AN INEXPENSIVE PHOTO ENLARGER

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Once I've determined the optimum exposure time, I place a full sheet of paper in position and turn on the light for just the proper period to give me the best enlargement possible (of course, the "perfect" exposure time will vary from one negative, and one type of paper, to another). My enlarger has a switch built into the light cord, which allows me to turn the bulb on and off when I please ... although you could, of course, simply unplug the cord to accomplish the same thing, provided you're careful not to move or bump the enlarger in the process.

FINE TUNING

It's sometimes possible to improve the quality of the print by varying your camera's f-stop: By adjusting the device to a lower f-setting, you'll admit more light and thus effectively reduce the time of exposure that's necessary. (The latter option can be quite valuable, as some papers do not respond well to long exposure times. On the other hand, though, most cameras operate at their best at a given f-stop . . . and — since this "prime setting" is commonly around f-8 — that's how I routinely set my camera.)

That's really all there is to it. If you're new to the photo game, you might want to invest in a few lessons in basic photographic techniques, but — once you've had sufficient practice with your new enlarger — you can be sure that it will really do the job.

And just how good a job will it do? Well, let's just say that this former skeptic used her homemade device to enlarge the pictures that accompany this article. Not too bad, huh?

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print