Camera Lens as enlarging lens

[Neal Chaves]

I have used both a 355mm f9 G-Claron and the afore-mentioned 250mm f6.7 Fujinon W with superb results. Come to think of it, I used a 375mm f6.3 Caltar on my first enlarging/camera conversion and the results were excellent as well. Of course I have never enlarged 8X10 to over 20X24. Your results may differ.

[Joseph O'Neil]

Couple of thoughts. first off, yes, a camera lens can make a decent enlarging lens. Second, enlarging lenses can make decent camera lenses - I use a 180mm componon on my Crown Graphic. third, the point about enlarging lenses being widely available is a valid one. In today's climate, I would make my first choice to buy used. Lastly, personal opinion here, using a F9 lens on your enlarger will drive you nuts after a while, it's so dim to focus on a large print. Maybe not bad on a 8x10, but try using a F9 lens and focus on a 20x24 print - if you guys can do it, more power to you, but it's not my cup of tea.