Leitz Focomat Ic vs. Leitz Focomat V35 which is better & why (assuming cost was not a factor)?

-- Andreas Elia (adexx@yebo.co.za), March 09, 1999

Answers

The V35 is the last of the bunch, is no longer made, and is arguably the best 35mm enlarger ever made. I think the Ic will handle larger formats, while the V35 is made only for 35mm. The Ic is an older design but certainly well made.

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@alaska.net), March 23, 1999.

The Leitz V35 are made by plastic, but not the Leitz 1C.

-- Michael (m.borring@telia.com), March 29, 1999.

I have both the 1c and the V35. I also have the Focomat IIC. The IIC is for formats from the smallest sizes to 6X9 cms. It features two lenses: the latest sports 60mm f4.5 Focotar and 100mm f5.6 Focotar-2 lenses. It features a double condenser head, but the head is removable, and diffusion heads are available for it from other makers. It features autofocus with both lenses. It is a beast (115 lbs), but a beauty. The IC has a condenser head and is autofocus from 2X to 10X. It uses the 50mm f4.5 Focotar lenses, the latest being the Focotar-2 - a superb lens. It can be used up to a format size of 40X40 mm, but at this size 3mm of the cornes are cut off. The V35 has a diffusion head with interchangeable color, multigrade, and B&W modules. It is autofocus from 3X to 16X, and uses a 40mm f2.8 Focotar lens. It is designed for 35mm and smaller formats. It is not made from plastic. The negative carrier is machined aluminum. and the chassis is aluminum and steel. It is very solid, and Leica - and I will confirm this - states that it is even more stable than the 1C, which is built like a tank. The base is made of formica veneered wood, and is reinforced with metal. The only use of plastic that I am aware of and question mildly is the aperture ring on the lens. Ones that have been heavily used have the black paint worn off, but this can be rectified with new paint! I am still assessing the quality of the 40mm Focotar, but my initial impression is that it is superb. Both the 1C and the V35 display absolutely even light distribution from corner to corner. Both enlargers are a joy to use. The choice between the two really comes down to whether you want to print with a condensor enlarger or a diffusion enlarger. Another factor is that spare parts are still available from Leica for the V35, such as negative carriers, red filter, diffusion disc, etc., whereas most parts for the 1C have to be acquired from the used market. They are still available, but require a search. The negative carrier is one item that is still available new, however. They are both top quality, and will last forever if taken care of.

-- Eilert Anders (Eilert@dav.com), May 05, 1999.

After examining my V35 for plastic parts, I offer the following in addition to what I wrote in my post above:

The upper plate of the negative carrier is composed of fiber reinforced plastic like that used on jet aircraft. It contains the glass pressure plate for the negative. The lower part of the carrier is aluminum, and is machined on its mating surfaces with the negative and enlarger.

The cover for the arm mechanism, the magnification changing knob, the magnification indicator, and the cover for the lamp housing are made of plastic. Every thing else is made of metal. The plastic parts are well made, and function perfectly. In other words, the use of plastics is logical, and makes good engineering sense. These parts in no way compromise the quality of the V35.

-- Eilert Anders (eilert@dav.com), May 11, 1999.

I recently bought a V35 on the recommendation of Tony Rowlett (above) and I am delighted with it; one of my best ever buys. One superb, rock solid piece of German engineering. The autofocus works perfectly and the 40/2.8 lens is as sharp as a sharks tooth. The light distribution as mentioned by Eilert is perfectly even and it is without doubt the best 35mm enlarger I have ever used.

V35's come up on ebay from time to time. Expect to pay up to $1200 for a good one. Make sure that it has the negative carrier or you will have to pay US$175 for a new one from Leitz; and that's just for the standard carrier.

-- M.V. (mahv@xtra.co.nz), December 25, 2000.