In a change from the products of Leitz I have been looking in detail at the Meopta Opemus 4x4 enlarger which came my way in a local Charity shop for a nominal sum. Ths is a well made machine dating to around 1960 and featuring the ability to enlarge from 4x4 in addition to 35mm formats. The brand is still popular in the UK used market and has continued a number of proven design features probably longer than many machines.
This version came with two carriers ,both made in a derivative of Bakelite and well finished. Strange to say one is 24x36 format and one 30x40 and not as expected 40x40. Given that the condenser covers this second frame size then one assumes that 40x 40 should be achievable with the correct holder- after all the condenser is circular! In support of this is the longer than standard lens length, which is a 4.5/55mm Belar, slightly longer than expected in a 35mm machine, which no doubt provides for the larger negative coverage.
I am well aware that 35mm Valoy and Focomat enlargers ( pre v35) covered a nominal 40x40 but, sadly, gave cut off corners so things were very tight in the coverage. I really think that Leitz need not have bothered. The range of special holders for 40x40 negatives were even supplied with a built in 'cut off ' corner.
Small touches of note are the simple conversion of the stock lens panel by insertion of a stepping ring- from ebay- intended for a camera filter but which is of the correct thread to adapt the machine to (Leica) 39mm thread opening the way to many popular lenses. As an accessory the enlarger head can be extended forwards by use of an adapter, supplied as an extra, and placing the sloping column more centrally for large prints.
Rather later than the above note, I have come accross a predictable illustration of the 4x4 carrier which could be simply fabricated to replace the 3x4 type fitted.
I regret the intended photographs will be missing at present but will be added in due course.
