Whats the difference between a large format camera & an enlarger?

[tropicpine]

As far as I can figure out the direction the light travels.

I am going to try to mount my camera to my enlarger stand and create a back with a light source that will hold a negative.

I need to make one more bracket to attatch my camera to my enlarger stand. (I'm waiting on my camera so I can make measurements.)

I plan to use the light panel from an old laptop as a difuse light source placed behind the film. My only question here is weather the light will be bright enough.

As for contrast I'm planning to use Cokin P size filters mounted below the lens.

genius or just plain ? How well this works out will decide.

I'll keep y'all posted. Y'all let me know if you have any additional ideas or experience.

[henrysamson]

You're right . . . the light just travels in a different direction.

The graflex company used to make a product that attached to the back of a speed or crown graphic and turn it into a 4x5 enlarger. I think it was called the graflarger or something like that. It used a cold head type light source.

You might be able to find an old vertical copy stand to hold your camera.

Hank

[wclavey]

If that doesn't work as a light source, you could make a simple box and use LEDs.

[venchka]

As I recall, there are lots of examples of cameras turned enlargers at APUG. Your best bet would be a super simple, ugly, plain Jane used 5x7 camera that you could turn into a dedicated enlarger. The set up-take down-conversion-unconversion will be a pain in the butt and lead to untaken photos.

Get a really good proper enlarging lens.

If you manage to pull it off we will all be envious and declare "U da Man!"

Do not overlook contact printing 5x7 negatives. Ask Wes to show you the 5x7 platinum print he has.

[henrysamson]

Wayne is right, get a good enlarging lens. They are made to focus a flat plane onto a flat plane (negative -> paper). This is not as important in a camera lens. They are also optimized for close distances. If you have an Artar or other view camera lens that started as a process camera lens that would be fine. Adams made his 8x10 enlarger from a camera and used it horizontally. So, it doesn't need to be mounted vertically although that takes up less space.

I enlarge 35mm -> 4x5 but for 5x7 and 8x10 I just make contact prints. I don't really have a choice but they're fine as contact prints.

I like the led idea. If you could find two colors that represent the high and low contrast sensitivities of variable contrast paper . . .

Hank

[Big Dog]

Or, with a bit of patience, you can pick up a 4x5 enlarger for $100 or less and save yourself all the trouble ...

[johnastovall]

I would suggest anyone look for an enlarger lens would do well to get copy of Ctein book, Post Exposure. His 20 best enlarger lenses is worth it alone.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by Big Dog

Or, with a bit of patience, you can pick up a 4x5 enlarger for $100 or less and save yourself all the trouble ...

He bought a 5x7 camera. I suppose converting a 4x5 enlarger to 5x7 might not be too difficult.

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by venchka

He bought a 5x7 camera.

Oh, well, then that's a pertinent piece of data missing from the OP ...

"Never mind!" (Emily Latela)

[tropicpine]

What size enlarging lens is needed to cover a 5x7 negative?

Additionally:
I have found that S.K. Grimes will bore out my #0 lens board for an enlarger lens for $30 + shipping.
I am just one last, simple flat brace away from compleating the enlarger mounting bracket.

It seems I just a light source away.

[Big Dog]

210mm

[venchka]

Minimum. Longer will work. 210mm to 250mm would be fine. Go to the Large Format Photography Forum. Ask the folks over there if there is a suitable process lens in shutter that will work for both taking the photograph and enlarging the photograph. It may not be possible. It sure would be nice and save you some bucks if you could use a lens like the Fujinon-A 240mm f/9.0 lens for both purposes.

[tropicpine]

Wayne:

I plan to use a seperate enlarging lens.

[venchka]

OK, but it may not be neccessary.

[zebulus]

A little off topic but I saw a large format camera on craigs yesterday for $20. Looks like its gone now though. I would have bought it if I had a place to keep it.