6x6 lens - which one?

Josephine · Apr 6, 2010

I need a lens to start using my enlarger. I'll be printing 6x6 negatives up to 24x24cm. These are my options now:

Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 80mm f5.6

EL-NIKKOR 80mm f5.6

Rodenstock Omegaron 135mm f4.5

What is the best option? The prices are almost the same.

Thanks!!

keithwms · Apr 6, 2010

Well there is a pretty big difference between 80 and 135. Somewhere you should find a table of which lenses will give you what magnification at what bellows draw.

Anyway everybody needs an 80, I'd say go for the Nikkor 80. But I don't think you can lose on any of these.

Josephine · Apr 6, 2010

Good. I'll look for that table. Maybe it's better to get an 80 first. The Nikkor was my favorite, but I don't know much...
Thank you!!

hspluta · Apr 6, 2010

You might want to look for an El-Nikkor 75mm F4. It is the "perfect" length for 6x6 and is a full stop brighter. I just picked one up for under $25 usd off of "that site".

Best, Harry

williamtheis · Apr 6, 2010

the componon-S is a great lens... the equal or better to the El-Nikkor (let the flames begin)

Slixtiesix · Apr 6, 2010

The Componon S might be a tad better but at the size you´re going to print you won´t see a difference.

fotch · Apr 6, 2010

I have both lens and prefer the Nikkor over the Componon. Either one will make great enlargements.

hspluta · Apr 6, 2010

I agree that the quality differences between the major 6-element lenses is minimal at best. Color rendition however is different for each brand and for that reason I try to use the same make & model lens for all of the formats I shoot. One of the reasons I went with El-Nikkors for this enlarger is that the three sizes I use, 50mm, 75mm, and 135mm all use a 39mm Leica thread for their mount. This allows me to use the Omega three lens turret without any issues or adapters. In addition I know that my filtration will be consistant with each format ( assuming the same film is used in each ).

Best, Harry

keithwms · Apr 6, 2010

The reason why I went with the EL nikkors is that they can all be had at reasonable prices, and there is a good selection of focal lengths. That, coupled with what Harry just said about consistency, was my main motivation.

Seabird · Apr 6, 2010

Hi Josephine,

I'd stick with one of the 80mm lenses for 6x6.

hspluta said:
You might want to look for an El-Nikkor 75mm F4. It is the "perfect" length for 6x6 and is a full stop brighter.

I have both the El-Nikkor 75/f4 and the El-Nikkor 80/f5.6. The former is a 4-element lens while the latter is 6-element. While the difference in image quality is negligible, I'd take the 80mm for bigger enlargements.

Sorry, but I cant comment on relative merits of Componon-S vs El-Nikkor at that focal length. Either in good nick will do a sterling job.

HTH

Carey Bird
http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/index.html

Josephine · Apr 7, 2010

The Nikkor is the winner! It will be my first lens. Later, I'll try to have another, so I can compare them and see which one fits my work best.

Thank you all for the help!

6x6 lens - which one?

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