Enlarger Lens Suggestions for a Bellows System with Tilt, Shift, and Swing

[Michael Erlewine]

I have wanted to get into the more sophisticated bellows systems for a while, but never managed it. I have just (finally) found and purchased a copy of the Kenlock (Spiratone, Hama) bellows system that allows tilt, shift, and swing. I wonder if any of you have any recommendations as to what would be the best enlarger lenses to use with such a setup. I keep reading that 135mm is ideal, but which 135mm enlarger lenses would you suggest.

This is a small system, similar to the larger Horseman system. I post a photo of the one I purchases.

Any suggestions?

Also: Where could I find an adapter with M42-Male on one end and Nikon F-Mount on the other?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I'm familiar with that system - it served as the foundation for my conversion of a 28 PC-Nikkor into a workable tilt/shift lens.

Be aware that the components are under-dimensioned, difficult to lock down,  and quite delicate, so don't expect hooking heavy lens/camera up to this contraption.

Any 105 or 135 mm enlarger lens will probably serve well in front and should give infinity focus, though not necessarily with high quality as these lenses never were designed for such conjugates.

M42-F adapter can easily be cobbled together by scavenged parts from various lens mount adapters. You can also purchase a short T2-F adapter that might do the trick.

[Michael Erlewine]

M42-F adapter can easily be cobbled together by scavenged parts from various lens mount adapters. You can also purchase a short T2-F adapter that might do the trick.

I'm a dummy at this adapter stuff. As I understand it I need an adapter with M42-male on one end and an F-Mount Nikon female on the other end, so I could plug in Nikon-F-Mount lenses, correct? I can't seem to find any of those anyway. I am sure I am missing something. Would appreciated any guidance on how to accomplish this, please.

[simsurace]

I'm a dummy at this adapter stuff. As I understand it I need an adapter with M42-male on one end and an F-Mount Nikon female on the other end, so I could plug in Nikon-F-Mount lenses, correct? I can't seem to find any of those anyway. I am sure I am missing something. Would appreciated any guidance on how to accomplish this, please.

This is a Nikon F female to M42 male adaptor:
http://www.ebay.ch/itm/Macro-Nikon-F-mount-AI-AF-Lens-to-M42-screw-mount-ADAPTER-Pentax-Zenit-Prakticar-/151881386525?hash=item235cd60a1d:m:mS7laOX8D7AJqGQ4w3NsZ_g

[Bjørn Rørslett]

It is not a good idea to put an ordinary  Nikkor lens on such a bellows unit. Do remember it has the focusing helicoid taking up a lot of space and thus preventing infinity focus. Plus the weight can be a problem as the Hama/Kenlock bellows is flimsy and not able to carry much of a load.

[Michael Erlewine]

Thanks Simone and Bjørn:

I have ordered that part. And I will be using enlarger lenses on this bellows, in the studio. I understand I will have to be very careful with the rig.

If I wanted a more robust version of this kind of tilt, shift, swing, etc., what should I be looking for?

[Thomas Stellwag]

I have this lens on a bellows, a cheap but technically top start to your new adventure

http://www.ebay.de/itm/RODENSTOCK-APO-GEROGON-150-9-LENS-/201468788928?hash=item2ee879c0c0:g:YL8AAOSw3ydVp~Fc

[Akira]

If I wanted a more robust version of this kind of tilt, shift, swing, etc., what should I be looking for?

Hoeseman makes a dedicated bellows system for Nikon/Canon DSLRs:

http://www.kenko-pi.co.jp/horseman/e/VCCpro/index.html

[Michael Erlewine]

The Horseman VCC Pro is reputed to have some serious design flaws. See reviews on B&H for the device.

[Akira]

The Horseman VCC Pro is reputed to have some serious design flaws. See reviews on B&H for the device.

I see.  Then the candidates would be the LF bodies.  There are LF back to F-mount adapters to attach DSLRs to them.

[bobfriedman]

i have the Horseman LD, with modified bellows.

[Michael Erlewine]

Bob: Thanks for the photo. Does this work well with Nikons like the D810? Is this a stock solution or have you modified it and how?

I assume this is much more robust than the one I just purchased, but have yet to received. Do you use it a lot and what do you most like about it?

[Erik Lund]

That is a very nice setup the Horseman LD, it looks like you even have a double rail for it -

The Kenlock is nice little rig for a solution for small lenses.

[bobfriedman]

Bob: Thanks for the photo. Does this work well with Nikons like the D810? Is this a stock solution or have you modified it and how?

I haven't used it for years. That is a D3 so a D810 should be fine.

I purchased most of it on eBay and bought the Nikon F mount with bellows from Horseman.

[fish_shooter]

i have the Horseman LD, with modified bellows.

Looks  nice. I was wondering if you had any issues with the throat of the camera (lens mount on back to mirror box) blocking part of the image.

A Macro Nikkor 135mm from the Multiphot would be a nice lens to use near maximum extension.