mcbastian
Hello!
I use a Meopta Proximus as an enlarger.
As it’s getting on a bit (you’d think it belongs in a museum rather than a lab),
I haven’t been able to find any spare parts anywhere.
The most important thing would be a new bulb, as I don’t know how many hours the old one has clocked up.
But I don’t know what type it is, or whether it’s even still available.
You can also tell the lens between the mirror and the film surface, as well as the mirror itself, is getting on a bit. B)
The mirror isn’t the problem. You can always get a glazier to cut a new one to size. But the lens...
I do still have an Opemus II, but that only enlarges 35mm to a maximum of 18x24.
With the Proximus, I can manage 30x40 (after a minor modification... :) ).
That’s why I’d like to continue using this camera, which has served me so well over the years.
Regards, Sebastian
MirkoBoeddecker
Sebastian,
I don’t want to dampen your enthusiasm for the Proximus, but unfortunately it’s really too old and was produced in such small numbers that we don’t stock spare parts for it.
If the condenser lens is shot and can’t be cleaned any more – bin the lot. Ideally, the mirror should also be a surface mirror rather than a simple glass mirror.
A fully functional Proximus costs 20 EUR from us.
A glazier wouldn’t even bother with that.
We have plenty of 35mm-compatible cameras in that price range in stock.
OPEMUS 2: It can certainly do what you want it to. You just don’t know how B)
All you need is a 50mm lens (note: turn the circuit board over to compensate for the focal length difference). You might also need a 35mm insert mask for glassless enlargement, and then everything will be sorted.
You can get all of this from FOTOIMPEX.
We’ve got bulbs for it too, and you can use one device for all formats whilst saving space in your DUKA cabinet.
The Proximus lens might even fit. Give it a go. :)
Regards
Mirko
mcbastian
Hi Mirko!
Proximus:
It’s still more than enough for my experiments and personal prints. I was just asking ‘just in case’ – you never know how long it’ll last :D
Opemus IIa:
The bit about the lens then suddenly dawned on me, but by then I’d already sent the message off :)
Can I achieve 30x40 enlargements
(~26x40 for 35mm) using a 35mm insert and a 50mm lens (currently a 75mm with a 6x6 insert is fitted), without removing the Opemus from its base plate and raising it? That would be important... B)
Unfortunately, the Proximus lens doesn’t fit. It’s slightly larger in diameter.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Sebastian
PS: I know I can get it from my trusted camera dealer (you guys) as always :D
MirkoBoeddecker
Hi Sebastian,
Don’t get me wrong. The Proximus isn’t bad. I just thought it was broken and wanted to point out that buying a new one is probably easier than repairing it.
Opemus: Yes, you can get a good 30x40 with a 50mm lens.
What is the thread diameter of the Proximus lens and what type is it?
If it’s M39, we have suitable adaptor rings. Slightly more expensive hand-turned ones for wide lenses such as the Rodagon (we have these made to order) and, more recently, inexpensive original Meopta adaptor rings (drawn metal, so slightly conical and not as wide) for smaller lenses.
Best regards,
Mirko
mcbastian
Hi,
I just asked Proximus as a precaution. Better safe than sorry B)
The Proximus has a lens with a diameter of approx. 45 mm (Meopta Meopar 4.5 with a 50 mm focal length)
(I had to measure it with a ruler)
The Opemus has a 22mm diameter Meopta Belar 4.5/75mm.
But I’d be interested to know how much a 50mm lens for the Opemus with a full-frame insert plate would cost me... :)
Regards, Sebastian
MirkoBoeddecker
Assuming you’ve mismeasured slightly and the thread is (as is likely) 39mm rather than 45mm, then you’ll only need the circuit board.
Otherwise:
An Anaret costs around €50 from us.
We currently have special offers on the Anaret S at the same price (S stands for a backlit aperture scale).
We would include the circuit board at a special price of €5.
