Max print size/lens combo on Zone VI Type II

[Nacio Jan Brown]

I recently got a Zone VI Type II (tall column) and have been checking out the maximum print sizes doable with 35 mm negs and various lenses. With a 105mm lens the max is about 12". With a 50mm it's about 6-1/2". I don't have, but am willing to get, an 80mm lens if it will allow me to make 16x20 prints. Is anyone out there using this combo? If so, what is the largest print size you can get from a 35mm negative? 16x20"? Bigger? I would really like to be able to make 20x24" prints from 35mm but don't know if there is a way to do this with the Zone VI. The problem with the 50mm lens is that I can't get it close enough to the negative stage and I'm not aware of any recessed lens boards for this enlarger. I guess I could have one made but I'd love to hear of an easier way.
TIA njb (I am aware that this is not the optimum enalarger for 35mm but I work in larger sizes as well and I'd like to keep my darkroom at one enlarger.)

 

[resummerfield]

Calumet says a 50mm lens will enlarge 21.7x and an 80mm lens will enlarge 13.8x on the Type 2 long column. I had a type 2 Zone VI, and while I can’t guarantee those numbers, I think they are accurate. Also, I never needed a recessed lensboard for the 50mm.

 

[Nacio Jan Brown]

Eric--Thanks for the reply. Based on what you wrote I rechecked. I found that a set screw at the top of the focus extension rod tightened against the short protruding round shaft was slipping under the load of the final compression of the bellows--the lens stage wasn't raising the last inch or so toward the negative stage. Giving the lens stage a manual assist lift along with using the focusing extension did the trick. I think filing a flat on the little shaft for the set screw is in order to eliminate this slippage. Thanks again. njb

 

[Nacio Jan Brown]

Eric--Did you find the Zone VI specs you mentioned online somewhere? njb

 

[ron mcelroy]

Glad you found the your focusing with the 50mm lens. I knew my enlarger would do it.

My enlarger has the short column and limited ceiling height, but I do use a dropaway table. I have a 50 and 80 lens. Give me the distance from the bottom of the lensboard to the baseboard and I will measure the size of the projected image.