Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I have a bastardised Focomat 1c with a Nikkor lens and one of those >extension tube thingies. I have set up the autofocus as best I can, >following a photocopied instruction manual. It works, kind of. > >Two questions: > >1) Is the autofocus designed for a particular lens, or length of lens? >Should I really buy a Focotar? > >2) How do other people manage VC on Focomat 1c? I have a clumsy >arrangement using Ilford below-the-lens filters, but it's ugly, man, ugly >ugly UGLY. Ugly? The Focomats are beauties. As somebody said here a while ago.. the V35 looks like a kitchen appliance. I changed to a V35 but only after having tested one against the other. The 1c with the original 50mm Leitz lens plus a DIY holder for Ilford below-the-lens filters (ugly? yes!) does not not give you worse or better enlargements than the V35 with a 40 mm original (current) lens, but the V35 is much more convenient to work with: - - up to 16x enlargements on the base plate - - less dust marks - - easier to adjust position of negative - - does not get hot - - convenience of changing filter factor The V35s seem to be falling in price every month. Keep your eyes open and you may find a good used one for 500 pounds sterling. Check the inside of the lens for dust marks (surface treatment of the aperture blades coming off), and if the are none: buy. > > >"Never run after your own hat. Others will be delighted to do it - why spoil >their fun?" - Mark Twain - -- christer almqvist eichenstrasse 57, d-20255 hamburg, fon +49-40-407111 fax +49-40-4908440 14 rue de la hauteur, f-50590 regnéville-sur-mer, fon+fax +33-233 45 35 58