newbie question on Leitz Focomat V35

[raytoei@gmail.com]

Hi,

i am still waiting for my Leitz v35 to arrive. A couple of questions, would appreciate if you could point me to the right direction:

a. my unit comes with a simple bw module. No Vario-Contrast, No Color module.
How do I do contrast in BW ? Do I buy different contrast papers ?
Can I still use VC paper ?

b. How difficult is it to install a Vario-Contrast module ? Is this a screw off/screw on job
or do I need to know what I am doing to install it ?

c. Is the Vario-Contrast module a big deal ?

thanks!

raytoei

 

[yossarian123]

Hi,

i am still waiting for my Leitz v35 to arrive. A couple of questions, would appreciate if you could point me to the right direction:

a. my unit comes with a simple bw module. No Vario-Contrast, No Color module.
How do I do contrast in BW ? Do I buy different contrast papers ?
Can I still use VC paper ?

b. How difficult is it to install a Vario-Contrast module ? Is this a screw off/screw on job
or do I need to know what I am doing to install it ?

c. Is the Vario-Contrast module a big deal ?

thanks!

raytoei

a - I have a V35 with the B&W head, I'm using a set of 3" Ilford multigrade filters that clamp onto the lens and hang underneath in the light path. They should be plentiful on ebay, no need to pay new prices. And yes, you'll need to buy VC paper.

b & c - no idea. I certainly haven't needed the VC module and I've been more than happy with the ilford filter solution. The V35 is a great enlarger and I think I was the luckiest guy in the world to pay $150 for the enlarger, 3 bulbs, filters, plus the borderless neg holder.

 

[FrozenInTime]

It's very easy to swap the color and vc modules in a couple of minutes - no tools needed.

I've not used the VC module for a few years - but do recall you do still have to compensate for the exposure density of the grade filtration with current papers.
Still it's just one dial - so easier than gel filters or the color module ( where you adjust Y and M for VC B&W papers )

 

[newsgrunt]

VC heads are expensive and using the cmy module is easy. they simply slide in and out after removing the top lid. I have cmy and b/w modules but use the b/w more since I prefer graded paper. a filter holder under the lens will be fine as well.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

thanks much for all he information.