I shoot 6X6 and 6X9 negatives. Actually, the 6X6 look a tad small to me compared to the 6X9 ones. I use a Kodak Enlarging Ektar 100mm f4.5 for the 6X9.

I know that the lens is the most important consideration for printing negatives (though I would argue that my cold light head is really wonderful!)

Since I print B&W exclusively, I wonder if I should upgrade the Ektar to a Rodenstock, Schneider, or Nikon. Each of these is f5.6 which will be more difficult to focus than the Kodak f 4.5.

Bruce Karnopp

-- Bruce Karnopp (karnopp@umich.edu), March 15, 2002

Answers

I'm not familar with the Kodak enlarging lens you're using, but any of the alternative modern lenses you've suggested will very likely offer much better performance. I would recommend a 6 element design, whichever brand you choose. Lastly, the difference between focusing a f5.6 verses an f4.5 will be miniscule.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), March 15, 2002.

I suggest a 100mm Schneider Componon S 5.6. It will easily cover 6x9. A friend of mine has borrowed the above lens to enlarge 2+1/4 negs to mural size prints: 24 inch sq. with great success. Shop for a clean used lens. I got mine for a cool 125 and it was very clean, glass mint.

-- John Elder (celder2162@aol.com), March 15, 2002.

5.6 isn't that bad when using a good grain magnifier. If you lack sharpness by all means any upgrade will be a good one.

-- Scott Walton (walton@ll.mit.edu), March 18, 2002.

Are you using a glass negative carrier? An absolute must for anything bigger than 35mm and bigger than 8x10 enlargements. It solves a lot of sharpness problems in enlarging. True, it is a bit of a pain to use in the dust and lint department. Give this a try before buying a new lens. It will be a necessity even with a new lens.

-- Gene Crumpler (hassieguy@att.net), March 20, 2002.

I was about to ask a question about glass carriers. I don't use them as I use a condeser enlarger. I know by keeping the negative flat will improve the sharpness, but isn't it by keeping a glass piece in front of the projected image will lower the resolution?

And are there any kind of special glass to use as a carrier?

regards

Xosni

-- Xosni (xosni@gega.net), March 20, 2002.

Although the Kodak Projection Ektars are over 50 years old, they're VERY good. I doubt that a Rodenstock, Schneider, or Nikkor would be much of an upgrade if your Ektar is in good condition.

-- Robert Marvin (marvbej@earthlink.net), March 25, 2002.