Very interesting!,
I modified old russian enlarger with the parts from original Minox enlarge: lens+film plate. I red that Zapp used curve film plate both in cameras & enlarger, to minimise spheric aberration.
I don't think yet about light source... I have not a lot of time for my hobbies
But I am not satisfied with scaning, not due to quality, just I think the analog process have to be analog to the end...
I hope I'll finish my preparations for printing anyway I have already my dark room!
Other than the small image, is there a problem with using a black paper mask around a Minox negative? I was thinking of just putting it between the glass plates of the negative carrier of a Focomat enlarger. Probably very awkward to get everything lined up right.
I would be using the 60 mm lens normally used for 35 mm film. Is there a wider angle lens that will work on the Focomat?
Lots of 8x11mm (Minox) and 10x14mm (16mm) format users make a mask for the film, often because they can't buy/find a carrier for their enlarger. There are also places that 3D print negative carriers for these formats (see the SUBCLUB for details).
But for small negatives you really need a short focal length enlarging lens. These are easy to find and usually very inexpensive. There is a complete list in the DARKROOM on the SUBCLUB.
Other than the small image, is there a problem with using a black paper mask around a Minox negative? I was thinking of just putting it between the glass plates of the negative carrier of a Focomat enlarger. Probably very awkward to get everything lined up right.
I would be using the 60 mm lens normally used for 35 mm film. Is there a wider angle lens that will work on the Focomat?
Yes, masking is good. I once spent a good deal of time on a 16x20" minox enlargement that kept on coming out with too little contrast. Turns out it was because the negative was not masked well enough, way too much flare from stray light.
In terms of the Focomat, check you instruction manual for lenses that work with the enlarger. Probably not able to use a 25mm or 30mm.
A lot of short focal length enlarging lenses have a recessed design, so a recessed lens board is not required. The Voss 25mm and Minolta 30mm come to mind. Here is the Voss: