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6x9 enlarging lens scarcity?

Pherdinand

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Aug 31, 2019
Messages
8
Location
Netherlands
Format
35mm RF
how come there are much less 6x9 enlarger lenses on the 2nd hand market compared to, say, 6x6 or 4x5?
A rodagon in 135mm or 150mm is much easier and cheaper to find than 105mm, same fir a componon-s 100mm.
Is in unpopular format? Or whatever he opposite, and peolpe hold on to them?
I keep getting scared of their prices and in the meanwhile sitting on longer lenses unable to pass them on for a decent price.

Or is it just that in 2019 nothing makes sense on the darkroom market anymore?
 
If you expand your search to 105mm lenses, I see quite a few on ebay. If you only want a Schneider 100mm Componon-S the supply would, of course, be smaller.
 
Not that many 6x9 cameras out there. Try looking for a 35mm half-frame or quarter frame enlarging lens and you may see 6x9 lens is easier to find.
 
I may have one but won’t/know for sure until I go in for class on tues night
 
I think there's plenty out there. When digital hit there was a huge amount of darkroom stuff that was cleared out. I have accumulated enlarger lenses that I couldn't afford new. Keep looking there out there.
 
folks may also hang onto a lens for 6X9 as it can be effective for related sizes like 6X7. you don't need to exactly match the format you are using as long as the individual lens will cover the entire image.
 
Pherdinand, How many do you need. There are quite a few 105s on ebay & a couple of Componon S 100s.....one for $67....
 
TBH, there are always lots of 100-105 lenses on ebay and often at reasonable prices. It's another matter if seeking an apo-rodagon-N but EL-Nikkors, Fujinon EX, Rodagon, Componon-s and many other brands are usually available in this focal length with just a little patience. It's another matter if you think the prices are too high.
 
the 2nd-hand darkrom market is pretty much cleared of all decent items. what's left is mostly junk.
 
cmacd123 said:
folks may also hang onto a lens for 6X9 as it can be effective for related sizes like 6X7. you don't need to exactly match the format you are using as long as the individual lens will cover the entire image.
Click to expand...

This is why I got my 105mm, for my GS1 work. Then I was gifted a superb little 6x9 folder and the lens was a bonus for these negs.
 
The Nikkor N 105mm is a good one at most common printing sizes; well built as well so it can be maintained rather than most of the modern Companons.
 
I was given two Durst turrets full of lenses some years ago and I gave away quite a few Durst Schneideder 105mm Componon lens here on this Forum. The were common on colour roll head printers (pre analog and digital minilabs).

There's plenty on ebay.

Ian
 
There’s no reason you can’t use a 135 for 6x9. It will just reduce your max enlargement some from a 100/105. Depending on what size you print to this may not be an issue.
 
thanks for the replies.
Fr the last period i have not seen many 6x9es, but i will keep looking patiently.
Yes there are a few "cheap ones" but those seem to be in ugly or worse condition. Even KEH has one or two in ugly, and they do look ugly.
And there are a few triple-digit priced which is too much for me.

I have 135s and higher focal length ones but on one hand, it limits my magnification but more importantly, they are all for a larger mount. My beseler 45 can only mount 39mm.
I have also tried to hunt for a 50mm threaded hole 4" beseler lens plank with no success. Only planks with unthreaded holes and even those are 8-0-90 $ for a piece of metal with a hole on it... plus shipping and tax, i refuse to pay 100 bucks for a small aluminum plate with a hole)
Especially since i am sitting on longer lenses in the meantime, that are unused. Therefore my frustration in the original post.

Last resort i have is to make a lens plank out of thin plywood with a hole on it, and paint it black. Probably i'll attempt that.
but it comes with a risk of contaminations (wood chips and paint flakeoff/outgas) and warping.
I can't do metalworking...

But in the meanwhile if you bump into a good 6x9 lens let me know, especially if a trade with a longer lens would be acceptable.
 
O and i have seen a rodagon-wa 80 passing by on an auction site, i thought whoa nice, but it went for >140 which again is not my price category...
 
How about using a lens mount with just a 50mm hole, and a 50mm retaining ring (aka jam nut)?
A board with a smaller hole can have the hole enlarged easily by a machinist.
 
I did’t realise That enlarging lenses had become so expensive until I started reading this thread, you use to be able to buy on $BAY going back 3 years or so lens lots .....you would normally get at least one 100mm rodagon or a Componon in the deal and it would be $100 for the lot!,,,how quickly y things have changed 80% of the lenses on line are over priced ( I think so) or junk.

Sorry I can’t help on this one

Johnkpap
 
If you go to eBay and search for seller ‘zbima1’ he makes lens boards for cameras and Beseler enlargers. $8 for a 4x4. I’ve purchased lots of stuff from him.
 

I know this is probably a stupid question, but do you have a shot of the plate you're after? I have what I believe to be a lens board, but no idea what enlarger it is even from, as it came in a box of bits. I'd grab a shot, but I'm on a shoot, not back until Friday.

I will, however, know right away if it's what you're looking for.
 
one of these:
https://www.google.com/search?q=bes..._KQKHVjZDjMQ_AUIESgB&biw=1280&bih=578&dpr=1.5
there are variations but the main point is, it needs to be 4"x4" size and with a hole of 50mm...preferably threaded as i do not have a 50mm jam nut. but i could make something up i guess.
Let me know if you have something
 
Pherdinand, There's an El-Nikkor 105 for sale on the Rangefinder Forum for $90
 
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