Enlarging Lens Image Circle

[Kevin Kemner]

Okay, I was in the darkroom today and noticed that when I closed down the aperat ure on the enlarger the size of the circle of illumination on the easel got noti cably smaller. The lens is an old Wollensak 7.5" Enlarging Raptar mounted on an Omega E-4 with condensor head. This is not my normal setup which is usually a shorter lens with a cold light. Can any body offer an explanation. I would of thought that it would be the reverse.

Thanks

[Pete Andrews]

The condenser and lens aren't matched properly. Ideally, the condensers should focus the light from the lamp at the centre of the enlarging lens.