Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Alan, I have a serious weakness for Focomat's, at the moment I have 2 IIc's and a 1c. Over the years I have used a multitude of 1c's and they are great enlargers. When you are looking for a used one, check the focuscam action, it should be very smooth and the lensboard ( the board is clamped to a chrome rod, visible below the lens mount) should move up and down without sticking. Take out the condensor ( take off the lamphousing top and undo the bayonet ring that holds the condensor in place, large spring will pop out when you release the bayonet ring and lift the condensor out) and check for scratches and chips on the surface. Very pricey to replace if damaged! Also ask for the "anti-newton" ring glass that sits on the front (bottom) of condensor and when the seller tells you that he doesn't have one, look dejected and drop your offered price slightly. Check the autofocus by putting a neg in the carrier and move the condensor lever down to hold it flat. Move the housing up and down ( autofocus covers between 5x7 to approx 11x14 ") and check with a grain magnifier. If its in focus, good otherwise you will have to reset it.( not a big deal by the way). Remember that the arm that connects the housing to the upright is positioned in relation to the thickness of the easel used. The standard Leica easel is 1" thick, this means 2nd hole of the upright and there is a small steel peg that the clamp rests on. In general the Focomat1c is a very rugged machine and short off being knocked off a table or used as a battering ram they thend to stay in alignement. If it has a filterdrawer, it is easy to use multigrade filters, if not you just lift off the top off the lamphousing and drop the filter on the top of the condensor holder. Works fine but not as elegant as the filterdrawer. Good luck with the 1c and be prepared for some really nice, sharp prints. If you want further info on how to use the 1c, just e-mail me and I will try to answer. All the best, Tom A