Wanted To Buy-Leitz Valoy or Focomat Enlarger

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Hi, I'm in the market for an enlarger. I used a Leitz Valoy II for 3 years and recently sold it, big mistake. I'm in the market for another one or a Focomat 1c or 2c. I have $300-$500 alloted for this and I'm in Southern California. I recently purchased a Sounders D6700 and while it's ok it got me to comparing prints I've made with diffusion vs. condenser light sources. In general a tough call but I have to say I prefer the condenser prints. There is a slight bit of contrast difference but also appears to be a sharpness issue as well. I can't say they a re sharper but that gets closest to what I'm seeing. This particular enlarger is saddled with an 85 watt bulb which makes 11x14 prints f/4 40-50 seconds! I've by habit always tried for f/5.6 at about 20 seconds. Plus I've gotten my film developing down for a condenser enlarger and am not sure I want to change my approach for diffussion. At any rate, anyone with an older Leitz condenser model described above for sale, please contact me.

Thanks, -- Warren Allen Whatrix designs http://www.whatrix.com whatrix@home.com

-- Warren Allen (whatrix@home.com), November 30, 2001

Answers

Several years ago I was in Pardees Camera in Sacramento. They had a bunch of Focomats at what seemed to me at the time reasonable prices. I have a 1C that currently lives in my brother's darkroom. I did a lot of good work with it over the years but I can't find time or interest in getting into the darkroom right now. I would rather upgrade my computer, get a Nikon 4000 scanner and an Epson 1280 printer. But I salute anyone willing to learn the craft in the darkroom. Good luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), November 30, 2001.

Hi... I just bought a 1c(its on order) but also own two Valloy 2's....I bought one to use and one just in case...if I like the 1c I might sell one of the Valloy's. I really like them a lot.! It is the epitomy of simplicity and functionality and fun to use as well. Not to mention the focotar lens excellence.If you are interested let me know. Regards, Emile de Leon.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), November 30, 2001.

Warren:

I have a Valoy II with an excellent Russian Vega 50mm lens. The enlarger is complete with condenser and neg holder, but missing the red focusing filter assembly. These are available - I know a source if you want one. It is in exc condition and I also have an original Leitz 8x110 easel, with vernier metal slides, as well as an original NOS Osram OE bulb and 2 other spare functional modern bulbs which give even illumination. I am not looking ot get rich on it and would sell the whole works for $200 US, only a few bucks more than I have tied up in it. I cleaned it and the easel up and made sure the electrical stuff is OK.

The only problem is that it is in Toronto Canada and there may some hassle/expense shipping it so SoCal.

If you do not find one closer to home and are interested, let me know, as I will be driving to the US in January and can take it across the border and ship it from upstate NY.

cheers

-- RICHARD ILOMAKI (richard.ilomaki@hotmail.comR), December 01, 2001.


The Ic will accept the Heiland Split Grade module. I don't believe that the Valoy II is compatible with this excellent upgrade. Something to consider. The Valoy is a great darkroom tool notwithstanding!

-- Hans Berkhout (berkhout@cadvision.com), December 01, 2001.

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