Best Size Enlarging Lense for 4x5 Negs?

[Huram]

What is the best size enlarging lense for 4x5 negs? 150mm?

I have an ancient Omega DII. I would have to get a cone for this type of enlarging, right? What size cone for 150mm lense?

I recently became a beneficiary of a 6.5" condenser (thanks to the help of fellow APUGer Ron L.)

Thanks for the help in advance.

David Nelson

 

[josephaustin]

I have a D-II and use a 135mm, on a 2 1/2 inch cone, if you use a 150mm you have to get the 4 inch cone.

 

[photobackpacker]

I use a 150 and am very pleased with it.

 

[rhphoto]

Ditto: 150mm. Better coverage.

 

[Wayne Olson]

Call Harry!

I recently rebuilt an old Omega DII. In the process, I got with Harry Taylor at Classic Enlargers and learned just about everything there was to learn about them. There is an excellent Q&A forum at www.classic-enlargers.com.

I have both the 135 and 150mm lenses on the appropriate cones. I haven't measured them but I believe they are 2-3/4" and 4-1/2" respectively. I got the 2-3/4" cone on E-bay for $20.00.

Both lenses have their uses and other than circle of coverage, I don't see much difference in image quality between the 135mm Nikkor and the 150mm Schneider. I haven't printed anything bigger than 16X20 so I can't speak directly to coverage for prints above that size.

However, e-mail or call Harry - I don't think anyone on the planet knows more about those old Omegas.

Wayne

 

[gma]

Unless you are making giant size enlargements, a quality 135mm lens will have adequate coverage. Also the exposure times will be slightly shorter with the shorter focal length.