[Leica] Enlarging lens and bellows

[wvl <wvl@marinternet.com>]

Horst, Marc, ...
Where does the VAROB 5 cm./3.5 enlarging lens fit into the chronology of
enlarging lenses? I have one, s/n 511568, that came with my Focomat
I.(Along with an original Leitz 110 v. 75 w bulb).  The lens has the
built-in extension. When using a "modern" lens I use an extenstion tube
of 14 mm. BTW, I also have an old Valloy that requires the use of an
extension tube.

Can you tell me anything about a bellows I picked up recently? It is
engraved "E.LEITZ WETZLAR GERMANY" Nr.10501. The rack is calibrated with
scales for 5.cm and 13.5 cm lenses. The front thread mount is LTM but
the bach of the bellows has no threads or locking mount, just a dished
ring about 40mm in diameter. 

Thanks, Bill Lawlor