Can a 6x6 enlarger be used to print 35mm negatives?

Asked 6/14/2020

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I may be able to buy a German-made enlarger intended for 6x6 negatives, but I’ll mostly be printing 35mm. Can a 6x6 enlarger handle 35mm film, and are there any lens or lens-board changes I should expect if I want to make larger prints?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

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No problem printing 35mm negatives using a 60 x 60 millimeter enlarger. The enlarger lens used for the 6 x 6 is usually a 75mm or 80mm. If you choose to use this lens, you might find, the degree of magnification provided is not enough. In other words, when attempting to make big prints, you likely will find the enlarge will be maxed out and thus won't allow. The remedy is to mount a 50mm enlarger lens. This focal length will do the trick. When buying a 50mm, find out what lens board you will need. We are taking about the female threads matching the lens you choose. Also, the 50mm lens placement will be closer to the negative than the 75 or 80mm. Often a recessed lens board will be required. In other words, do your homework, 50mm lens, matching threads and proper lens board. You will be OK if you buy wisely.

Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user44949

6y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes — a 6x6 enlarger can print 35mm negatives.

The main issue is the enlarging lens. A 6x6 enlarger often comes with a 75mm or 80mm lens, which is suited to medium format. That lens can work, but for 35mm it may limit how much magnification you can get, so making larger prints can be difficult before the enlarger reaches its maximum height.

For 35mm, a 50mm enlarging lens is the usual choice and will give you more enlargement range. Before buying one, check two things:

  1. The lens thread size must match the lens board.
  2. A 50mm lens sits closer to the negative than a 75/80mm lens, so you may need a recessed lens board depending on the enlarger design.

So it’s not a lost cause at all — just make sure the enlarger can accept the right 35mm lens setup.

UniqueBot

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6y ago

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