Printing Small.

Sjixxxy · Oct 15, 2004

With a 35mm and the enlarger head of my D-II in its lowest position with a 50mm EL-Nikkor, it shines an image of about 7x10 onto my easel. Now, if I want to print something small like a 4x6 or 5x7, which would be the better method, to get the frame size down? Making a shim to prop up my beastly 4-blade easel to be closer to the lens, or just use the 135mm lens? Drawbacks/advantages of each method?

rjr · Oct 15, 2004

There is a limit in the focussing range of your enlarger - bringing the easel won´t help that much, using a longer lens only easens the problem a bit.

When printing passport images (IIRC 37x45mm) I use a set of M39 tubes to raise the distance rear element>negative and my Anaret 4,5/80.

removed account4 · Oct 15, 2004

it doesn't make much sense that your dII won't get you close enough to make 4x6s or 5x7s ... are you sure you are using the right cone or the flat board for your lens?

if you want to use something more versital - omega makes something called a variable focusing cone - it has a bellows .. and was designed to allow the printer to make "small prints" . one of these cones might help fix your problem ... you'll be able to print wallet size & jewel prints, as well as anything else ... and you won't have to buy another lens cone again because when you change film formats, you just "adjust your cone" !

i've one for my d3v and a 2nd one for my E4

rjr · Oct 15, 2004

Barev J,

that imperial/metric thread reminded me - are you guys talking about 7x10cm or 7x10inch?

Just Wondering... ;-)

Roman

PS: do you have a recipe for the walnuts?

removed account4 · Oct 15, 2004

hey roman

i'm talking inches

i've been kind of pre-occupied and forgot about the nuts -
i'll find it tonight

-john

BWGirl · Oct 15, 2004

You know... I had this problem, too. The only size my enlarger would enlarge to was around 8"x10" (that's like 20.3cm x 25.4cm). But I have a Beseler 23 II (old...blue...). I found I had to get a recessed lens board. Sure did the trick! Now I can make any size I want (and a few I don't)!
I have no idea what your enlarger is like as far as how the lens is mounted, but maybe this is a possibility. I bought mine on Ebay for a song!
Jeanette

Sjixxxy · Oct 16, 2004

rjr said:
There is a limit in the focussing range of your enlarger - bringing the easel won´t help that much, using a longer lens only easens the problem a bit.

I quickly just stuck an unstable milkcrate under the easel and was able to get the image down that size with no poblems being able to focus it. When I was in college we always had the 4x5 enlarger set up with a 135mm lens, and the instructors alwyas told students to use that one if they needed to print small.

I'm just wondering if there is some reason why I wouldn't want to just use the 135mm (which hasn't arrived yet) to print small that would outweigh rigging up something to prop up my easel.

Oh yeah, I forgot teh marks. I ment 7x10 inches.

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 16, 2004

The Omega D-series enlargers are generally designed to print down to about 3-1/2x5" with any format, as long as you have the right lensboard/cone (the flat one for 50mm) and the appropriate lens for the format. When I can't get the head low enough, I just prop up the easel on a box (find one that's nice and square, so it doesn't cause alignment problems). To print smaller, you could use a longer cone than normal or there is a reduction bellows, but you'll still likely need to prop up the easel.

Using a longer lens is not a bad option though. The only potential downside is that the head will be higher and more susceptible to vibration.

rogueish · Oct 16, 2004

I have an Omega D2V and had the same problem briefly. your choices are to prop up the easel as you thought or use a larger lens like you said. I used a 75mm lens (135mm might be overkill as you'll have to raise the head even higher, cutting down on the light). Both systems have worked for me.
If you do prop up the easel, make sure it's level with the base board, (or 90 degrees to the lens). I found out the hard way when one side of the first print was blurred. After a couple of minutes scratching :confused: my head, it dawned on me.
DUH!

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 16, 2004

There's no difference in exposure with any focal length lens if the enlargement size is the same and the condensor lenses are the same, so in that regard, it doesn't matter whether you use a 50, 75, or 135. Magnification will be the same, no matter what the height of the head.

raucousimages · Oct 16, 2004

I use a 150mm Rodagon to print small in order to raise the enlarger to allow me to open a large easle this gives me a very small image in an 8x10. I have no problems with a 150 on 35mm with a saunders 4500.

Jim Chinn · Oct 16, 2004

I have a pair of d2s and built a nice level wooden frame to set the easel on to get correct distances for smaller prints.

c6h6o3 · Oct 17, 2004

Sjixxxy said:
With a 35mm and the enlarger head of my D-II in its lowest position with a 50mm EL-Nikkor, it shines an image of about 7x10 onto my easel.

Are you certain that the condenser's in the right position?

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 17, 2004

The D-II doesn't have a variable condensor, and if it did, this wouldn't be the problem it could cause.

Printing Small.

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