Enlarging lenses- which ones?

[photocrazy]

Thanks, I wasn't searching ebay enough to know a good price for it, glad I didn't spend too much. I just wanted to get something so I could start and this one was from a private seller with good feedback so it looked good.

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wow, $20 is just for several packs of cigarettes. An EL can be used for long, long time.

 

[ZeissFan]

In a recent issue of Black and White Photography, one writer said it's not necessary -- or desirable -- to close an enlarging lens down past f/5.6. In fact, he said most enlarging lenses perform very well wide open.

He said that closing the lens down to f/8 or smaller actually degrades image quality because of diffraction. I think that's the first time that I've read that. Anyone have any experience regarding the use of enlarger lenses wide open vs. stopped down?

 

[pesphoto]

Thanks again to everyone for the replies. I just won used but clean EL Nikkor 50/2.8 off ebay for $20 shipped. Not sure if its the best deal or not, but I'm excited to get a lens and start printing!

Yup, excellent deal and a very nice lens. I have two.

 

[markinlondon]

Nice going, Kyle. That's about a third of what I paid for my 50 EL-Nikkor. Also I'd agree with what Mike (ZeissFan) said above. My f2.8 EL-Nikkors are noticeably better at f5.6 than f8 or smaller and I only really print up to 10x8.

 

[Dougg]

Using an enlarging lens at f/2.8 or f/4 puts more of a premium on care in focusing, and on precise enlarger alignment. I've tended to prefer f/8, as permitted by other factors... but then my 50 is an f.4.5 and the 80 is f/5.6.

 

[markinlondon]

My 80 f5.6 is best at f8. It somehow always seems to be two stops down from wide open when it comes to enlarging lenses.