Minox, hello cfb_en

Gast · 2003-07-19T15:26:12+00:00

Hallo Franz, und alle anderen, Du hast Steffi (die auf der Suche nach dem Vergrößerer) noch was von Minox erzählt. (war zwar ein anderer Thread, lohnt aber...

Gast

Hi Franz, and everyone else, You mentioned something about Minox to Steffi (the one looking for an enlarger). (It was in a different thread, but it’s worth starting a new one here, isn’t it?) What kind of lens do you use for it? I have a Durst 138 and an old Lise Unirax. However, I’m currently using the Durst with a 50mm lens (1/4-50 Componon, the old one) for the Minox, as a good 20x magnification requires a full print from an 8x11 negative for an 18x24 print. That would all be a bit less fiddly with a shorter lens, wouldn’t it? Especially as the margin for error is slightly greater with a 13x18 enlarger (one cough, and you have to readjust the sharpness). I don’t really fancy spending a fortune on a short 6-element lens, though Minox is already a bit of a pain in the neck in every respect. By the way, any recommendations on what film to use? So far, I’ve actually had the best results with effke R25 in Ultrafin. Let’s see what it delivers when pushed by two stops. I haven’t managed to get anything convincing out of the much-vaunted Spur HRX yet. Delta 100 in particular turns out grainy (‘König’ doesn’t quite hit the mark). In any case, the camera’s lens (Complan) has absolutely blown me away. It makes my (certainly not bad) Nikkor 1/1.4 50 and 1/2.5 105 look quite soft. If I didn’t simply use more film for less grain (13x18 if I have to), I’d happily borrow a Leica to see if the lenses really are better ;-) Regards Martin

cfb_de

Hi Martin, > What lens are you using for this? An Anaret-30, usually on an Axomat-3. The second-hand plate our hosts bought fits straight away. For the 30mm, you need a deeper plate. With a bit of fiddling, I manage to get a 18x24 print. I made my own for my Opemus. > It would all be a bit less of a hassle with a shorter lens, wouldn’t it? See above. > Especially because the play on a 13x18 What annoys me much more is the high light loss. With a 13x18 enlarger, you’re letting over 95% of the light pass right past the Minox negative. Or do you have a 35mm condenser for that? > By the way, any recommendations on what film to cut up? I don’t cut anything up at all. After initially using Minopan (the APX100 is anything but suitable in this format, which is why I don’t buy that stuff anymore), I’ve now settled on Delta100 in HRX process and am happy with it. I develop using the Minox reel for Jobo canisters with 35mm development times. The technique for tilting the tank (something every champagne drinker should have in their wrist :-) is *important*. You can also buy all sorts of other stuff ready-made (TMax400, Deltas, Maco, APX100, Copex=Gigabit). I’m actually quite happy with that. I have no issues with the advert that follows; FOTOIMPEX already works with them for the US market: my source is Marcus Dunkmann, 8x11film. > I’d happily borrow a Leica just to see if the lenses really are better ;-) I don’t think a Leica with a comparable focal length would stand a chance, as the image circle of the lens has to be many times larger for 35mm. But you’re right, I’m also extremely satisfied with my ‘Minox 1:3.5’ on my C. Regarding the ‘graininess’ of the Delta100 you described, I’d take a look at my processes. That’s never happened to me before. On the contrary, I use the HRX/Delta100 when I’m too lazy to lug my MF camera around but still want to print >30x40. It even manages 50x60 enlargements of specific sections in very good quality. Best regards, Franz

Gast

Hi Franz, How’s the image quality with the Anaret? We’re basically always shooting at 10x magnification or higher. You’re right about the light loss. I do have the KB condenser, but even with that, 8/9 – so about 88% – is lost. With 4x5 or larger, I’d have to perform years of exposure. Your dad must be rich ;-) I don’t usually haggle over prices, but I did find over 6 euros for a tiny bit of film horrendous. And trying out a different emulsion just for a change is also possible at short notice. But when you mention 30x40 and larger prints, you’re talking about Delta 100/HRX on KB, aren’t you? I printed an 8x11 onto 24x30 yesterday; anything beyond that becomes artistic. The Leica comparison would be more interesting against my Nikkors. Regards Martin

cfb_de

Hi Martin, As I don’t have anything to compare it with (the only 50mm lens I own is the Anaret), I can’t tell you how earth-shattering the difference is compared to other lenses. In any case, I haven’t noticed anything that bothers me. > Your dad must be rich ;-) Not really :-) But fiddling about with it is too much of a hassle for me. I’d rather pay someone to do it for me. And

Urnes

Hi Franz, The combination of Delta and the HRX track sounds interesting; I should give it a go myself. Especially as I occasionally need to make large prints from the KB. Do you know where I can get hold of the HRX? It wasn’t in our host’s latest catalogue. Perhaps you’ve got a few spare moments for me to have a go at it. Best regards, Sven.

cfb_de

Hi Sven, Have a click on the link in my post above. That’s where you’ll find what you’re looking for. Marcus also posts the times online; those are the ones I use too. Best regards, Franz