Enlarging Lens

[bruce_karnopp1]

I shoot 6X6 and 6X9 negatives. Actually, the 6X6 look a tad small to me compared to the 6X9 ones. I use a Kodak Enlarging Ektar 100mm f4.5

for the 6X9.

 

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I know that the lens is the most important consideration for printing negatives (though I would argue that my cold light head is really wonderful!)

 

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Since I print B&W exclusively, I wonder if I should upgrade the Ektar to a Rodenstock, Schneider, or Nikon. Each of these is f5.6 which will be more difficult to focus than the Kodak f 4.5.

 

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Bruce Karnopp

[ted_kaufman]

I'm not familar with the Kodak enlarging lens you're using, but any

of the alternative modern lenses you've suggested will very likely

offer much better performance. I would recommend a 6 element design,

whichever brand you choose. Lastly, the difference between focusing

a f5.6 verses an f4.5 will be miniscule.

[john_elder1]

I suggest a 100mm Schneider Componon S 5.6. It will easily cover 6x9.

A friend of mine has borrowed the above lens to enlarge 2+1/4 negs to

mural size prints: 24 inch sq. with great success. Shop for a clean

used lens. I got mine for a cool 125 and it was very clean, glass

mint.

[scott_walton2]

5.6 isn't that bad when using a good grain magnifier. If you lack

sharpness by all means any upgrade will be a good one.

[gene_crumpler8]

Are you using a glass negative carrier? An absolute must for

anything bigger than 35mm and bigger than 8x10 enlargements. It solves

a lot of sharpness problems in enlarging. True, it is a bit of a

pain to use in the dust and lint department. Give this a try before

buying a new lens. It will be a necessity even with a new lens.

[xosni]

I was about to ask a question about glass carriers. I don't use them

as I use a condeser enlarger. I know by keeping the negative flat

will improve the sharpness, but isn't it by keeping a glass piece in

front of the projected image will lower the resolution?

 

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And are there any kind of special glass to use as a carrier?

 

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regards

 

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Xosni

[robert_marvin]

Although the Kodak Projection Ektars are over 50 years old,

they're VERY good. I doubt that a Rodenstock, Schneider, or

Nikkor would be much of an upgrade if your Ektar is in good

condition.