Hi, I've just bought a Leica V35 enlarger. I would like to get some spare bulbs.It has the Philips 13139 which is no longer made. Looking on the internet I have seen that there are some possible alternatives but some people say they are not so bright. Does anyone know the best bulb to get? It also came without the negative carrier and the cheapest I can find is £70. Does anyone know of anywhere to get one a bit cheaper? I have scoured the internet with no success. It is a beautiful machine. Used once and in all the original packaging. It has the original receipt which shows that it cost £1950 in 1996 which equates to about £3700 today! I would also be grateful for advice on how to use the colour head for black and white multigrade paper. Thanks.
There are specialists in old equipment that might have some tucked away. Try these links to start you off... https://www.mrcad.co.uk/ https://www.mwclassic.com/ https://www.secondhandcameras.co.uk/second-hand-vintage-cameras/ http://www.vintagecameras.co.uk/ https://vintageclassiccamera.com/
I did read that the Philips bulb is still avaiilable in the Netherlands but I would not know where to search.
There are also a number advertised on fleabay in Philips boxes so if they are the genuine item who can tell. There was a website which described how to modify the pattern bulbs so that they gave the same light output as the Philips original. It should not be difficult to find. It seems the difference in light output is largely down to the position of the bulb filament being out of place and not focussed exactly in the correct plane. This reduces the intensity of the light reaching the condenser.
I have just found what you may be looking for. They are listed as Phillips 13139 bulbs to fit Leitz enlargers. They are specifically named a Phillips so they must be the genuine article, but they are not cheap so that may mean they are genuine too. They are priced at 29.95 each If you go to the web and search on AG Photographic on their site under the heading 'Enlarging' the bulbs are listed. If you have never used AG before rest assured they are a very dependable company, I use them regularly.
Thanks again JMK. Unfortunately they are out of stock and say they are unlikely to get any more in. They do an alternative but I don't know whether it would be any better than the one I have. I think I'll ring them for advice. Thanks
AG are normally a quite genuine company but leaving an advert on display if they have sold out and not likely to get any more is not very good. Have you tried Mr Cad? It will probably be the same story but I bought a sodium vapour bulb for a Duka safelight from him last year and they were stopped being made years ago (About 20 or so) Be careful Alex Falk the owner may try to direct you to the pattern bulb.
That's a good idea, I will try them. I agree with your comment about Alex. He's a good salesman! I was in there last year and walked out with several things I didn't really want!
