Response to Leitz(Leica) focomat Ic: can I make quality prints?

Jeff--You are a lucky guy! For enlarging 35mm B&W, the Focomat 1c is a high-quality classic. The autofocus system works well, if calibrated, and the enlarger mechanism overall is as sturdy and precise as a good camera. If you upgrade with a new enlarging lens (which I would strongly recommend), like a Schneider Componon-S 50/2.8, you can get superb quality prints. The light source is a hybrid of diffusion and condensor and produces smoother gradation and grain than straight condensor types. On my Focomat (from about 1950!), I replaced the swing-out red filter under the lens with a holder for VC filters--very easy. You never need to align the negative & lens stages of the Focomat, because they are a permanently aligned like in a camera. For 35mm, there is really no advantage to getting a newer enlarger, IMHO, unless you want a built-in variable contrast light source. You'll discover that the Focomat is of better build quality than most small and medium format enlargers on the market today. Definitely get a new lens, though, and be careful to keep the bottom surface of the condensor lens (that touches the negative) clean and scratch-free.

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