6x4.5/6x6 Enlarging Lens Recomendationi

[Danner]

The EL Nikkor N 80/4 covers 6x7 too. Of course, it would have to be a used lens, but they're not difficult to find.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Hi Everyone,

I have all of the lenses I need for my darkroom aside from a lens for 66/645 enlargements. Wanting something nice but not ridiculous priced. Out of these four "New" enlarging lens offerings what would be my best bet for B&W and RA-4 printing

Any advice would be appreciated

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...341_rodenstock_80mm_f_4_rodagon.html/overview
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/44521-USA/Rodenstock_452317_80mm_f_4_Rodagon_Enlarging.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._11_014850_80mm_f_4_Componon_S_Enlarging.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ck_452205_75mm_f_4_5_Rogonar_S_Enlarging.html

I prefer the EL Nikkors but that is just me.

 

[Nige]

I think my Fujinon EX 90/5.6 is better than my Componon-S 80/4, but the Componon has better 'handling' (the very handy stop down lever).

 

[David Reynolds]

I have sent you a PM

 

[wiltw]

Componon better than Componar
Rodagon better than Rogonar
Componon = Rodagon in overall qualtiy, generally speaking

Used 80mm Componon or Rodagon is about $100 to acquire.

In Ctein's book, Post Exposure, he tests a pretty large number of enlarging lenses, and his finding is that there is little measureable benefit of APO enlarging lenses, because few are true apochromats.

 

[GRHazelton]

This company http://store.khbphotografix.com/Beseler-Enlarger-Parts/ located in Canada carries a wide selection of parts used and new for Beseler, Omega, etc. From New Zealand it would be a slow experience, but if needed..... I scored a used Beseler 23 in nice condition fr a shop here in the Atlanta area. If Aukland, for example, has a good camera store carrying used gear that would be the best way to go, but you know that I'm sure. I also found a Schneider 50mm f2.8 Componon S, new old stock in the plastic "bubble" for, IRRC, about $80. Adorama shows this lens new for $569.00.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

My componon-s 80mm doesn't cover 6x7. I once had a very confusing darkroom session when I found the edges of my prints were rather soft as I'd forgotten to change over to the 100mm lens.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I use Apo Rodagon N's for my MF printing, both the 105 and 150mm versions - highly recommended if you can afford one. There is more nuance to the tonality. Otherwise, a regular Rodagon, EL Nikkor, etc will do nicely. I prefer longer than "normal" focal lengths for the more even illumination they provide; but you need a taller enlarger column.

 

[Luis-F-S]

I only shoot 6x4.5 and 6x6. Most times I use a 100mm Schneider Componon S because I mainly print small and this allows me slightly longer exposure times and also more room for dodging / burning. When I do print larger I use a Rodenstock 80mm rodagon APO. Both lenses are fantastic.

I too have the 100 Componon S which I bought new 30 years ago. Also have the 80 Apo- Rodagon also bought new back then. Most of the time when I print MF I use the 105 Rodagon. All three lenses are great!

 

[DREW WILEY]

My starter lens set was all Componon S. They were competent lenses for their era, and better than old chrome barrel Componons; but I replaced em all with better equivalents from Rodenstock and Nikon.

 

[grain elevator]

My starter lens set was all Componon S. They were competent lenses for their era, and better than old chrome barrel Componons; but I replaced em all with better equivalents from Rodenstock and Nikon.

Please elaborate, did you find the non-apo Rodenstocks and Nikkors of the same generation better? Better in which ways?

 

[DREW WILEY]

Yes, but I tend to think of most of these Rodagons and El Nikkors as about half a generation newer design than Componon S, only partially overlapping in vintage. The distinctly more expensive Apo Rodagon N's and Schneider HM enlarging lenses I'd account as an entire generation newer engineering. But I wouldn't worry about this subject too much unless one does require optimal results. There are exceptions; for example, the 75mm El Nikkor is a lousy lens for MF usage, but works quite nicely as a bargain 35mm printing lens because you're using only the center of the optic.

 

[Martin Rickards]

These threads often decay into a brand X is better than brand Y at based on very subjective personal opinions or repeating others' personal opinions. I don't know of any objective comparative tests performed on all lenses/brands available. Ctein is often quoted, but I seem to remember his just compared the Schneider, Rodenstock and El Nikkor. offerings. There was also a French publication in which all three and Leitz and Angenieux were defeated by Meopta Meogons. On top of that there's the question of age as many of these are now only available second hand and original optical performance may be let down by aging mechanical performance. You just pay the money and keep your fingers crossed that yours still prints well and that you'll be able to swear by it rather than at it.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Everyone really in the know does know what is the best. It's now hard to find, even more difficult to afford, is too heavy for the typical amateur enlarger, and is a complete waste of time if you haven't pinned down all your other critical focus and alignment issues. For example, if you don't use a precision carrier with glass on both sides, you might as well be doing a Consumer Reports enlarging lens test comparing Coke versus Pepsi bottles for that application. But anyway, here it is : the Apo El Nikkor 105/5.6 (distinct from either the El Nikkor or Apo Nikkor). Grab one while you can. There's a couple 105's on EBay right now for $2500 apiece, or the even more versatile 210 version for double that price.

 

[Luis-F-S]

Remember that most lenses are better than most photographers

 

[Donald Qualls]

Remember that most lenses are better than most photographers

This should be engraved in stone and posted in every darkroom...

 

[gone]

The Rodagon S is a 4 element, but a good lens stopped down. The others are 6 element I think. All of these will serve you well, and yes, you can save a mint if you buy them used. Two question to ask yourself are, how big do you usually print, and how much dodging and burning? If you usually do a lot of the latter, you'll want to have a lens that allows you to make enlargements and still gives you room under the lens to work.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Well, there seem to be a lot of photographers who will spend $2500 on a camera lens, but don't even bother to properly align their enlarger; so it makes little difference if they have a great enlarger lens or a lousy one. You can own a Ferrari, but not get anywhere if you don't want to bother fixing a flat tire.

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

I have a 80mm Schneider Componon-S that I use for 6x6 that never let me down. I like the illuminated stops, and the diaphragm open/close switch to help quickly composing the image on the baseboard.

 

[grain elevator]

The Rodagon S is a 4 element, but a good lens stopped down. The others are 6 element I think. All of these will serve you well, and yes, you can save a mint if you buy them used. Two question to ask yourself are, how big do you usually print, and how much dodging and burning? If you usually do a lot of the latter, you'll want to have a lens that allows you to make enlargements and still gives you room under the lens to work.

Don't you mean the Rogonar-S?

 

[wiltw]

Don't you mean the Rogonar-S?

^

• Rogonar: 3 elements
• Rogonar S: 4 elents in 3 grous
• Rodagon: 6 elements in 4 groups
• Apo Rodagon N: 7 elements in 5 groups

 

[DREW WILEY]

Rogonars are the lower priced "student-grade" series. They also frequently reincarnate into various private brand labels.

 

[JensH]

^

• Apo Rodagon N: 7 elements in 5 groups

Yes and no.

Apo Rodagon N:
7 elements in 5 groups for the 75, 80, 105mm
6 elements in 4 groups for the 50 and 150mm
8 elements in 4 groups for the 45mm

Greetings
Jens

 

[Steve Goldstein]

This is straying a bit from the titular topic of enlarging lenses for 6x6 and 6x4.5, but since you mentioned it...

Jens, do you have any info on the optical design of the 90mm Apo Rodagon N? It doesn’t get much mention in Rodenstock’s old literature, and where it does appear there’s nothing about the number of elements. I would guess it's 7 elements in 5 groups given its positioning in the lineup between the 80 and the 105, but like I said I've never been able to find anything official. It's a fine lens regardless, I'm just curious.

 

[JensH]

This is straying a bit from the titular topic of enlarging lenses for 6x6 and 6x4.5, but since you mentioned it...

Jens, do you have any info on the optical design of the 90mm Apo Rodagon N? It doesn’t get much mention in Rodenstock’s old literature, and where it does appear there’s nothing about the number of elements. I would guess it's 7 elements in 5 groups given its positioning in the lineup between the 80 and the 105, but like I said I've never been able to find anything official. It's a fine lens regardless, I'm just curious.

Hi Steve,

now you know why I left the 90 out... ;-)
I don't know, if it is 6/4 or 7/5. No informations found. Sorry.

Greetings
Jens