bargain lenses (100 euro max.) for 30x enlargements..

chris77 · Feb 13, 2015

as in the topic.
using durst m800 with unicon 105 condenser and 6x7 negs.
sharpness more important than contrast.
print size of 60x70" or even bigger.

found some componon 105mm for no money. will it be any good for the task?
another user mentioned using a longer lens in order to use the sharp center of the lens.
seems a good idea, but might be problematic, when the working place is rather small.

sorry for opening multiple threads just in order to boil it down to this one.
feels like i have been virtually thinking aloud
thanks for your patience.

chris

Ian Grant · Feb 13, 2015

Yes the 105mm Componon is an excellent lens, make sure it has an adapter to M39 mount they are 30.5 x.5.

Ian

chris77 · Feb 13, 2015

Ian Grant said:
Yes the 105mm Componon is an excellent lens, make sure it has an adapter to M39 mount they are 30.5 x.5.

Ian

thanks for the quick reply.
will check for the adapter.

i have been coming across your name several times on this forum as you are/have been also working with liquid emulsion.
delighted to make your virtual acquaintace

chris

MDR · Feb 13, 2015

The componon is a very good lens but a 30x enlargment might be a bit much 60x70cm is a around 10x enlargment and should be doable without Problems.

chris77 · Feb 13, 2015

MDR said:
The componon is a very good lens but a 30x enlargment might be a bit much 60x70cm is a around 10x enlargment and should be doable without Problems.

i meant inches.. not cm..
still doable? whats your opinion?

MDR · Feb 13, 2015

With the oldest componon maybe as the viewing distance might help will it hold up to Close inspection doubtful, but at this size of enlargment everything but a superb APO lens will have problems furthermore with big enlargement the lens is not the only limiting factor, the enlarger itself and how well it was adjusted will Play a role as well.

chris77 · Feb 13, 2015

MDR said:
With the oldest componon maybe as the viewing distance might help will it hold up to Close inspection doubtful, but at this size of enlargment everything but a superb APO lens will have problems furthermore with big enlargement the lens is not the only limiting factor, the enlarger itself and how well it was adjusted will Play a role as well.

servus nach österreich?
as i am a freak for perfection you can be sure i will do anything to set up the enlarger correctly.
how do you mean the enlarger "itself" could be a problem?
as far as i understand the enlarger is just the machine to hold the lens, just like a camera.
but maybe you are talking of the condensers? what aletnatives do i have?

thanks
chris

MDR · Feb 13, 2015

I meant the alignment everything has to be correctly aligned use a glass carrier etc.... I guess you will do a wall projection as Durst states in it's literature that the M800 is good for max 7.5X from a 6x9cm neg and a 105mm lens. Also try to minimize movement or anything else that might cause vibrations.

chris77 · Feb 13, 2015

MDR said:
I meant the alignment everything has to be correctly aligned use a glass carrier etc.... I guess you will do a wall projection as Durst states in it's literature that the M800 is good for max 7.5X from a 6x9cm neg and a 105mm lens. Also try to minimize movement or anything else that might cause vibrations.

i still think that (if all other factors are mastered, alignement, vibrations, etc..) the lens will be the main reason for unsatisfying results.
if not so, which other enlarger (system) i should be looking for??

MDR · Feb 13, 2015

My advice is not specific to a certain enlarger but applies to all enlargers.

Paul Howell · Feb 13, 2015

For a quality enlargement from 6X7 to 30X

1. High quality camera and lens, if SLR with mirror lock up shot at F 8 or 11, on quality tripod with cable or remote shutter release

2. Film, Tmax or Delta 100 use Tmax developer or Xtol. Other developers will work as well, need to do some testing to see what you like.

3. Make the enlarger table is solid, as little vibration as possible.

4.Enlarger, cleaned, including the condensers and the glass negative carrier.

5. Make sure enlarger is in alignment, as the Durst shoots the wall for that size enlargement make sure the enlarger is square to the wall.

6. Make sure the lens is clean.

7. If your darkroom has forced air heating make sure it is turned off while engaging no air currents.

8. For 6X7 you can go a little wider than a 105, a 90mm APO will work, what ever you can find in your local market, do some research to see how it performs, but with an exchange policy so you can test drive it.

Muihlinn · Feb 14, 2015

Realistically there is no lens under $100 for such task, unless you're very lucky. Such specialized lenses does not show up often, and when they do, they sell in the range of thousands.

If you're looking for ultimate quality a regular componon won't be up to the job becoming mushy in terms of sharpness in the corners and even in the center over 130cm size. Said that, that's about grain sharpness in the focuser, but it may be enough for you looking the print; if I were you I'd look for an 80 apo rodagon n, which for my taste is the shortest focal length which covers the format and more sharper and contrastier than the componons, but usually sells for a little more than 100

chris77 · Feb 14, 2015

thanks to PDH and Muihlinn for your advice.
i know that its too much asked to get grain sharpness, but thats not necessarily a problem.
will keep my eyes open for suitable lenses and try what another user advised me to do.
try to fix something in order to mount my mamiya sekor 110 photo lens.
will let you know how it goes.
greets from paris
chris

1920 · Mar 13, 2015

your gonna be dropping big $$$ on giant paper, giant trays, chemicals, etc….maybe going cheap on your enlarger lens is no real savings, just 2C

Ronald Moravec · Mar 14, 2015

Macro Takumar 50 4.0 Micr0 Nikkor 55 3.5

You WILL need to properly align the enlarger, stabalize it, and use a neg carrier that holds film flat, 2 sides glass.

Skip any and you are wasting your time.

Rodagon made some lenses for large prints, 20 x and up. So did Schneider.

bargain lenses (100 euro max.) for 30x enlargements..

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