NOT a Focomat-what next?

Regular readers - Yes, both of you, will know that this Blog has relied heavily on the enlarger products of E. Leitz over the period 1927 to about 1990. The peak of production in terms of reliability and operation was reached with the last Focomat 1c shortly to be followed by the innovative v35 which marked the end of the line. Over the years there have been many autofocus enlargers and, interesting to note, the auto focus design was well developed by others in pre war days. One important point being that the enlarger was only truly 'auto' when used with the original factory issue lens for which it had been adjusted. Any other lens would require a touch of  manual checking before printing. In practice many users would complete a series of prints before changing size and so any lens of the nominal focal length could be employed.The Focomat achieved this by use of a superb brass helical screw.

With this in mind I was interested in a very inexpensive used enlarger acquired in recent days. This is an Italian product - but not a Durst. The name is the Aurigon Automatico from IFF Turin which is an incredibly heavy machine of 1970's design based on the general layout of the Focomat.The late Barry Thornton had one in his Darkroom but suffered the same lack of original lens as mine does. We have all seen Leitz substitutes and blatant copies which rely on a supply of steel bar stock to achieve a autofocus machine and two at least appeared in the UK after the war. The Aurigon takes this to extremes with vast solid arms for a 35mm machine.  I have managed to get back to more or less original functions with either a Leitz Focotar LFE or a late Componar -S 2.8/50. The whole cries out solidity and stability and will form an interesting addition to the stable of machines here.The base board has a  magnetic surface but I have not used this at present. Optical system is a clear condenser with a 75 watt bulb being adequate. The carrier is well made and opens when still in place to allow insertion or movement of film.

Autofocus operates via a cam in the Leitz manner but can be disengaged to allow manual focus through a vernier scale. A bellows is used as shown in the pictures, but no helical focus- probably one of the most costly parts of a Focomat to produce.An interesting touch is a sliding red filter which opens rather like a drawer above the lens safe from damage.

More Mirfield

Previous Blogs have mentioned the Mirfield award which goes to the top score in each of the Leica  Print Circles on an Annual basis, presented at the Annual Meetings. In recent years this has been a certificate-and the satisfaction- only. I am glad to say that a small token award is now being made to winners. This practice reverts to spirit of the original scheme where an engraved lens cap was given. (See the earlier Blog with a photo of that won by T.C. March).

For a time a small engraved shield was given and I have one here awarded to Mrs M.Sheppard of Circle 11 in 1995. Margaret and her husband were members of the Society for many years and are still active in Leica Photography in the world of Bromoil and PCCGB. I do like the engraved image of the little man with a camera first seen in the 1930's.This is the 1995 award in Circle 11:

Also recently come into my hands are two engraved caps, In this case I have been unable to trace original holder and so have obscured the name .................................