What is the difference?

[berci]

Hey fellow Addicts who are also deeply knowledgabe,

Please use just a fraction of it to answer my question. #:-]

What is the difference between a projector and an enlarger lens?

I have just received a 105mm enlarger lens which is claimed to be OK for 6x9cm and I intend to use it as a projector lens, however, it looks mini, really miniscule.

I was expecting something huge and I can hardly see this.

Berci

 

[Finder]

Projector lenses are designed to be used at higher magnifications and with large apertures. Enlarger lenses are optimized for about 6X (for medium format) and working apertures of f/11. You may find some problems with vignetting and edge sharpness when used wide open. Closed down may make the image dark.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The enlarger lens is probably an f4.5 or f5.6. Projections lenses are typically F2.8 or F3.5. The latter operate wide-open, do not have an aperture.

Projection lenses, projectors and TV's, go for cheap on Ebay "Other Optics". I've picked up 5" F2.3 optics very cheap. They also make good field scope lenses. Lots of light, low-magnification.

 

[berci]

Mentorship

Mentorship

Hey Brian,

I have an old Gnome 6x6 projector, could I use that lens for projectiong 6x9?

Berci

 

[d30gaijin]

I don't know if this really applies here but I've got a Leitz 1939 vintage VIIIs projector that will take any Leitz/Leica thread mount lens, or Canon, etc. It's pretty cool because with a 50mm f/2 lens you can project a 6 feet wide image onto a screen with the projector only a few feet from the screen.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I would give it a try. You might hit some vignetting. A good optic should have some margin to it. I would also check Ebay's "other optic" category. I think you are looking at $10~$20 or so for some older optics for "lantern projectors" and such.