[Freakscene]

Any decent enlarger will make nice 8x12s from 35 mm negs. A good lens is more important than buying the best enlarger. The Rodenstock and Schneider APOs tend to be better than the Focotars, particularly in that you don't need to stop them down as much for optimum performance.

For a beginner I don't think the V35 is that great a choice. A V35 is not necessary.It's main differentiating feature is autofocus - beginners don't need it, in fact few except high-volume labs do need it. I always found it odd that Leica built an AF enlarger, where AF is of marginal use at best, and not an AF camera, where AF is very useful if it works well.

The Variable Contrast module of the V35 is very primitive, although I found it quite effective. The prices you quote seem about right, which makes it very expensive as far as enlargers go, especially these days.

A Durst M70 with a variable contrast head is a better made, more versatile, stable and in many ways useful enlarger. These days you can get one for less than a V35. The Durst condenser head uses a large frosted bulb which provides light about halfway between a diffusion enlarger and a point-source enlarger, I like it. The VC head provides a wider range of contrast than the Leica head.

Just my thoughts.

Marty

 

[rbrooks]

I still have one of these but haven't used it in years. It is the best enlarger for 35mm only enlarging. I paired it with a Heiland Splitgrade computer and that really made it sing. If I were you I'd go and see if Heiland still makes stuff for the V35. You will not be unhappy with the V35.

But you might end up like I did and move everything over to a HP B9180. Digital Darkroom is quicker and less messy than the wet darkroom. For now it all sits in boxes!

 

[Trius]

Fujinon enlarging lenses are also great.

 

[martin s]

I paid 150 Euros for mine. I love it, but 600 pounds, that's way too much. I quickly checked German eBay, and there's a complete auction for one in very good condition that went for 300 Euros.

martin