Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 10:59:42 +0100 From: Frantisek Vlcek <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hi, now that JCO used his old Raptar for taking pictures, I would like to do the other thing - use some of my best taking lenses for enlarging. Just to try them out, out of curiosity. I have a pretty good Meopta enlarging lens, anyway.
But what now - should I reverse mount the lens? As the magnification is way larger than in taking even macro photographs, no? Or do I have it mixed up? I always thought that for depth of field/depth of focus computation for enlarging, the negative is "subject" while the paper on easer is the "negative", is that right? So, because the magnification is so big (~15x in my "normal" large prints), how should I position the lens? Rear optical group nearest to the "subject" (ie negative in holder), if I am right? That will make it harder to get a proper adapter, as I will have to get one made.
Why I am interested in this - I would like to know, how the different qualities of different lenses, which are unmeasurable as lp/mm (which is meaningless anyway in reality because you rarely shoot subjects of 100% contrast lines), would exhibit in making prints.
Good light, Frantisek Vlcek
It's not a good idea on 35mm. The reason related to the field curvature and how the lens design deals with light. They lack sharpness on edges (commonly) when used for enlarging. But despite that, they can be used.
Fortunately there are some decent modern enlarging lenses that will provide excellent results @ a cheapo price. I enjoy my Voss 75mm. They sell new for around $20 and are multi-coated. For 35mm work they have a nice sharp center. With that focal length you'll have to raise your head up a little higher.
Collin
