enlarging lens for Xpan

[Ian_the_framer]

I will be buying an enlarger for 35mm and 6x6, so I need a 50mm and 80mm lens, but am confused as to what lens and neg carrier for xpan

any help most welcome

Thanks

[beejaybee]

Can't help with the neg carrier but you will need to use a medium format enlarging lens to project a Xpan neg ... a lens designed for 35mm will have too much darkening & very poor resolution in the corners. My guess on the neg carrier is that a 35mm carrier will work, but if it is a type which has bars between the frames a bit of "adjustment" may be required.

[mediaman]

Most [but not all] medium format enlargers come with a choice of neg carriers. fixed aperture...usualy glassless [35mm/6x4.5/6x6/6x7] and "universal" glass type,that you sandwich your neg inbetween two pieces of glass. they will accept the smallest, upto the largest size neg, for that model enlarger. These type of carriers have adjustable masking built-in to them, and will provide a crop, to suit your xpan.If you don't have an enlarger yet,check out the Durst and LPL range.
Budget also for a top quality enlarger lens.

[taxor]

What width of neg does your Xpan produce? If it's wider than 6cm, then a 6x6 enlarger will be too small unless you crop the edges of the frame when printing (which sort of negates the idea of the Xpan). You may need an enlarger that handles formats up to 6x7. You're also going to need a longer lens, typically 105mm or thereabouts. An 80mm lens might work but it won't be ideal and you may find some falloff in light and lens resolution. The Durst machines are very good and the universal neg carrier accomodates all formats up to the maximum size.

[Ian_the_framer]

I believe the neg size is 24 x 65mm

[taxor]

Budget also for a top quality enlarger lens.

This is essential advice. 6 element lenses will provide the best image quality. Schneider, Nikon and Rodenstock lenses are pretty much the business, although the Durst Neonon 80mm is a really good lens and can be picked up relatively cheap. I also believe the Meopta 6 element lenses are very good.