Vintage Leica Leitz Focomat 1C Autofocus Enlarger w/Elmar 5cm f/3.5 Lens

Description

You are viewing a used Leitz Focomat 1C Autofocus Enlarger (Leitz Catalog no. 17601) with a Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5 Enlarging Lens (D00GS). This enlarger is a fully functioning piece of mid 20th-century German engineering. It has a distinct design quality and retro look that is very appealing and exquisitely functional.
Manufactured from 1950 until 1977, the Focomat 1C was the first post-WWII Leitz enlarger model and was a standard of magazine and newspaper darkrooms worldwide. Made of metal and wood, there is no plastic to be seen. Four large rubber feet elevate the baseboard, allowing room for the metal lever mechanism used underneath to lock down a Leitz Masking Frame (easel) (not included). Of course, you can use any easel you desire by moving the lever until the clamp recedes into its slot.
Cosmetically the unit shows oxidation and rust on unpainted metal surfaces. The chrome plated column is well pitted. The painted surfaces are in good shape with minimal paint loss. The lamp housing is in excellent condition. The wiring appears to be original shielded double strand cable and is in good condition. The two blade plug is secure. The left front edge of the baseboard holds a switch that operates the lamp or a timer, depending on how you set up the enlarger.
The Elmar 5cm/50mm lens is clear and fully functional though you will find a little internal debris - common to the age. The click stops are secure. The focusing mechanism is smooth and sure. The head elevation lock allows easy positioning and holds the head in place when released. The included lamp is a PH 211 75W bulb. According to Leitz information, the enlarger was designed to use a 150W opal lamp (PH 212) or up to 250W enlarger lamp (PH 213).
Specifications:
Column Height:
32in/81.28cm
Baseboard:
15.75 x 20.5in/40 x 52.1cm; 3-ply solid wood with clamping lever for Leitz Masking Frame
Minimum Enlargement:
2.125 x 3.125in/5.4 x 7.94cm w/50mm lens
Maximum Enlargement:
9.625 x 14.5in/24.45 x 36.83cm w/50mm lens
Weight:
27.5lb/12.47kg
Included in this auction: 1-Leitz Focomat 1C Enlarger, Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5 Enlarging Lens
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