Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/28

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Enlarger height and enlarging lenses
From: Kip Babington <cbabing3@swbell.net>
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 07:44:41 -0600

Actually, Mike, the only reason I know what my 80mm lens will do with a
35mm negative is that my 50mm Focotar is off with Sherry Krauter being
cleaned internally.  After 30 years in the dark it had begun to get a bit
hazy.  I do remember hearing the advice to use a longer lens, back in the
60s (see, I remember) but never had an enlarger that would let me do that
and still make a print of any real size.  So I've stuck with the 50
Focotar, and occasionally a 35 Componon when I want a large print of a
small section of negative.

Cheers,
Kip

Mike Johnston wrote:

> <snip>
> Kip,
> The idea that you should use a longer-than-normal focal length for any
> format is an old wives' tale.* It hasn't been remotely valid for thirty
> years or more, and certainly isn't today. The best performance will
> almost always be achieved with a lens designed for the format you're
> enlarging. Stick to 50mm lenses for 35mm.