The 11x14 mockup mostly provided me with the quickest and most logistically feasible/least “invasive” means of testing the overall viability of my 305 G-Claron lens, not just to evaluate its overall (apparent) sharpness over my desired reproduction ranges, but also to see that I can indeed make convenient use of the space I currently have available, given the negative stage to easel distance while projecting to a “maximum” of at least 40x60 inches.
With both of the above boxes checked and looking forward…I will indeed now be carefully considering my existing 8x10 horizontal enlarger to see how I can incorporate it into a workable 11x14 enlarger...as it really makes no sense to have two completely separate horizontal enlargers.
But from where things sit now, and given the design specifics of both the existing (8x10) enlarger and the 11x14 camera, I’m guessing that an expansion back will not be not be in the cards…but I cannot yet rule this (or anything else) out until the morning coffee kicks in and I’ve had a chance to mess about with this a bit more - so stay tuned!
Edit (a bit later): then again..."design specifics" are malleable and, as an "instant gratification junkie" who should really be considering the longer view - it does become obvious that yes, an expansion back will likely be my best bet!
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