photocrazy
Established
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.
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wow, $20 is just for several packs of cigarettes. An EL can be used for long, long time.
ZeissFan
Veteran
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?
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
Veteran
kyle said:
Yup, excellent deal and a very nice lens. I have two.
markinlondon
Elmar user
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
Seasoned Member
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
Elmar user
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.