Is there something wrong with my lens?

[olleorama]

I managed to get full coverage on a 4x5" sheet with my 105/5.6 componon, should that be possible? I thought the practical limit would be 135? This was with my D3 with the variable condensor taken out, as you would do with a 150 mm lens. The focusing image was sharp in my focuscope, and I can't see any issues (e.g. uneven exposure) on the prints.

Is there any downsides to using a 'too short' enlarging lens?

 

[Ian Grant]

There's nothing wrong with the lens just you It's not designed for that coverage. Yes the downside is it doesn't cover properly corner sharness will be very poor

Ian

 

[olleorama]

There's nothing wrong with the lens just you It's not designed for that coverage. Yes the downside is it doesn't cover properly corner sharness will be very poor

Ian

Hmph, guess I'll have to shell out for a cam for the 150 then...

 

[Mike1234]

I've used the 105 Componon on 4x5 in an extreme situation or two many years ago but, as Ian stated, corner distortion and resolution do suffer a bit... it's definitely noticible. A 135mm Nikkor is a knock-out champ though and costs much less on the used market than a top-notch 150mm.

 

[CBG]

You may find corner illumination to be very low too.

 

[Ronald Moravec]

For small prints the focal length is effectively longer. I would still question corner definition.