An enlarger is a specialized transparency projector used to produce photographic prints from film or glass negatives using the gelatin silver process. It is also used to produce photograms.
all enlargers have a light source, usually an incandescent light bulb, a translucent glass or condenser to provide an even illumination, a negative or transparency holder, and a specialized lens for projection.
The light passes through the film holder, containing the exposed and developed photographic negative or transparency. Using the specialized lens to adjust the size of the projection and focus of the image ready to make a print. Prints made from an enlarger is called an enlargement.
Diffuser enlarger
A diffuser enlarger’s light source is diffused by translucent glass or plastic, providing even illumination for the film.
Diffuser enlargers produce an image of the same contrast as a contact print from the negative. The results are has more grey scale and is less contrasted compared to a condenser,
Condenser enlarger
A condenser enlarger consists of a light source, a condensing lens, a holder for the negative and a projecting lens. The condenser provides even illumination to the negative beneath it.
Condenser enlargers produce higher contrast than diffusers because light is scattered from its path by the negative’s image silver; this is called the Callier Effect. The condenser’s increased contrast emphasises any negative defects, such as dirt and scratches, and image grain. The emphasis of those defects are appealing to some photographers.
Dedicated color enlargers contain an adjustable filter mechanism, between the light source and the negative, enabling the user to control the amount of cyan, magenta and yellow light reaching the negative. The use of Magenta gives a strong contrast and yellow reduces the contrast.
Other models have a drawer where cut filters can be inserted into the light path; these range from 1 providing low contrast, and 5 providing high contrast. These enlargers can also be used with variable-contrast monochrome papers.
- 35mm negatives – use 50mm+ lens
- 6×7 and above negatives – use 80mm+ lens
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