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Focomat V35 left-right mask stuck ?


aslaets

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Hello,

 

I've just acquired a Focomat V35 w/ 40mm Focotar.

 

1. Love-song

Printed some negatives also done on Durst605 w/ schneider componon - some difference is indeed visible: slightly better contrast, somewhat more detail, somewhat sharper.

 

But most of all: the V35 is very user-friendly to handle. It's a joy working with this machine: a lot less "small irritations" (refocussing, adjusting, getting the last negative of the strip straight in,reading the f-stop,...) makes a big difference in darkroom experience.

 

The b/w head w/ stepless gradation also is very nice to work with. No more looking up dichroic filter values, wondering, guessing.

 

2. Problem

Under the negative holder there are 4 sticks. They control a 4 blade mask.

 

Fore and aft function.

Left AND right are stuck: the sticks cannot be turned.

 

 

3. Question

Anyone here had same experience ? What was the problem ?

Anyonere here familiar with the inner workings of the enlarger ? Any suggestions or speculations ?

Is it probable something is broken, misadjusted ?

Is it "normal behaviour", is there a "condition" causing this that can be lifted ?

Is there, in the end, a contact point with Leica/Leitz (mail) that could provide support ?

 

Thanks in advance to every friendly helper, including those who take the trouble reading this, but do not have any info.

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I have a Focomat V35 with one of the masking blades either rusted or broken. The knob grates but will not move the mask. I have tried to have this fixed by a local repair shop and he was unable to do anything with it. I don't know if Leica still fixes these or not; I would like to ask them, but I'm still trying to get a response on an M7 issue. If they ever call or write back, I'll ask them.

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You might send an email to Gerry Smith at Kindermann Canada. They do lots of brilliant things with all aspects of Leitz photo stuff, including (my memory tells me) enlargers.

 

Gerry is a great guy with a total commitment to doing the best possible job. I can recommend him without reservation.

 

I cant find his email address, but google Kindermann Canada.

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