50mm Enlarging lenses - which one to keep, which one to sell

hoffy

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Howdy,

I recently bought a bulk lot (LPL-C7700 enlarger, 2 lenses, trays, lights, etc).

The lenses that came in the lot were both Nikkor F4 lenses at 50mm and 75mm. I currently also have a Rodegon 50mm F2.8. Apart from being a little dusty, the Nikkors look in good condition.

Out of the two 50's that I have, which would be better? My untrained eye can't really tell that much difference TBH.

Cheers
 

André E.C.

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Keep that 6 elements Rodagon, those 4 element Nikkors (your 75mm is also the same Tessar design) were made in the 60's as budget lenses, they are great performers stop down (f/8) at the center, yet nothing special at the corners.
All this only being evident if you print larger, on a typical 8x10 size, the difference is barely noticeable.

So, hold on that Rodenstock!
 

Richard Jepsen

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I planed to improve the 50mm enlarging lenses at a community darkroom where I instruct. Using f/8 and projecting to 7x10.5 inches, I checked center against edge. I found little difference between the Schneider Componar (3 element) vs my Leitz Focotar f/4.5. A new Fuji f/3.5 was a tad behind. I'm surprised at the results but it was at f/8.
 

Richard Jepsen

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I might add that under a grain focus device you can see a crisper image with the Focotar vis Componar. Can't go wrong with a 6 element lens.
 
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