I have a Nikon 80mm lens. Would I be able to use this with my 6x7 negatives? The illumination looks pretty even on the baseboard of the enlarger using the 6x7 carrier. I think it would be alright, but I should ask the experts!
You should be fine. But the general rule of thumb is that whatever the "normal" lens is for your camera that created the negs, is the same size for the enlarger.
I use a Hasselblad. the normal lens is an 80mm. therefore, i use an 80mm on my enlarger.
I have a Nikon 80mm lens. Would I be able to use this with my 6x7 negatives? The illumination looks pretty even on the baseboard of the enlarger using the 6x7 carrier. I think it would be alright, but I should ask the experts!
I've been developing 6X7 in a 23C for 15 years... If you use the 80mm, you will get drop off on the edges because even though that is the "standard" lens for that size, it doesn't cover the negative... I stated using a Rodenstock 110, and the results are phenomenal. I don't have to do nearly as much edge burning. In the few times I do 35mm, I use a 75 or an 80 for the same reason... Having said this, don't listen to any of the advice given here; go into the dark room and try it. So, borrow a longer lens and then make 2 prints using your 80 and the longer lens. Compare the results. Your eyes will tell you which is best. That's what I did.
A Rodagon 80 worked surprisingly well when I first got 6X7 equipment and had owned the 80 for 66 and 645. A few years back, I ran into an affordable Schneider 90 APO and this is quite nice (and normally the lens on the enlarger). It wasn't the dramatic difference I expected but it has a slight edge on larger prints (> 8X10) and there is very, very slight edge illumination difference than with the 80. I've also got a 100 Componon S that I only bought because it was cheap (the smaller barrel size model) and I happened to have an extended lens board and ring for it. It is also a very nice lens but I see no edge illumination difference between it and the 90 on my 23C machines.
I just purchased the 80 Nikkor for my 6x6 Mamiya TLR. A trip to the camera store later, (bad, very bad) I ended up with a used 6x7 SLR. I'll give the lens a try this weekend to see how it looks. I don't want to test my wife's patience any more than necessary. Thanks to all who replied.