Focomat 1C: still of value, accessories available?

[dlb]

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Hello all, I've inherited a Focomat 1C from my father, along with a handful of other darkroom goodies (can you even buy film to roll your own anymore?). He used it in the late 60's, then packed it up to move in the 70's and never set up another darkroom. The lens looks like the 60mm Focotar. There's a filter tray, and what appears to be a 35mm slide holder (I can post more pics). It plugs in and lights up, and the enlarger itself looks to be in very good condition other than some chipping on the white enamel handle. Is this still of value, and if so, would someone be able to acquire any desired/missing accessories? I personally won't be doing film enlargement, but want to see it go to a good home and get some more use.

 

 

 

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[klaush]

The Ic is built for eternity - almost. So you will be able to use it. Perhaps you should have a look on the electric wires. They may have aged and could break. And look through the lens if it is clear. It should be a Focotar 4.5/50mm.

 

I used a Focomat Ic for many years, but bought a V35 to improve. For my b&w photography the Ic made the better prints. After about 15 year of use of the V35 I sold it and bought a Ic again last year - and I am happy.

 

What about the commercial value: I don´t know. Better use it yourself.

 

Regards

Klaush

[christer]

Has it got a holder for negative strips? If yes, then it has everything. No accessories needed.

 

Is the lens too old (less "sharp" in _the user's_ opinion than current lenses), or has it got fungus or is it scratched? No problem. There are loads of used but top quality enlarging lenses on the market, and they are mostly good value for money. But you will get less for the equipment you have.

 

Value? Sometimes more than more modern enlargers. I had one but sold it to get a V35 because I find filter selections by turn of a knob more convenient than changing filters, but that is a matter of taste.

 

So if you find a buyer that likes the IC and if the lens is undamaged, then 100-200 pounds would be a realistic price. The stainless steel tanks have some value, maximum 25 punds, the easel is worthless. If the empty cartridges are plastic, then they are worthless too, as is the film loader.

 

What is the little thing on the left hand side of the column?

[tobey bilek]

60 Focotars were for the 11C model and performed like the original 50 4.5, ie optimised for 5x7 prints, acceptable 8x10, and poor after that. The large element 50 and the focotar 2 were miles ahead. Your AF cam is probably for 50 mm so you need a 50 mm lens.

 

 

On the other hand, it is a later model with filter drawer so it can use filters over the condenser and it also take the commonly available ph111 bulbs. Also the electronic magnification indicator.

 

The anti Newton "filter" over the conderser bottom is a plus if not worn.

 

The bellows can not leak light and you need the negative carrier which is removeable flat plate with 24 x 36 mm cut out that fits under the condenser.

 

 

M camera cassettes are scarce today. To the right person like me, they are valuable. Screw mount camera cassettes are not and they look almost the same. Screw mount cassettes will not fit an M camera, but M cassettes will fit screw mount. Screw mount ones have a complete circlular depression on the bottom, M ones have an interrupted circular depression and are 2 or 3 mm shorter.

 

Stainless darkroom tanks are cheap. Only Nikkor tanks and reels have value. Off brand almost zero.

 

If all in good condition and you can find a rare person who wants it, it is worth $200.

Digital has taken over.

 

Consider selling it piecemeal.

[pico]

M camera cassettes are scarce today.

 

Indeed, and it is a shame they cannot be used in some later models.

 

BTW - The cassettes in the photo look like Nikon's.

 

OP - carefully disassemble the enlarger, pack it up and put it up for sale here. It might work out. I'd probably sell the magnification device separately. They are hard to find. And the cassettes. I'd also offer to ship without the baseboard since they are easily made and expensive to ship.

 

--

Pico - still using a Focomat IIa

[dlb]

Thanks, useful input all around. Addressing a few points:

 

* Little thing to the left of the column: good question. It has a red lens area to the left, and the right end is a spring-engaged disk with a thin strap with clip. Anyone have a definitive idea? Is this the electronic magnification indicator?

 

* It does have the negative tray, but not the anti-Newton ring. The lens is clean.

 

* SS tanks: these are Nikor (one "R"). I assume the reels are the same since but there are no obvious marks.

 

* Film cassettes: Nikon, three metal parts each including the spool. I wouldn't want to mislead anyone, so I'll keep those separate from the enlarger.

 

* Sell piecemeal: I thought to keep the enlarger intact if it means that someone would have a better chance to use and enjoy it, although I'm not against making a little money (to buy more camera gear, naturally). Jettisoning the easel as dead-weight sounds reasonable, and I can convert it into a copy stand if no one wants it.

 

Ok, it sounds like it might be enjoyable to someone, so I'll put together an ad and see what happens. -dlb

[klaush]

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The little thing: yes, it is a magnification indicator.

 

Klaush