6x7 enlarging lens - longer than 80mm?

mrtoml · Jun 29, 2008

I have an lpl c7700 enlarger and need a lens for 6x7 format. The lens I have has some pretty bad fungus (an 80mm/5.6 EL-Nikkor) and needs replacing.

Is it really better to have a 90-105mm lens for 6x7 as usually suggested? There seems to be a lot less choice around used lenses longer than 80mm. The EL-Nikkor seems to cover things OK, but what about Rodagon/Componon/Meogon etc?

I also have seen a new Meogon S 80mm/f4 for £80. Is this a good deal or would it be better to get a used Nikkor, Componon or Rodagon (they seem to go at about £60-80 used)? The reason I ask is that I have been reading Barry Thornton's Edge of Darkness and he couldn't speak more highly of the Meogon (even though he also had a Componon).

Cheers

jeroldharter · Jun 29, 2008

I use a 90 mm Schneider Apo Componon for 6x7 and it works fine. Any of Schneider, Rodenstock, or Nikkor 6 element lenses should be fine in 90 mm.

Ian Grant · Jun 29, 2008

The 80mm will be fine for 6x7, it is designed to cover the format.

The optics of the top Meopta lenses are made by Schneider, and are identical to the Componon. Schneider also made the optics for some of the Vivitar VHE enlarger lenses too.

Ian

Steve Smith · Jun 29, 2008

I have a 105mm for 6x7 which is the suggested size for this format. I usually use my 80mm Componon though with no problems.

Steve.

mrtoml · Jun 29, 2008

Ian Grant said:
The 80mm will be fine for 6x7, it is designed to cover the format.

The optics of the top Meopta lenses are made by Schneider, and are identical to the Componon. Schneider also made the optics for some of the Vivitar VHE enlarger lenses too.

Ian

So does that mean that the Meogon S is essentially the same as the Componon S?

naknak · Jun 29, 2008

Try the Polish AMAR S 4,5/105. Reasonable price,very good results.

Kyprianos

Anscojohn · Jun 29, 2008

I believe in optical "overkill" when it comes to coverage; thus I go "one size over" and use a 100 or a 105 for 6x7. The old lab rats who taught me darkroom back in the very early 1960s always insisted an over-length lens gave better edge to edge sharpness and more even illumination, all other things being equal.

MattKing · Jun 29, 2008

Mark:

Do you do a lot of large enlargements (16x20 or larger) full frame from your 6x7 negatives? Do you find that you are doing a lot of enlargements with the enlarger head near the top of the column?

If you do, a 90mm, or an 80mm with excellent coverage may be necessary. If not, a 105 should be fine.

Matt

ricksplace · Jun 29, 2008

I use an 80mm componon at about f8 and get good coverage with 6X7. I also have and use a 75mm Ektar that gives excellent results, although I have not tried the Ektar with colour. My 105mm I only use for 6X9.

fschifano · Jun 30, 2008

Well, the Nikkor 80 mm f/5.6 lens is rated for up to 6x7, but since your's is shot it's time for a replacement. OK. If you can find another one at a good price, grab it. My own experience has shown that the equivalent Componon S covers that format just fine. I bought it with the intention of using it for 6x6, then tried it with some 6x7 negatives that I printed up for a friend. I couldn't see any problems with the prints all the way out to the corners of the frame at f/8 and f/11 with that lens. Schneider seems to adopt a more conservative recommendation than Nikon. I can't comment about Rodenstock's entry, but I would not be surprised if it turned out to be acceptable for the job. As for the others, I couldn't even hazard a guess.

One of these days I'll pick up a 6x7 camera. I really like that format.

Curt · Jun 30, 2008

I have a Nikkor 105mm that I used with that format. I use a 50mm with 35, a 75 with 645, 150 with 4x5 and 180 with 5x7 and I have a new 240 that I will use for 8x10 when I get the color head done. Nikon, Schneider and Rodenstock Rodagon. I have an 80mm but done use it right now. I also have a Schneider Componon / Durst 360mm 5.6 lens but don't have anything large en ought to use it on.

mrtoml · Jun 30, 2008

Thanks for all your advice. I have decided to go for a mint rodagon 80/5.6. It's only £45 so it's not going to break the bank.

Tony Egan · Jun 30, 2008

I recommend going for something a bit longer than 80mm to avoid fall-off and softness on the edges especially if you typically enlarge the whole negative. I normally use a Schneider Componon 105mm for my 6x7 negs. I also have a nice 75mm Nikkor and I will occasionally use it if I am cropping the neg and need a bit more height on my enlarger. Horses for courses!

mrtoml · Jun 30, 2008

I'm going to give the Rodagon a try. It will certainly be OK for my 645 negatives. If it also works with 6x7 then it will be fine. Otherwise I might invest in a 105 to go with it.

RobC · Jun 30, 2008

mrtoml said:
Thanks for all your advice. I have decided to go for a mint rodagon 80/5.6. It's only £45 so it's not going to break the bank.

An 80mm should cover 6x7 fine if that is what is what designed to. For example, you will hear that 150mm lens is correct for 4x5 but there are 120 and 135 lenses which are designed to cover 4x5 adequately so focal length is not an accurate measure of covering power. So if the spec says it does 6x7 then it most likely will. But there are also 80mm lenses which won't cover 6x7 without some fall off. So the actual spec for the lens is important.
I mention this because you say you are getting an 80mm 5.6. Well the current Rodagon 80 is an f4.0 lens and is designed for 6x7. The 5.6 is an older lens and I don't know what it was designed to cover. Probably 6x7 and its probably a good lens like all the rodagons. But worth checking if you can find the spec anywhere.

6x7 enlarging lens - longer than 80mm?

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