What is the correct size lens for enlarging medium format?

J Rollinger · Jun 19, 2009

I have been using a Fujinon-EP 80 lens for printing 35mm and 120 and have now noticed quite a bit for fungus on one of the inner elements. I also have a Fujinon-EP 135 that i use for 4x5 and was wondering if i can use the 135 for all formats until i purchase another 80 lens? Will i experience any issues using the 135 on 35mm or 120? I also have 2 El-Nikkor's 50 f4 and 2.8, Could i use thoses for 120 negatives?

Thanks!

Konical · Jun 19, 2009

Good Evening,

You can use the 135mm lens for any negatives up to 4 x 5. Your maximum image size will be limited because of the longer than normal focal length for 35mm and 120 negatives. The 50mm lenses will not cover the 120 negatives.

Konical

J Rollinger · Jun 19, 2009

Konical said:
Good Evening,

You can use the 135mm lens for any negatives up to 4 x 5. Your maximum image size will be limited because of the longer than normal focal length for 35mm and 120 negatives. The 50mm lenses will not cover the 120 negatives.

Konical

Konical

Thank you very much for your reply. I know im limiting myself but I print 35mm on postcard and 5x7 paper, 120mm on 8x10 paper and 4x5 on 8x10 and 11x14 paper. If i continue to print that way will i be ok using the 135mm lens?

Christopher Walrath · Jun 19, 2009

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.167 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

Typically it"s 75mm for 645, 80mm for 6x6 and about 90mm for 6x7.

fotch · Jun 20, 2009

You can use the 135mm for everything provided that you can raise the head or lower the print to increase the distance between the lens and paper. Same effect as a telephoto that you want to use to shoot a person at full length, you would just step back (with the camera) farther from your subject or have the subject step back farther from the camera.

Of course, having different focal length lens is a big advantage.

Steve Smith · Jun 20, 2009

I have an 80mm Componar which I use for everything from 35mm to 6x7 despite owning 50mm and 105mm lenses.

Steve.

archphoto · Jun 20, 2009

I would use the 2.8/50mm El Nikor for printing 35mm and the 135mm for 120 and 4x5.
In that way you could print 35mm "normaly" .
The 135mm will give you limitations on your maximum printing format ONLY, if you are happy with that there will be no other issues.

Peter

John Koehrer · Jun 20, 2009

Since you print 35 at small sizes the 135 may actually work better for you since the exposure times will be slightly extended and you'll have greater distance between the head and paper.

Vaughn · Jun 20, 2009

For prints up to 10"x10" from 120 negs, I have been using a 135mm lens with great results. You'll be using the sweet spot of the lens and enlarger for sharp, evenly lit prints.

Should work for 35mm also, as long as you can reach the controls of the enlarger head!

Vaughn

J Rollinger · Jun 20, 2009

Thanks to everyone for all the help!!!

Vaughn, It was a reach! Due to the low ceiling height in my darkroom i could only print postcard paper with the 135mm. I did find the sweet spot at f11 and for the first time i had 30 seconds to D&B. Im glad those 5 to 8 second exposures are now long gone.

Thanks to everyone again!

What is the correct size lens for enlarging medium format?

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