Lense for Enlarger

[steveanalog]

Iam sure this question has been asked before, but I haven't found that thread. I have a Omega/LPL 4550XLG, variable contrast head. I have been printing without much sucess, 35mm negatives. I have recently gone to medium format. I currently use a Schneider 50mm lense, my first question is can I use this lenses for medium format and if not what size should I use? My negative size is 6x4.5. :confused:

 

[Jadedoto]

I guess technically you could use that lens- if you don't expect sharp corners.

For that format, you should probably get a 75mm lens or a bit longer if you plan on shooting above 645.

 

[steveanalog]

Thank you, for your answer, and your quick response. I will look into getting a larger lense, thanks again...

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

There's an 80mm Minolta CE Rokkor enlarging lens in the APUG classifieds, snatch it if it's not already taken! Those lenses are worth every penny.

 

[bdial]

A 75mm or 80mm is typical for 6x4.5 or 6x6
A 50 may not cover that size without vignetting. Even if it doesn't vignette, the magnification would be pretty high and you may not be able to print smaller than 8x10

 

[srs5694]

The general rule of thumb is to use an enlarging lens with the same focal length as a "normal" lens for the film format you're using. Thus, the specific recommendations others have given. Using a longer lens requires you to raise the enlarger's head higher than would be required with the "right" lens to make a print of a given size, and the print might be slightly less sharp than if you used the "right" lens (but that's very dependent on the specific lenses). Using a shorter lens requires the head be positioned lower for a print of a given size and is likely to result in vignetting and loss of resolution in the corners.