ENLARGERS Meaning and
Definition
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Enlargers are devices used in photography to project and magnify negatives onto photographic paper for the purpose of creating prints. They are an essential tool in the darkroom, enabling photographers to enlarge the size of their negatives and create larger prints than the original size captured.
Typically consisting of a light source, a lens, and an adjustable easel, enlargers are designed to project light through the negative and then through the lens, which focuses and enlarges the image onto the photosensitive paper. The lens can be adjusted to control the size of the final print, allowing photographers to produce various sizes according to their preferences.
Enlargers are available in different sizes and designs to accommodate various negative formats, such as 35mm, medium format, and large format. They often feature adjustable height systems, allowing photographers to focus the projected image sharply onto the paper. Some enlargers may include additional features like filter holders, timers, or focus aids to enhance the printing process.
The use of enlargers requires a darkroom setup with controlled lighting conditions, as the photosensitive paper needs to be handled and processed in complete darkness. This traditional method of enlarging and printing photographs offers photographers the opportunity to exercise creative control over the final image, adjust exposure, contrast, and sharpness, and experiment with different paper types for achieving desired artistic effects.
Common Misspellings for ENLARGERS
Etymology of ENLARGERS
The word "enlargers" is derived from the verb "enlarge" combined with the suffix "-er".
The verb "enlarge" originated in the late Middle English period, around the late 14th century. It has its roots in the Old French word "enlargir", which came from the Latin word "inlargire", meaning "to make larger". The Latin term is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and the word "largus" (meaning "large" or "abundant").
The suffix "-er" is a common affix in English that is often used to create agent nouns or to indicate a person or thing that performs or produces something. In this case, by adding "-er" to the verb "enlarge", we form the noun "enlargers".
