Copy 8x10 "Prints" to 35mm ?

[Steve Karr]

Hi everyone,
My process is I shoot 8x10 hand coated paper negs and want to copy them while they are still wet onto digital. So I want to get the best image quality with what I currently have in hand.

So my question is do I use the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 I have now OR I also have a 63mm Nikkor enlarging lens I could fashion (not for free) to be used as a lens for better flatness of field or sharpness?

I am really interested in opinions about the sharpness and resolution and not the craft/problems of focus or mounting the lens.
I must shoot these wet and can't use a scanner or have them dry first.

Sooo ....

Is an enlarging lens a better choice or a taking lens for this 8x10 to 35mm repro job?

Thanks!
Steve

[Ranchu]

I'm REALLY sorry I don't have an answer for you better than buy gear, but the micro nikkor 55mm f3.5 AI (get the AI) is I think the tool of choice here. It was specifically designed to copy sheets of tiny kanji characters at 1:10. I like the way it renders normal things too. Tends to underexpose 1/2 a stop from the aperture reading. Nikonusa also touts the flatness of field of the 50mm f2 in 1001 nights ,you could use an extension ring. Other than that I would go with the enlarger lens, you'll need a lens with a flat field. I don't think the 1.4 is designed with that as a priority. Remember, depth of field is a myth, there's only one plane of focus regardless of the aperture.

[Ranchu]

Kick @ss picture, btw!

[Steve Karr]

'Shank you Piglet!

[Ranchu]

Why are you calling me Piglet? Would you do that if I were standing in front of you? I think not.

[Steve Karr]

Ha! It's a dad thing ... Winnie the Phoo would always thank Piglet when he was helpful. Sorry if I offended you, it really is said in sweetness... thou I guess not universal.

Thank you,
Steve

[Ranchu]

Cool. I understand.

[Ranchu]

(and best luck with your shots)