Paterson BW Enlarger – Powerful Pro 6×6 & 35mm + 50mm Lens

Introduction

The Paterson BW Enlarger is a dependable and precise enlarging solution, specially designed for photographers working with medium format (up to 6x6cm) and 35mm black-and-white negatives. Equipped with a high-quality 50mm lens and efficient lamp system, this enlarger ensures excellent optical performance, sharpness, and tonal clarity in every print. Whether you’re setting up a home darkroom or managing a small educational photo lab, the Paterson B/W Enlarger delivers consistent and professional results.

Designed for Film Photography Enthusiasts

Film photography requires precise control over exposure, contrast, and sharpness. The Paterson B/W Enlarger is engineered to give film photographers full command over these variables. Its compatibility with both 35mm and 6×6 medium format film makes it versatile for various shooting formats. This enlarger is especially ideal for photographers who want to maintain full analog control from capture to final print.

Key Features of the Paterson B/W Enlarger

• Covers Two Film Formats: Supports both 35mm film and medium format (up to 6x6cm), making it highly versatile.
• 50mm Lens Included: A quality enlarging lens is pre-installed, optimized for clarity, contrast, and resolution in black-and-white printing.
• Integrated Lamp System: Designed to deliver even illumination across the entire image plane.
• Precision Focusing Mechanism: Ensures pin-sharp focus, even for large prints.
• Compact Build: Fits into small home darkroom setups while maintaining professional-grade output.

Benefits of the Paterson B/W Enlarger

1. Reliable Performance

Thanks to its solid build and precise mechanics, the Paterson B/W Enlarger offers long-lasting reliability. Whether you’re printing a single contact sheet or an exhibition-grade enlargement, this tool holds alignment and focus throughout the session.

2. Enhanced Workflow

The enlarger’s simple controls and adjustable height allow quick composition and focusing. When paired with a Paterson Timer (available separately), it creates a seamless printing workflow for hobbyists and professionals alike.

3. Educational Use

This enlarger is also widely used in photography schools and institutions. Its straightforward design is easy for beginners to learn, while still offering the depth of control needed for more advanced darkroom practices.

Product Specifications

• Model: Paterson BW Enlarger
• Supported Formats: 35mm and 6x6cm medium format
• Lens: 50mm black-and-white enlarging lens
• Height Adjustment: Manual column elevation
• Focus: Fine-tune rotary knob
• Light Source: Integrated enlarger lamp (included)
• Compatibility: Paterson negative carriers and contrast filters

Setting Up Your Darkroom with Paterson

Creating a home darkroom can be an exciting project. The Paterson B/W Enlarger fits perfectly into compact darkroom spaces. When paired with essential accessories like a Paterson Developing Tank or Paterson Safelight, your analog setup becomes highly efficient and productive.

Explore more: Check out our Paterson Universal Developing Tank for film processing.

How It Compares to Other Enlargers

External Insights

Need help deciding on the right enlarger for your workflow? This guide by Ilford Photo  explains what to look for in a black-and-white enlarger, from lens quality to format size. Another helpful article on ePhotoZine  covers everything about setting up a home darkroom using tools like the Paterson BW Enlarger.

Who Should Use the Paterson B/W Enlarger?

The Paterson BW Enlarger is ideal for:

• Home darkroom users looking for compact, easy-to-use equipment
• Film photography students practicing printing techniques
• Black-and-white photographers printing from 35mm or medium format negatives
• Institutions and schools needing affordable, durable gear

Its sturdy design and performance make it a favorite for reliable, long-term use.

Tips for Better Prints with the Paterson B/W Enlarger

• Use multigrade paper and contrast filters for tonal control
• Always ensure your negative carrier is aligned before exposing
• Clean your 50mm lens before every session to avoid unwanted artifacts
• Use a Kaiser Darkroom Timer for precise exposure

 Looking for film storage? View our Paterson Binder File for 120mm Film – a perfect companion for archiving your negatives.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a high-performance, user-friendly enlarger, the Paterson B/W Enlarger is an excellent investment. Whether you’re just beginning your analog journey or already immersed in black-and-white printing, this enlarger gives you the clarity, reliability, and flexibility needed to produce consistently stunning results. From format compatibility to optical precision, the Paterson BW Enlarger stands out as one of the most accessible and trustworthy tools for traditional photographic printing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What film formats does the Paterson B/W Enlarger support?

The Paterson B/W Enlarger supports 35mm film and medium format negatives up to 6×6cm.

2. Is a lens included with the Paterson B/W Enlarger?

Yes, the enlarger comes with a 50mm black-and-white enlarging lens pre-installed.

3. Can this enlarger be used for color printing?

No. The Paterson B/W Enlarger is designed specifically for black-and-white printing.

4. Is the Paterson B/W Enlarger suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its simple controls and compact design make it ideal for beginners, students, and home darkrooms.

5. Does it support contrast filters and negative carriers?

Yes. It is compatible with Paterson negative carriers and multigrade contrast filters.

6. Is this enlarger good for small darkroom spaces?

Yes. The compact footprint makes it perfect for home darkrooms and educational labs.

7. What type of light source does it use?

The enlarger features an integrated lamp system that provides even illumination across the print.