Medium format noob...

ElectroWNED

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I'm thinking about entering the TLR realm, but have a few basic questions first:

1. Can any enlargers print medium format? We are using Beseler 23c's at school... I imagine I would need a different size negative holder?

2. I know the height adjustment on the enlarger needs to be 'fully raised' for 35mm; is there a corresponding height for medium format prints?

3. Are there larger differences in exposure times for medium format compared to 35mm? We are required to make proper proofs and contact sheets, so I'd like to have some idea on exposure time to conserve paper...

I'll probably think of more questions later! :eek:
 
Different negative holders. A big enough light source, and a different focal length enlarging lens.

The general rule is - whatever the "normal" lens for the format, makes a good enlarging lens. So for 35mm film, you use a 50mm lens. For 6x6, you would use an 80mm lens.

The Beseler 23 is fine for medium format, you just need the right enlarging lens, and holder.

Times will be adjusted somewhat (the carriage is probably going to be higher off the paper, reducing light) but should be pretty close.

The "fully raised" thing seems odd. Is that just for your contact sheets? If so, then its probably for consistency, rather than necessity. Keep it there for your MF contact sheets. Times should be similar.
 
The "fully raised" thing seems odd. Is that just for your contact sheets? If so, then its probably for consistency, rather than necessity. Keep it there for your MF contact sheets. Times should be similar.

Well the 23c has knobs for raising/lowering the enlarger to make larger/smaller prints, focusing the image, and another that the professor told us to leave all the way up for 35mm... Not really sure how else to describe it.
 
Well the 23c has knobs for raising/lowering the enlarger to make larger/smaller prints, focusing the image, and another that the professor told us to leave all the way up for 35mm... Not really sure how else to describe it.

Th one you leave up for 35mm is the adjustment for the condensors to set the light source to cover the film size you use. If you look by that knob, there is a scale with different sizes marked...you set it to the size you will use (6x6, 6x7, 6x9). I have a 23cII, it is a great medium format enlarger. You need an 80mm lens for 6x6 though. The 50mm lenses used normally to print 35mm won't cover the full 6x6 image area.
 
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