Lens type by enlarger type

[redbandit]

ive been running across enlarging lenses of the 40mm and less focal length, being advertised as "only for diffuser". Is that something factual, or just a "seller likes to make stuff up"

 

[Hilo]

I read a post about the Focomat V35 40mm Focotar not being okay for condenser enlargers.

I have used the Schneider 40mm Componon with the Leitz Valoy II, doing up to 50/60 (20x24) prints. This is a classic condenser enlarger and the prints were fine.

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[Ian Grant]

Condensers in enlargers have a focal length and are matched to the focal length of the enlarger lenses, often the bulb distance from them can be adjusted to ensure even illumination.

Ian

 

[ic-racer]

If your enlarger has a condenser for a 25mm lens, then that would presumably work. Otherwise you can put some diffusion material under the condenser to use that lens.

I have not had any issues using 25, 30 and 45 mm lenses on my Philips using the factory recommended settings:

 

[xkaes]

Here's a complete list of all the enlarging lenses UNDER 40mm. I've used a lot of them with the condensers set at the 35mm setting, and have never had a problem. Most of these lenses were designed for formats smaller than full-frame 35mm, so they are only using the central part of the condenser.

http://www.subclub.org/darkroom/lenses.htm

Most 40mm enlarging lenses, however, are wide-angle lenses -- designed to provide larger prints with FULL-frame 35mm, without raising the enlarger heard too high. I suppose it is possible for some of the lenses to see too much of a small condenser head -- which tend to have light fall-off toward the edges.

In any event, it would be very easy to test

 

[redbandit]

the 23cII has a fixed condensor thats big enough for 6x9 negatives so i dont think the warning ive seen on some enlarger lenses "not for condensor enlargers" would be based on light fall off

 

[ic-racer]

Yes the minimum setting on the 23cII condenser indicates the smaller formats would work, though the lens [magnification] chart for the enlarger only goes down to 35mm focal length. A little confusing because the 35mm in the lens [magnification] chart is the focal length, but 35mm on the condenser setting is format size.