Thank you all for your generous answers! Invaluable and much appreciated : )
When posting, I thought my chief constraint would be the low ceiling height of my darkroom-to-be, at 87" floor to ceiling. Thus my interest in learning about negative to easel distance ~ before I build the adjustable table top, and purchase a suitable lens(es).
Now I see from several replies the light source itself may be an issue, so thanks for that, IC and Bernice ; )
Here are some more specifics that some of you have requested. Hopefully this may further discussion and get me on the right track.
Enlarger: Omega D5 XL, well-cared for and under wraps since I moved from my previous, much larger (!) darkroom some years ago. Have done only B&W work with this Omega, with the largest prints being 20x24 from 6x7 film. Did larger color work (40x48) from 4x5 in a rental space subsequently, with a set-up perhaps along the lines of Drew's.
Light Source: Aristo Cold Light, 7" diameter. Also have the Condenser head with glass and "Hi-Intensity" bulb that came with the D5. Would this be adequate to evenly illuminate prints up to 30x40? If not, what are my alternatives with this enlarger?
The XL Chassis height is 53." With a ceiling height of 87," this means there would be 34" from the chassis base to the floor. I'd need to make a cut-out in the table-top for the enlarger chassis/base to accommodate the table-top when in its highest position. The distance info Jerry and Emmanuel have kindly provided as well as which lens I choose will help me decide at what intervals I should install shelf rails to drop down the enlarging surface.
Printing: I tend to crop minimally, and often print full-bleed, edge-to-edge, using glass carrier with heat-absorbing, Anti-Newton glass.
Many thanks again to all! Please consider adding suggestions given the new info I've added above.
All my best,
David
PS Here's my Omega D5 XL, which I imagine you're all acquainted with.
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