6x9 Enlarging Lenses- Preferences?

jjphoto · Mar 9, 2017

Zathras said:
...They also made a 90mm in the 1960's. I don't know how many elements that one had.

Interesting you should mention the Kodak Enlarging Ektar 4.5/90mm. I've been seeking credible technical info about this lens for quite a while and have found nothing. Do you have any printed info about it, even a print ad in an old magazine or similar? If so please let me know, I'd love to see it.

The Kodak Enlarging Ektar 4.5/90mm is almost certainly a 4-4 Dialyte, just like the 4" or 100mm version which preceded it. They seem to have identical reflections from the lens elements (I have both).

Both have an approx. 39.5mm thread diameter so an existing M39x1 thread in an enlarger plate could potentially be filed out to fit either 90 or 100 Ektar lens which could then be screwed in with it's own jam nut (never buy one without a jam nut because you might find it very hard to source the jam nut alone).

RichardJack · Mar 9, 2017

My two cents. All of the mentioned lenses are good. I get very good results to 16x20 (largest size I can handle) using a 105mm f5,6 EL Nikkor. I also own a 135mm f5.6 Schneider Componon which is good for up to 11x14" but I can't see any difference in image quality. My Omega D2V is bolted to a counter as well as wall, sturdiness and how well you have your enlarger aligned is equally important, not to leave out your light source.
I recommend the Nikkor because they can be found as low as $25, it's worth giving one a try. I don't print color anymore, if I did I might consider a APO.
Rick

Luis-F-S · Mar 9, 2017

Doubt you'll see any difference between the major brands!

Neil Poulsen · Mar 20, 2017

I lucked out and found a 105mm Apo Rodagon N for less than $200. Bought it on the spot and have been pleased with the results.

That said, I tend not to use glass negative carriers. So, it's unlikely that I'm getting all the benefit of such a fine lens.

mfmike · Mar 20, 2017

Neil Poulsen said:
I lucked out and found a 105mm Apo Rodagon N for less than $200. Bought it on the spot and have been pleased with the results.

That said, I tend not to use glass negative carriers. So, it's unlikely that I'm getting all the benefit of such a fine lens.

Hi, Neil - are you using this for 6x9 negatives? If so, is the image circle coverage suffcient to have good light in the corners at wide (low no.) apertures?
Cheers,
Mike

tedr1 · Mar 20, 2017

This is from the Rodenstock datasheet

mfmike · Mar 20, 2017

Thanks! Since I currently use a 135 for my 6x9s, I was wondering just how close to the limit of the 105 a 6x9 is in practice.
Cheers,
Mike

mrosenlof · Mar 20, 2017

I've been using a Rodagon 105 for 6x9 and 6x6 for about 20 years. No complaints.

mfmike · Mar 20, 2017

Thanks, Mike.
Mike

mshchem · Mar 20, 2017

I was a poor kid in the 70's, I had a 50mm f4 el nikkor, and a 162mm Wollensak. Now I think I must have 40 enlarging lenses. That Wollensak is a great lens. Mostly I use El Nikkors and Rodagons. You find a motivated seller and you can get deals, last lens I bought was an immaculate 240mm Rodagon, with the original flange, 100 bucks, I have every old and new El Nikkor (metal and not so metal ) up to 210mm, still waiting for a 300.

mshchem · Mar 20, 2017

I was a poor kid in the 70's, I had a 50mm f4 el nikkor, and a 162mm Wollensak. Now I think I must have 40 enlarging lenses. That Wollensak is a great lens. Mostly I use El Nikkors and Rodagons. You find a motivated seller and you can get deals, last lens I bought was an immaculate 240mm Rodagon, with the original flange, 100 bucks, I have every old and new El Nikkor (metal and not so metal ) up to 210mm, still waiting for a 300.

wyofilm · Sep 16, 2019

Right now there is an ebay auction for a 105mm Fuji-EP enlarging lens (One step down from the EX). It is a steal at the given price (even with shipping). Only 4hrs to go. By the way, I have no involvement with the sale. I know about it because I was searching for a 105 mm lens, but just bought a Nikkor-N. Even if this isn't the lens you ultimately want you might consider it as a stop gap.

chris77 · Sep 16, 2019

apo componon hm 90.
the best lens l have used so far, especially if you have big prints in mind aswell.

norm123 · Oct 10, 2019

Nikon 105mm

John51 · Oct 11, 2019

jjphoto said:
Both have an approx. 39.5mm thread diameter so an existing M39x1 thread in an enlarger plate could potentially be filed out to fit either 90 or 100 Ektar lens which could then be screwed in with it's own jam nut (never buy one without a jam nut because you might find it very hard to source the jam nut alone).

There was a 100mm Ektar that kept being relisted. No takers because the aperture blades had been removed. When the price fell to £8 post paid, it was mine.

I bought it in case I ever want to use my other 100mm Ektar on my Durst. The idea is to Dremel grooves into the threads of the bladeless Ektar and use it to tap a new thread in a spare Durst lensboard.

locutus · Oct 11, 2019

I've printed some 6x9 negs with a Nikkor 135/5.6 intended for 9x12cm or 5x4 inch and was quite happy with the results.

6x9 Enlarging Lenses- Preferences?

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