6x9 Printing...Lens?

[joeyk49]

I'm waiting for my first rolls of C41 to come back from the lab, but I would like to start shooting "normal" b/w film with my ZI Nettar.

My question is: When it comes to printing, will my 75mm enlarger lens work with the larger neg size? I know that I'll need a new neg carrier, but will I need a different lens too? Also, I assume that if the image fits through the lens, it will fit through the contrast filter below, right?

I suspect, that when I see some replies I'm going to slap my forehead; but, right now, the top of my head hurts from scratching it so much....

:confused:

 

[Lee L]

75mm will probably not cover the whole 6x9 negative, at least not well, even if you see no vignetting. 90mm may work, probably at its limits, but 105 and longer are your best bets. Mfgrs info will tell you more about negative coverage. The 135mm focal length is more common, and you can probably find a good used one at a good price. That will certainly work, and you're using the better center of the lens field. You will get a larger image on the baseboard with the shorter focal lengths, but if you don't need the magnification, the 135mm would be what I'd go for. A 135mm will also do 4x5 if you go there, double duty.

A good Schneider Componon, El Nikkor, or Rodenstock 135mm would work great. Go for a 6 element rather than a 4 element lens, often indicated by the name ending in -on as opposed to -ar, Componon rather than Componar. I'm sure others will have more specific suggestions.

Used enlarging lenses are a great bargain right now. If the glass is clean and clear of fungus and scratches, you're very likely good to go.

Lee

 

[Ole]

The normal lens for 6x9 cameras is a 105mm; so that is also the recommended enlarger lens. Some 75mm lenses will be usable, at least at smaller print sizes. If yours is a Rodagon, it's worth trying. Otherwise I think you'll have to invest in another lens

(The reason I mention Rodagon is that I use a 180mm Rodagon to enlarge my 5x7" negatives. That combination is recommended by Durst; other brands they recommend at least 210mm).

 

[joeyk49]

A 135mm will also do 4x5 if you go there, double duty.
Lee

But I won't get away with a 4x5 on my Beseler 23C, right?

 

[joeyk49]

Thanks guys!

It looks like I'll be trolling for a lens....

 

[Nick Zentena]

But I won't get away with a 4x5 on my Beseler 23C, right?

No. Plus you'll want to make sure a 135mm will work with your enlarger with the type of prints you want to make. 100mm/105mm is normal for 6x9.

 

[Lee L]

But I won't get away with a 4x5 on my Beseler 23C, right?

You'd need to check two things before purchasing a 135mm lens for use on your 23C. Make sure you can print as large as you want, and make sure you have the bellows draw to focus a 135mm across the full range you'll use. Beseler customer service might be able to tell you what might work.

100/105mm is a much safer choice for you. I print with an Omega D5-XL, so the 135mm is perfectly viable for me printing 6x9 at typical sizes. I brought it up because you didn't mention the enlarger model you're using.

Put in a want ad here on APUG.

Lee

 

[MattCarey]

You'd need to check two things before purchasing a 135mm lens for use on your 23C. Make sure you can print as large as you want, and make sure you have the bellows draw to focus a 135mm across the full range you'll use. Beseler customer service might be able to tell you what might work.

100/105mm is a much safer choice for you. I print with an Omega D5-XL, so the 135mm is perfectly viable for me printing 6x9 at typical sizes. I brought it up because you didn't mention the enlarger model you're using.

Put in a want ad here on APUG.

Lee

I think if you check the 23C itself, you will see the settings for the bellows on the side--there is a setting for 50mm, 75mm, 105mm, etc. I don't think it goes up to 135mm. I'll check mine later and see.

Also, check the instructions for the 23C on puresilver.org. That should let you know if 135mm is too big.

Matt

 

[Ole]

I may have an old Dallmeyer 4" enlarger lens - I'll take a look tomorrow and see what I can find. If I have one, it's yours for the cost of postage (if I can find it and you can use it, of course).

 

[joeyk49]

I may have an old Dallmeyer 4" enlarger lens - I'll take a look tomorrow and see what I can find. If I have one, it's yours for the cost of postage (if I can find it and you can use it, of course).

Excellent! I'll PM you...