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Thread: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

  1. #1

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    Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    I have some enlargers lying around, that I would never use, having better ones. These are mostly 6x9 cm, like the Krokus 4 and 3.
    So I thougth I could use their double condensers and build me a taking lens for LF.
    Is this an idea worth following? Therefore I would like opinions of people who had done this before.

  2. #2
    Eric Woodbury
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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    Try it. If you like soft fuzzy. These lens are probably cast, not ground, so the surface curvature could be anything.
    my picture blog
    ejwoodbury.blogspot.com

  3. #3

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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    Sharpish in center, focus falls off rapidly off axis unevenly, weird "bokeh"...

    Probably a subject worthy of it (like a gypsy fortune teller etc)...

    Try it, and with a waterhouse stop...

    Steve K

  4. #4
    Paul Ron's Avatar
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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    perhaps you should offer them for sale? measure them so the buyer can see if they may fit their enlarger.

  5. #5
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    I am not up to speed on double condenser theory

    I think a matching double set straightens the rays before the enlarging lens

    and does not magnify unless used as single element

    Take one and set it on a page of typing, flat down

  6. #6

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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tin Can View Post
    I am not up to speed on double condenser theory

    I think a matching double set straightens the rays before the enlarging lens

    and does not magnify unless used as single element

    Take one and set it on a page of typing, flat down
    My understanding is that the first lens straightens the rays, and then the second lens condenses them onto the enlarging lens. If the light passing through the negative were parallel, you would only see illumination through the enlarging lens in the very center I think.

  7. #7
    Nodda Duma's Avatar
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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    A condenser group simply renders the diverging output of the light source into a converging beam through the film plane, providing bright even illumination. The uniform illumination is accomplished by placing the focus of the condenser at the aperture stop of the enlarging lens.

    Since imaging resolution is not a requirement for a condenser, it makes for a pretty awful imaging lens.
    Newly made large format dry plates available! Look:
    https://www.pictoriographica.com

  8. #8

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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    The biggest obstacle would be attaching it to a LF camera, in a useful way -- so small condensers would be the best option.

    But if you really want some cheap, USABLE lenses, try this:

    http://www.subclub.org/fujinon/softfocus.htm

  9. #9

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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    The condensor lenses might be put to better work, here is work by a photographer i know: "JO MICHAEL DE FIGUEIREDO | norphotographers" https://www.100norwegianphotographer...-de-figueiredo

  10. #10
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Anybody used condenser lenses to build a taking lens?

    Like!

    Very innovative Art

    His artist statement is one of the best I have read

    Quote Originally Posted by Oslolens View Post
    The condensor lenses might be put to better work, here is work by a photographer i know: "JO MICHAEL DE FIGUEIREDO | norphotographers" https://www.100norwegianphotographer...-de-figueiredo

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