I have aquired a V35 autofocus enlarger after a long search. But worth it, she is a beauty.

1.The lens is a focotar-2 50mm and not the 40mm as I understood was standard, however the autofocus seems to work, could it be that this ones cam was set for the 50mm. 2. Which is better the focotar 2 50mm or the 40mm? and why? 3. Should I use an easel, if yes which one is the best for this enlarger. 4. Could someone e-mail me a photocopy of the manual....pleeeeeeaaase. 5. What is the advantage of using a multi contrast head instead of a colour head for multi contrast black and white work.

Thanks Andrew

-- Andreas Elia (steed@pixie.co.za), June 02, 1999

Answers

When the V35 was introduced, it was offered with the 40mm Focotar as standard issue, but it was also offered with the option of having it fitted with a 50mm lens. The 50mm lens that was offered by Leica was a four element Rodenstock Ysaron! They offered it as a cost cutting service for the econmically impaired - as if someone in that condition would buy a V35 rather than a less expensive enlarger with an excellent lens such as a Nikor! I also heard on the grapevine that the Focotar-2 lens was designed with the intention of using it on the V35, but somewhere along the way, they decided on the 40mm Focotar, probably as a marketing approach, which, in retrospect, was a good decision. In your case, the original owner either bought the V35 new with the Focotar-2, or he had it converted by Leica, which is not that expensive. I don't know which lens is best, but I know that the 50mm Focotar-2 is superb. I have both of these lenses, but have not had time to compare them. I hope to soon. I called Leica USA and asked them which was the best. The Leica rep, on the basis of comments by customers who are in the know, said the 50mm Focotar-2 was slightly better in the corners. I also read in Leica Fotographie that the Focotar-2 was designed to provide superb resolution in the near UV to the red (400-650 microns) end of the spectrum, which is ideal for B&W printing, and I expect color printing as well. Glasses with low index of refraction were used in its design to allow for the passing of more near-UV light, to which B&W printing papers are sensitive. The 40mm Focotar is promoted by Leica to contain high index of refraction glass for excellent color differentiation and resolution. Modern Photography tested the V3v, and stated that the 40mm Focotar was the best enlarging lens they had tested next to the 105mm APO Nikor. I think we are splitting hairs in comparing the optical capabilities of these lenses. The obvious advantage of the 40mm Focotar is that it enables 3-16X autofocus, whereas the Focotar- 2 yields 2-11X autofocus.

I should point out that you can change the illuminated magnification scale on the V35 for 50mm or 40mm lenses by turning it 180 degrees.

The multi contrast module is best for B&W printing because changes in contrast setting do not require exposure changes with Ilford Multi grade paper whereas the color module does. If you are planning on doing color printing too, and can only afford one module, the color module would be preferred.

I also just bought a V35 without the operator's manual. A call to Leica USA solved the problem. They sent one to me free of charge.

Get a four bladed easel. Leica sells them for a fortune, but since the V35 can be adjusted for any easel heigth, a Saunders or Beseler would do just fine.

-- Eilert Anders (eilert@dav.com), June 02, 1999.

I know the Leitz autofocus easel that comes with a Ic etc, is one inch high. Are there other easels like this ? My Ic easel got the board wet and warped and a new one is $500 from Leica. Ouch...Is there a good way to straighten it out.? thanks for any thoughts.

-- Joe Hughes (rotab308@uswest.net), June 03, 1999.

If the warp is not too serious, perhaps you can take off the hardware, and place the wooden base under pressure on a flat surface for an extended length of time. I have purchased used Leitz easels for $25 - $50. Photo shows are a good place to look. Also camera shops that carry Leica products. I believe that some stores and mail order companies who sell leica and darkroom supplies don't advertise easels for some reason. I suggest contacting some of the by phone.

The Leica easels are 25mm thick, which is close enough to an inch (25.4mm) for all practical purposes.

-- Eilert Anders (eilert@dav.com), June 03, 1999.