Is it too long for 8x10 enlarger?

[pierre506]

136232

Normally I know most 8x10 enlargers are using 270mm to 300mm enlarging lens.
How about this one?
There is too rare information about this one: 360mm f5.6~
Is it too long for 8x10 enlarger?
Thanks.

[Jac@stafford.net]

No, it is not too long. In fact, it is very good.
.

[IanG]

Yes it's too long unless you're making very small prints. Personally I find a 300mm rather impractical and much prefer my 240mm.

Ian

[bob carnie]

I have a 360 for my 8x10 and 11 x14 enlarger ... I think its more suited for the 11 x14 but with that said I have never used the 360 in my current setup.

[Luis-F-S]

240 mm. You gain nothing from a longer lens except an aching back

[Bob Salomon]

240 mm. You gain nothing from a longer lens except an aching back

Why is that?

[ic-racer]

136232

Normally I know most 8x10 enlargers are using 270mm to 300mm enlarging lens.
How about this one?
There is too rare information about this one: 360mm f5.6~
Is it too long for 8x10 enlarger?
Thanks.

How tall is your ceiling? It may be too long unless you have a very tall ceiling. Should be fine for a horizontal enlarger. I use my 360mm to project on the wall.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/ic-racer/DSCF4798.jpg

[Luis-F-S]

Why is that?

Because you have to reach way up there to reach the focusing knob and then bend your back and neck to see the grain magnifier. You still have to reach up for the aperture. Not good for the back. Much easier to use a 240 Rodagon! L

[Jac@stafford.net]

Because you have to reach way up there to reach the focusing knob and then bend your back and neck to see the grain magnifier. You still have to reach up for the aperture. Not good for the back. Much easier to use a 240 Rodagon! L

That is the reason some enlargers have extensions to focus and adjust aperture.
.

[Erik Larsen]

That is the reason some enlargers have extensions to focus and adjust aperture.
.

Also the reason some enlargers have the controls at the base board, a more thoughtful design IMO.

[Luis-F-S]

Go for it. Get that 360 or go even longer n see how you like it. I'll stick to my 240 on the DeVere.

[Mick Fagan]

I’ve used one many years ago, would have mid 80’s. We picked it up for a specific job, which was to enlarge 11x14 B&W film for a single client.

We dedicated one enlarger, a modified 27cm x 27cm horizontal DeVere enlarger. The Nikkor EL 360 was chosen, which we staff put down to two things.

The choices we saw for the job were either a Schneider Componon S 360 lens or the Nikkor EL 360. Both of these lenses had coverage for 40x40cm.

Our comparison enlarger lens was a Rodenstock 360 G used on one of our mural 30cm x 30cm enlargers. This was our lens from heaven.

The Australian importers for both lines had one in stock, we took both in hand for a time to test.

The Schneider was great, it suffered a bit more fall off than the Nikkor.

The Nikkor was great, it suffered ever so slightly less fall off than the Rodenstock.

The Nikkor was cheaper. Bingo!

The Nikkor had very even coverage and (from memory) is/was designed for 40cm x 40cm coverage. We installed it into a modified vertical DeVere with a drop table.

I would suggest if you are using this lens length it could be handy to have either wall projection, although I’m not a fan of turning a head sideways without a corrected and aligned wall. Or use a drop table enlarger, or make your own drop table arrangement.

For your chosen format, 20cm by 25.4cm (8x10), the Nikkor 360 should be a very nice lens; you will certainly be using the sweet spot.

Mick.

[Luis-F-S]

To enlarge 11x14's for a specific project on a horizontal enlarger, it makes sense. As your go to lens for 8x10 on a Vertical enlarger to me, it doesn't. L

[Drew Wiley]

I use one. Wonderful lens. But it is big and heavy, so not every enlarger will accept it.