An x-ray unit designed for conventional nonmagnification and magnification mammography has been evaluated in terms of image quality and corresponding radiation exposure levels. The technical advantages of the radiographic magnification technique can result in improved image quality and reduction of the recording-system noise. The microfocal spot allows 1.5 x magnification mammograms with minimal geometric unsharpness. However, the magnification technique requires an increased radiation dose to the breast, compared to conventional nonmagnification techniques. An additional radiation dose may be required for screen-film magnification views because of reciprocity law failure due to long exposure times. The increased-dose limitation and the small dimensions of the recording-system cassettes have precluded the use of magnification in place of nonmagnified images for routine mammographic examination. The magnification technique has proved to be beneficial in selected cases.