Buying a used Leitz Focomat IIa - what should I know?

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Hi darkroomians,

Looking for a comfortable 35mm enlarger with an option for occasional MF (6x7) work I'm tempted by a used Leitz Focomat IIa being offered for the equivalent of roughly USD 550, including two Focotars, the 50 and the 95. Does this sound like a fair offer to you? What should I watch out for? Do you think it's apropriate for my use as projected? With two Dursts (a venerable F30, my "first", and an M605 which limits me to 6x6) - although nice and solid performers - I currently feel that I am not yet "there"... Thanks for your advice.

-- Lutz Konermann (lutz@konermann.net), December 10, 2001

Answers

The Focomat IIa is a very old enlarger so the lens may not be as good as more modern designs. If you are planning to use multigrade papers make sure the head has a filter drawer. Also carefully check the negative carrier for scratches. you might be better to hold off for a IIc they show up regularly in e-bay. However expect to pay $1-2k depending on the condition.

-- Emerson Johnston (emjohnston1@rogers.com), December 11, 2001.

$550.00 sounds like a great deal to me depending on condition. You can have a machinest make a adapter for a small color head if you need ..thats what I did on my Valloy 2 and it works great. The leitz condensors are super, but I dont know if the 2-a covers 6x7 or 6x9 very well...you need to test. If its a 50mm focotar those are great but I heard the 60mm isnt very good.Also the 100mm focotar 2 is the best but the v-elmar doesnt quite reach that stellar level.Check the condensor for marks or scratches as these will show up on the print.Also check autofocus and alignment. Good luck,

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), December 12, 2001.

I just got the Focomat - its a beauty. Very well cared for and another sample of astounding craftmanship. Well, what else should I expect from this brand...;o) The mechanism looks perfect, cosmetically no harm. The lenses look just *slightly* less than clear and so does the condenser - no scratches nor fungus however. Maybe I should have them cleaned. I even managed to squeeze the price a bit and had the heavyweight delivered right to my home. What more can you ask for? Will report on the first hands-on impressions. Thanks to you insiders who gave me the guidelines - from today we are sharing another historical puzzle piece of the legend. Cheers.

-- Lutz Konermann (lutz@konermann.net), December 13, 2001.

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