Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/02/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 2/25/2006 5:01:59 AM Pacific Standard Time, vick.ko@sympatico.ca writes: Anyone know the differences between the Focomat IIC and IIa? Regards, Vick Ko Vick, The IIC, particularly the later grey one is the ultimate 35 to 6x9 enlarger. The latest version had the 100 Focotar-2 (rare) but was it ever good! The IIA has a rotating lens mount for the 60mm and 95 mm lenses and although it is adequate I always found the lenses a bit "soft". Both the IIC and IIA are rock steady and have a very even light distribution. The masks for the negative size are different, the IIA has heavy, thick brass masks that slide in and the IIC has thin "shim" stock looking masks. If you are looking for Focomat II's be sure that you get the masks as they are very difficult to find. Usually they came in 35mm, 6x6 and 6x9 format as well as 1/2 frame, even Minox 8x11 and a strange 6x9 glass plate for ultra high resolution microfiche reproduction. Biggest problem with the older Focomat's is that they dont come with a filter drawer, the later IIC had this. You can adapt Wallner color heads and also Chromega color heads to the IIC's ( I dont know if it is possible to do it to the IIA). Unfortunately the lenses on the earlier IIC's were not that good and these are dedicated lenses and if you manage to change them (not easy) you tend to loose the auto-focus function. Watch for worn or broken Bowden cables on the IIC ( these are cables that shift the lens-boards when you change format) as I dont know if they are still available. Construction of both the IIA and the IIC is incredible. A IIC weighs in at 80+ pounds and it has an upright that is almost 3" in diameter, made from chrome plated brass! I used a late IIC for many years and it kept the auto focus function perfect. Every 5 years I would check it, mainly to see if I could still do it! It never shifted and always worked, both in 35 and 120 film size! Only reason I got rid of it was to prevent myself from accumulating cameras that used 120 film. With my Focomat Ic I am limited to 35mm (24x36) and the temptation to get a 'blad or Rollie is no longer there! If you are looking for a Focomat, go for the IIC, in grey and if at all possible, try to find one with the Focotar-2/100mm - it should last longer than film will and it is virtually impossible to wear one out. Tom A Tom Abrahamsson Vancouver, BC Canada _www.rapidwinder.com_ (http://www.rapidwinder.com)