Minimum Enlarging Size for 5x4 enlarging

Adrian Twiss · Mar 2, 2009

I would be interested to know what is the mimimum print size you are able to make when printing 5x4. Here is my problem - I use a Durst Laborator 1200 fitted with a 135mm EL Nikkor enlarging lens. I want to make some 11 x 8 prints for scanning but can't get the enlarger to focus at that magnification. I have to go up to about 13x10 before I can achieve correct focus an even then the enlarger bellows near maximum extension. Unusually I can manage if I fit my 80mm lens but this cant be right surely. When I make 14x11s I have no problems but the bellows are still fairly extended. When I use this enlarger for 6x6 with the 80mm lens fitted everything is fine.

I would be grateful for any advice the readership has to offer.

Thank you.

Ian Grant · Mar 2, 2009

Just under 10cmx8cm from a 5x4 neg for some hand made books, that was with a 135mm Compononon an old Johnsons Enlarger. It is fiddly but feasible. Now I just use a longer lens on my 5108 De Vere like a 240mm or 300mm with a 5x4 neg.

I had to raise the print easel on the Johnsons as the enlager head wouldn't lower to get close enough.

Ian

Mick Fagan · Mar 2, 2009

A bit under same size, using a Schneider 150 Componon S on a DeVere 504 using nearly full bellows extension.

I regularly use the same combination to make postcard prints onto Ilford postcard stock, which is exactly 100mm high by 150mm wide. I have printed full frame onto this stock with a white border that wasn't made with an easel.

If I had a longer lens and an extension like the one I used to use in a lab, I could make full frame prints but about the same size as a 35mm negative. I used an identical enlarger as my own to do just that a couple of decades ago on a regular basis.

Perhaps a longer lens and maybe an extension cone if you cannot use or fit longer bellows would help.

Mick.

Bob-D659 · Mar 2, 2009

Durst made two different length adjustable extension tubes just for this purpose, DUTUB and DUTUB II.

Oren Grad · Mar 2, 2009

It's been a while, but I've used my 105mm EL-Nikkor to make 1:1 prints from 4x5 with my LPL4500II. I can't recall whether I ran out of bellows with my 135, or whether it was just so close to the end that it was hard to work with. In any case, switching to the 105 did the trick. I've since picked up the LPL 39mm-mount extension tube for the 135, which is specified as allowing 1:1 from 4x5, but I haven't tried it yet.

8x10's are no problem at all with the 135.

eclarke · Mar 2, 2009

I make 8x10s every week with 150 Schneider APO Componon/ LPL 4x5 VCCE...Evan Clarke

Adrian Twiss · Mar 2, 2009

Right - sometings not right then as focal lengh, projection size should be a constant irrespective of the enlarger. Time to do some tinkering around (nothing drastic mind you).

nickandre · Mar 2, 2009

Get a longer lens. That will help.

Bob-D659 · Mar 2, 2009

Another thing, does your lens mount on a flat plate at the bottom of the bellows, or is it recessed up in the bellows on a recessed mounting board? I don't know about the 1200, but I have both styles for the Ce1000 frame.

ic-racer · Mar 2, 2009

There was a thread on this topic. Look under "reductions."

Basically use the lens with a focal length of the diagonal of the intended print.

So, just to give you some numbers, I can reduce a 4x5" negative to 1.25" across with the standard bellows at maximum extension using a 50mm lens.

With a 25mm lens it will reduce to a 0.5" miniature (again with 'standard' bellows draw).

Adrian Twiss · Mar 3, 2009

Bob-D659 said:
Another thing, does your lens mount on a flat plate at the bottom of the bellows, or is it recessed up in the bellows on a recessed mounting board? I don't know about the 1200, but I have both styles for the Ce1000 frame.

If I recall correctly its slightly recessed. I have bitten the bullett and got a Femotub to solve the problem (hopefully).

Thanks to all for your advice and suggestions.

Adrian Twiss · Mar 4, 2009

The Femotub arrived this afternoon. I can now get down to 1:1 and achieve correct focus. RESULT

Minimum Enlarging Size for 5x4 enlarging

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