Trade a Kaiser for V35?

[Bruno Gracia]

Hi there!

I've been offered a Leitz Focomat with WA40mm Focotar for 450€ with the VC head and in perfect condition.

I have a Kaiser VCP 6002 with both APO RODAGON-N 50/2.8 and 80/4.

I know those are the top of the enlarging lenses but would I stay better with them and the Kaiser? I mainly shot 35mm with my Leicas.

I never have work in the wet darkroom so will be my first time.

I bought chemicals, paper RC Multigrade Ilford (when I learn I'll change it for FB), red light, squeezes...

Thanks!

 

[bogelgelbo]

I never use both of those enlargers and lenses. But the focomat have a nice AF feature which I found very useful in my focomat IIa.

The V35 only do 135mm though, so if you're planning to use 120 mm it is probably better to keep the kaiser too.

 

[jcb4718]

I have never used a Kaiser so I can't compare. I have a V35 (which is only compatible with 35mm film) and it is a joy to use. The image remains in focus for any enlargement (via a clever cam arrangement) and the colour is easy to adjust. Really, for 35mm, there's nothing not to like.

 

[newsgrunt]

Never used a Kaiser but have used the V35 in many labs and own one so am biased obviously. If you can afford the V35, get it, wet printing 35 will be a wonderful experience with the Leitz.

 

[Bruno Gracia]

thank You guys, the seller is recommending to me buy the Durst Laborator 900 which is better he said, profesional, the other two are toys he said and also autofocus and can go to 6x9.

 

[newsgrunt]

feh, the V35 is NOT a toy. It's serious enlarger that can take abuse as many newspapers used them and they saw non stop printing all day. also built like a tank, imo. If you want to talk serious enlargers, any Devere would get my vote.

guess the main deciding factor is whether or not you plan to print mf as well.

 

[John Bragg]

Kaiser is not a toy. Top german engineering. I just wish I had space to set mine up again .

 

[Bruno Gracia]

thanks guys, I'm still thinking, maybe the Durst is better due to the ability to do MF.

 

[Rogrund]

thanks guys, I'm still thinking, maybe the Durst is better due to the ability to do MF.

I believe the Kaiser VCP 6002 works for medium format (6x6).

 

[Bruno Gracia]

Yes, but the "stick"? Feel worse. One experiment person told me about the importance of this part to have the prints in focus.

 

[Vics]

I believe the Kaiser VCP 6002 works for medium format (6x6).

As is proved by the 80mm lens the OP already has.

 

[Roger Hicks]

thanks guys, I'm still thinking, maybe the Durst is better due to the ability to do MF.

Dear Bruno,

But Durst is REALLY bad on spare enlarger parts.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Bruno Gracia]

Thanks guys. I will chose the V35 for the next years until I need MF. Is it good for 10x?