75mm/80mm lens recommendations?

[Martin Rickards]

There's no question that any of the 'later' lenses from the major brands will be just fine, eg Rodagon, Componon-S, EL Nilkkor (the later 'N' lenses), Fujinon EX (EX 4.5/75), Minolta (C.E. Rokkor-X 5.6/80), Omega/Osawa/Hoya 75, the Meogons (Meogon S 4/80 and Meogon 5.6/80, there is also a Meogon S 2.8/80 but they are quite expensive). I doubt you'd go too far wrong with any of them. There's also a Komuranon-E (and an 'S' version, I think the only difference is improved coatings) 5.6/75 from the 1970s which is a 6 element lens with a 39mm rear thread (so simple to adapt) and usually quite cheap, it's worth considering. But just buy a 4/80 late model Rodagon or Componon-S and you'll never have to think about this again.

The condition of the lens matters so an APO-Rodagon-N that's had haze, fungus, surface cleaning marks (or just been re-assembled badly) could be outperformed by a clean version of an otherwise 'inferior' lens. Unfortunately many enlarging lenses are stored badly so the above issues are very common with second hand lenses.

The Meogon 80 mm f2.8 is an anomaly. Frequently selling at "collectors'" prices, it is optically inferior to the f5.6 being notably softer, or so they say.

 

[BMbikerider]

I don't recognise the name of the lens you have at the moment But there will be nothing wrong with a Rodagon. If you look around you may find a Rodenstock Rodagon 80mm/F4 which is not current (as far as I know) but is one step down from the APO version which is. On the budget side if you can find a Durst Neonon 80/5.6 they are also exceptionally good. I believe they were made with the Durst name by Pentax (not confirmed) I have not owned one but have used that lens and to be honest I could not fault it.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I don't recognise the name of the lens you have at the moment But there will be nothing wrong with a Rodagon. If you look around you may find a Rodenstock Rodagon 80mm/F4 which is not current (as far as I know) but is one step down from the APO version which is. On the budget side if you can find a Durst Neonon 80/5.6 they are also exceptionally good. I believe they were made with the Durst name by Pentax (not confirmed) I have not owned one but have used that lens and to be honest I could not fault it.

The Durst Neonon is indeed a very good enlarging lens.

 

[Luis-F-S]

Hey there!

Looking for a new enlarger lens that isn't too pricey, but is an upgrade from what I'm using now. Right now I have a Rodenstock EL-Omegar 75mm f/4.5 and 50mm f/3.5. I just picked up a Durst M605 color that came with a Schneider Componar-C 50mm f/3.5, so that'll be super helpful for enlarging 35mm negs, but I'm looking to get a better lens for enlarging 6x6 negatives.

It really doesn't matter that much, and I doubt you'll see any difference with your current lens. Most lenses are better than most photographers!

 

[BMbikerider]

It really doesn't matter that much, and I doubt you'll see any difference with your current lens. Most lenses are better than most photographers!

Probably correct.

I have a Nikon 28/105 which is a very good lens, but when I started using it with a camera on a tripod more often, a photographic friend of mine remarked that must have gone up market and was using one of Nikon's exceptionally good 24/70 constant 2.8 lenses. I already had the tripod and the electronic release so the improvement cost me nothing.

However with enlarging lenses it is the actual focussing on the baseboard to get the grain sharp makes the biggest difference. If you cannot get the grain sharp then the image won't be sharp.

 

[jjphoto]

The Meogon 80 mm f2.8 is an anomaly. Frequently selling at "collectors'" prices, it is optically inferior to the f5.6 being notably softer, or so they say.

Possibly, but without direct comparison i suppose it's just speculation. I must be a terrible collector as i have two of the Meogon S 2.8/80 and a Meogon S 4/80 but i don't have the Meogon 5.6/80 otherwise it would be interesting to compare them.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

It really doesn't matter that much, and I doubt you'll see any difference with your current lens. Most lenses are better than most photographers!

True, and we could take this up the road all the way to 19th century just to prove a point of lens not being THE image maker. At the same time, in order to achieve maximum possible brilliance (if that's what one is seeking) in a print, there is no way, but get a good enlarging lens (and have a pretty sharp negative, processed accordingly etc.).

 

[Martin Rickards]

Possibly, but without direct comparison i suppose it's just speculation. I must be a terrible collector as i have two of the Meogon S 2.8/80 and a Meogon S 4/80 but i don't have the Meogon 5.6/80 otherwise it would be interesting to compare them.

I have only the Minolta Rokkor CE lenses in 50 mm and 80 mm focal lengths as "good" lenses and if the image is less than sharp, I know there's no-one to blame but myself.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I have only the Minolta Rokkor CE lenses in 50 mm and 80 mm focal lengths as "good" lenses and if the image is less than sharp, I know there's no-one to blame but myself.

Or you could ask the guys on D side, they've go a fix for everything.

 

[Griffin Miller]

Anyone have any thoughts on this Minolta Rokkor CE for sale? Hard to tell from the images what the condition of the lens is, but to me, it just looks like there is some dust on the outside that would be removed with a simple wipe down.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Anyone have any thoughts on this Minolta Rokkor CE for sale? Hard to tell from the images what the condition of the lens is, but to me, it just looks like there is some dust on the outside that would be removed with a simple wipe down.

First pick appears to me like haze or some kind of fogging. I'd ask for more direct pics if possible, these seem like hiding something.

 

[Griffin Miller]

First pick appears to me like haze or some kind of fogging. I'd ask for more direct pics if possible, these seem like hiding something.

That's kind of what I was thinking too. I sent them an email requesting more photos

 

[DREW WILEY]

Ralph mentioned the 80/5.6 El Nikkor. The 75/4 El Nikkor is much cheaper, and I sometime use one for 35mm negs, and it might work OK for 6x6 well-centered; but it's a lousy dog for slightly larger 6x7 format. For MF negs, I strongly prefer real Apo options, specifically the 105 Apo Rodagon N, but those are apt to be well above your price point. Schneider Componon S lenses are decent and affordable; but forget the still older chrome barrel Componons.