Re-wiring Focomat Ic and IIC

[Leicalifer]

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Hello

 

I recently picked up both a Focomat Ic gray unit -color version and IIC black unit with drawer enlarger. Both are in good shape overall but really old. Both were disassembled as they were shipped to me from Europe to the USA.  I tried both out and they both worked with a converter for the plug.

 

So, before I start using them seriously, should I rewire both of them with new wiring.?  All appears ok for now, however I would like to see if there is an easy way to refresh the wiring with new product to be on the safe side. I use these in a room in my house and would like to avoid burning the place down from a short.

 

Can I change out the old wiring for new? Not sure if this is possible.

 

Anyone?  

Edited May 2, 2018 by Leicalifer

[M.Hilo]

All the wiring can be changed. The question is should you?

 

Perhaps yes, perhaps no.

 

You look well at all the wiring under the baseboards. If you see cracks or open wire then it is good to do something. Open up the compartments and check in there as well. Signs of humidity are not good.

 

If the enlargers look very nice and without any spots (beginning rust) on their chrome parts, that indicates they were well taken care off and perhaps you're fine to go. But enlargers which were stored dry can also dry out, their wiring in particular.

 

Just determine for yourself in what general condition they're in and look for problems with the wiring. To rewire is not that hard, when you do bit by bit. But it takes time. I have the same two enlargers, plus a couple more of them and only once I needed to rewire. In that case I disconnected and bypassed the Leitz wiring and went from the top of the column down (inside) and ran the new wire straight into my timer. Of course I gave up the side switch on the baseboard in doing so, but in more than 40 years I have never used those . . .

 

Your grey 1c is probably mid-seventies and the black 2c if with the red nameplate from the mid-sixties to early seventies. If the black 2c came with the black nameplate it is older. If they have their original lenses, the serial numbers can give an indication. You can find these online.

Edited May 4, 2018 by M.Hilo

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[Leicalifer]

M. Hilo

 

What gauge of wire did you use? Is their merit in using slight thicker wire for additional safety or does the thicker gauge provide too much additional resistance for the current?

[M.Hilo]

To be honest, I just showed the lamphead's cord to someone in a good shop and he chose it. Later on I have renewed the cords of the lamp heads more often and I got wire for ironing machines. But even there you need to be careful because some are too thin.

 

Hopefully someone here knows the answer to your question re thicker wire. I would not worry too much about this, just buy at a store where they know their thing . . .

[pico]

Thicker wire has less resistance.

[EoinC]

Thicker wire has less resistance.

Similar to how a large pipe allows easier flow than a small pipe.

[bence8810]

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Hello there,

Like earlier mentioned, you should check what state the wiring is in before ripping it all out. Having said that, in my case over the years I usually find it is better to rewire.
See below the photos I attach of a IIc's negative examining tray connector and a Ic's lamp socket - I sure am glad I didn't keep with the original wiring...

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Remember a Focomat is basically a lamp so any wiring that you'll find in a nightstand lamp should be ok.

Now this simplifies things of course a little too much, the bulb used in the focomat can be up to 100W so you'll want a good quality product but it still is just a 100W's so no need to go crazy.

There are narrow passages at the bottom of the baseboard where the wiring needs to pass so make sure you get one that fits. 

I've rewired about a dozen Focomats (Ic and IIc both) and I never bumped into any issues.

Good luck!

Ben