Cropping

[redbandit]

to make the image bigger, raise the enlarger head up. However when the enlarger head is at maximum height and the image still isnt where it should be in size, will putting in a lense with longer focal length give an increase in the image size

 

[Sirius Glass]

to make the image bigger, raise the enlarger head up. However when the enlarger head is at maximum height and the image still isnt where it should be in size, will putting in a lense with longer focal length give an increase in the image size

Turn the enlarger head and base so that the head projects on the floor instead of the table.

 

[MattKing]

To increase the image size when enlarging (or projecting) you need to use a lens with a shorter focal length, not a longer focal length.
But you need to be sure that the shorter focal length lens is able to cover the negative format - or at least the portion of the negative you are enlarging from.
It is usually a better idea to explore wall projection or rotating the column and projecting on to a lower easel.

 

[Pieter12]

When using a shorter focal length lens, you will most probably be OK if you are cropping the edges of the negative--you do refer to cropping in the title. However, be aware that image quality deteriorates near the edges of the lens circle.

 

[ic-racer]

to make the image bigger, raise the enlarger head up. However when the enlarger head is at maximum height and the image still isnt where it should be in size, will putting in a lense with longer focal length give an increase in the image size

There have been 'wide angle' enlarging lenses for that purpose. In general the focal length will be less than the film format diagonal. The most common are 40mm, 60mm and 135mm (35mm, 6x6cm and 4x5in).

 

[GregY]

Redbandit.... what film format, lens size & enlarger are you using......& what size paper are we talking about...just to put it in perspective for us.

 

[wiltw]

The math here is not properly calculated, but the CONCEPT applies.
If an enlarger column is 48" tall (or 1219mm)

• 1219 / 50mm FL = about 23
• 1219 / 150 = about 8

The magnification range of the shorter FL allows more magnification
The big print with 4x5 film comes about because 8 x 4" film = 32" print, while 24 * 1" film = 24" print

The total distance, from negative to paper easel, has to be increased to make anything bigger. Or make the FL smaller -- which also typically shrinks the overal dimensions of the negative that can be projected onto the easel.

 

[redbandit]

23cii with head raised to the 22 inch mark on the ruler, a beseler 50mm lens, 35mm negative. Using Tri X 400.

fully raised i can only double the size of a seagull. However the grain doesnt seem to increase in size at all

 

[guangong]

23cii with head raised to the 22 inch mark on the ruler, a beseler 50mm lens, 35mm negative. Using Tri X 400.

fully raised i can only double the size of a seagull. However the grain doesnt seem to increase in size at all

Are you focusing with a grain focusing aid? All film has grain, that’s what makes an image, and enlarging the print by definition will enlarge grain, although you may not be able to detect this while viewing enlargement on easel. That’s why grain focusers are used.

 

[redbandit]

Are you focusing with a grain focusing aid? All film has grain, that’s what makes an image, and enlarging the print by definition will enlarge grain, although you may not be able to detect this while viewing enlargement on easel. That’s why grain focusers are used.

Im talking in finished, fully dried prints. dont notice a difference in the image projected on the easel,

 

[Pieter12]

Then your larger prints are not quite in focus.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Shorter focal length. When I was putting in my converted 8x10 enlarger, I went to a 240 Schneider, as I had limited ceiling height. I was able to make 20x24 inch prints... and probably could have gone larger, but by that time I discovered Alt. printing, and that was kind of the end of gel silver printing for me...although recently, I've pulled out my 4x5 Fujimoto and thinking about setting it up again...

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

By the way, for focusing the 8x10, the knob (it was actually a whee) was so high up, I had to duct tape a hockey stick to it so that I could focus and look through the grain focuser at the same time.

 

[koraks]

Shorter focal length.

Certainly. But shorter lenses than 50mm for 35mm work aren't very common. I think there are a couple of 'wide angle' enlarging lenses around, but I don't come across them very often (at all) in the second hand market around here.

I think Capa's age-old adagium applies here: get closer to the seagull for a better picture.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Certainly. But shorter lenses than 50mm for 35mm work aren't very common. I think there are a couple of 'wide angle' enlarging lenses around, but I don't come across them very often (at all) in the second hand market around here.

I think Capa's age-old adagium applies here: get closer to the seagull for a better picture.

I learned when I was 12 years old to move closer to improve the photograph.

 

[Pioneer]

I learned when I was 12 years old to move closer to improve the photograph.

He probably tried but without a boat it was wet out there...

 

[awty]

I use a Minolta 30mm with a ressed lens holder. From memory I had to mount it on the inside of the holder to get maximum out of it.