Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/27

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Subject: [Leica] Enlarger height and enlarging lenses
From: Mike Johnston <michaeljohnston@ameritech.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 23:47:09 +0000

>>>
But even
though the quality reputation of this Nikkor 105 lens is enticing, and
even
assuming I could find one and was willing to pay for it, I can't help
thinking
that when my Beseler 45 enlarger is at the top of its travel, an 80mm
lens just
barely gives an 8x10 from a 35mm negative.  If I tried a 105 I'd
probably be
lucky to get a 5x7 on the baseboard.  Is this strictly a wall or floor
projection lens?  I'm not aware of many enlargers that go a whole lot
higher
above the baseboard than mine. Inquiring minds want to know.

Cheers,
Kip<<<


Kip,
The idea that you should use a longer-than-normal focal length for any
format is an old wives' tale.* It hasn't been remotely valid for thirty
years or more, and certainly isn't today. The best performance will
almost always be achieved with a lens designed for the format you're
enlarging. Stick to 50mm lenses for 35mm.

It's also worth noting that virtually no "wide angle" lens for 35mm
format tests as well as similar lenses of 50mm focal length. This
includes the 45mm Schneider and the 40mm Leitz.

- --Mike


* Figure of speech only. No slur intended against old wives or any of
the gentlemen married to them.