Which Enlarger Lens for 6x7 Negatives ?

I'm looking for advise on how to select a used - good quality -

enlarger lens for my Nikkor enlarger.

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I recently purchased a used 6x7 medium format camera and would now

like to get back into the darkroom. As you are well aware, my

50mm/F4 lens is of little use with this negative size. I've been

told that the most appropriate focal length(s) for 6x7 negatives are

either 80mm or 105mm. Can you recommend one focal length over the

other, and if so, why ?

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Also, any hints on how to evaluate a "used" enlarger lens both over

the counter and in the darkroom.

I made the move to 6x7 from 6x6 and had to buy a longer f/l lens. At

the advice from the "digest people" I bought an 80 mm El Nikkor new

from B&H. I couldn't find a used one. It works very nicely however

the corners at 5.6 show about 1 stop light falloff (not sharpness). I

don't know if this is typical of this focal length. At f8 the falloff

is gone. I cranked up my D-6 to enlarge about 30" and ran an 8x10

test for sharpness-excellent.

George

The 80mm will allow for larger magnification, as limited by the max

height of the enlarger head. The 105mm will have more even

illumination at wide apertures. I would get an 80/4 and always close

it down 2-3 stops.

I also purchased a new 80mm F5.6 El nikkor lens from B&H. However, I also purchased a new Omega 760xl enlarger with condenser head at the same time. I checked for evenness of illumination with my enlarging meter and did not find any detectable drop at the corners at 5.6 or smaller. I am extremely please with the lens and enlarger system for 6x7 negatives in B&W. Can't speak for color performance.

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The combo allows a 28 inch projection on the long axis on the base board, allowing significant cropping of a 16x20 print. A 105 would not allow nearly as much cropping room for a 16x20 print.

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My $0.02 worth.

I use a 135 El nikkor for 4X5, it is indeed a wonderful lens so with

guilt by association (and what is written in these posts) the 80 f/5.6

El nikkor must be a great lens. I have an 80mm f/4 APO-Rodagon for 6X7

and it is great but I don't know that is superior to the El nikkor and

it is quite a bit more expensive.

I found the 80mm a little short, and bought a 105 Schneider. This

works great on my Bess. 23IIIXL. ken

I had same experience that Ken mentioned. I found that the 80mm lens

is little short for 6x7 and bought 105mm lens which can be used for

both 6x7 and 6x9. I have got very good prints.

I know this response may be a bit late, but for anyone looking to buy a new enlarger lens I strongly suggest that you consult the book "Postexposure" by Ctein. As many of you know, Ctein is one of the most demanding and cautious individuals when it comes to printing equipment. He is a frequent contributor to PhotoTechniques, and approaches all of his equipment testing in a very methodical, scientific way. He has tested all of the newer enlarger lenses (at least the 35mm, MF, and up to 4X5 LF lenses). His book carefully describes the results and his methods. Basically, if you are printing MF from 645 or 6X6 negatives, the best lens to have by far is the Schneider 80mm f4. Unfortunately, for 6X7 there is considerable light fall off which I have observed personally (luckily all of my MF is 645 now!). I suggest you check his book for other suggestions. Overall there are almost no 75-80mm enlarger lenses for up to 6X7 that pass his tests. However, there are several 105s that do.

Michael Clark