Nikon's 35mm half-frame enlarging lens — the EL-Nikkor 40mm for specialised printing.
The EL Nikkor 40mm is a short focal length option in Nikon's enlarging lens range, suited for high-ratio 35mm enlargements where a standard 50mm would require excessive column height. Nikon's multi-coating delivers consistent colour balance across the 35mm frame at demanding enlargement ratios.
40mm focal length, f/4 maximum aperture, multi-coated, M39 thread mount, optimised for 35mm negatives at high enlargement ratios.
The shorter 40mm focal length trades light efficiency (f/4 vs f/2.8 on the 50mm) for a more compact column-to-easel setup at large print sizes. Useful where ceiling height limits the column travel available. Best performance at f/5.6–f/8.
Inspect for fungus, haze, and coating condition. Confirm aperture blades are oil-free. Check M39 thread engagement on a lensboard before purchase where possible.