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

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Another question for Bob (or anyone). Will something like the Rollei XACT2 Bellows system (or any of these larger systems) work with Nikkor lenses? Will the image circles be large enough? Any ideas?

Sorry that I would answer it instead of Bob, but laws of (lens) physics are universal (luckily enough)...

a) Looks up the image circles of your lens in question for infinity (for instance on my macrolenses site...)
b) The image circle at 1:1 is twice that size - assuming you'd like to use it for macro
c) Your FF camera sensor needs about 43mm image diameter to be fully covered
d) Compare them and you'll see how much shift you can safely do (leave a bit safety room)...

Example, the Apo ELO Nikkor 105mm has 80mm image diameter at f5.6 and 100mm at f8 so there should be quite some shift possible.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Klaus: Thanks to you, I got that. I have ordered both parts and we shall see how it all works out. On your suggestion, I purchased a Rollei X-Act2 bellows system, in case the Spiratone is too flimsy, as you point out. I will play with the Spiratone Bellows and try it out.

Great it worked out Michael!

[Michael Erlewine]

Well, I have yet to try all of this.

I understand that enlarge-type lenses do better on a bellows than standard primes. Klaus (or anyone), which of the enlarger type lenses would you recommend? Which are most highly corrected (APO)?

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Well, I have yet to try all of this.

I understand that enlarge-type lenses do better on a bellows than standard primes. Klaus (or anyone), which of the enlarger type lenses would you recommend? Which are most highly corrected (APO)?

Simple answer: the one(s) you already have (Apo EL, Printing Nikkor etc.)! (As those were designed for exactly that...don't get fooled by that "enlarger" moniker, it is the same process just with reversed light path)
APO EL means simply Apochromatic Enlarger Lens and those are the best ever made enlarger lenses :point blank:

[Michael Erlewine]

Thanks Klaus! All this time I thought EL meant it came from Spain. LOL.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Thanks Klaus! All this time I thought EL meant it came from Spain. LOL.

Then it would be ES = Espania (or sometimes just E)

[Michael Erlewine]

Any other lens suggestions close-up work on a bellows anyone?

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Consider to also get the wide angle bellows (and possible a recessed lens board), it might be useful to have for the Xact2 edepnding on extension length
(the wide-angle bellows and recessed lens board would allow shorter total extension = physical length between lens and camera sensor)

[Michael Erlewine]

Consider to also get the wide angle bellows, it might be useful to have for the Xact2

What are the advantages of the wide bellows?

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

I had just added the reason...

and further to that allows to avoid vignetting in some extreme tilt-shift situations which you might encounter
(as I know your way of photographing...)

[Michael Erlewine]

I understand. Is there a special name for the Rollei recessed board or wide bellows. I imagine I just look on Ebay, etc. Right?

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

I understand. Is there a special name for the Rollei recessed board or wide bellows. I imagine I just look on Ebay, etc. Right?

Nope, ask that ROLLEI distributor in SF. I used the names from that system overview image (see above), they will know.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Just got some very good tip from Eric Hiss, owner of ROLLEIFLEX US. He told me that NOVOFLEX BalPro parts fits the XACT2, namely the lens boards and camera adapters!!
I'll find out about it...

[Michael Erlewine]

Just got some very good tip from Eric Hiss, owner of ROLLEIFLEX US. He told me that NOVOFLEX BalPro parts fits the XACT2, namely the lens boards and camera adapters!!
I'll find out about it...

I talked with Eric yesterday for some time. I believe I have what I need ordered. He pointed out that the kind of close-up work I do, which is not macro, does not require a recessed board and the wide-angle bellows. It would be redundant. 

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Good, so you're all set.