Beslar 75mm lens

[Marvin]

I am trying to get set up to to do 6x4.5 from my Bronica ETRSi and am trying to get all the parts to use on my 23CIIXL. I picked up a Beslar 75mm lens and was wondering if anyone has used these and how good they are. The lens is used but appears to be in good shape and has the original box and the f stops work fine. Just wonder what others favorite lenses are. I have the 50mm EL Nikkor for 35mm and now the 75mm Beslar for medium format.
Marvin

 

[MattKing]

The Beslar lenses are/were Beseler's kit lenses - they were included with enlarger kits.

They are relatively low quality lenses. If you have one that is in good shape it will be serviceable, especially for smaller enlargements, but replacing it with a top line lens like a Rodagon or Componon that is in good shape will most likely improve at least marginally the sharpness and contrast of your prints.

That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to print with it until you get something better.

Matt

 

[ChuckP]

I suppose that it depends on what you want from your prints. If sharpness isn't an important element for their success than the Beslar should work fine for you. But also consider that for the price of a package of paper you should be able to get a better 6 element 80mm Rodagaon, Componon or El Nikkor. I replaced my kit Beslars early on with used El Nikkors because for me sharpness was important.

 

[fotch]

Its OK, nothing to write home about. Larger enlargements will show off its shortcomings. Nothing major, in photography, there is always a better $+ lens, camera, etc.

 

[Marvin]

Thanks for the info guess I will use it now and look for something better later. It will give me the ability to do medium format and I probably need a lot of practice since it has been many years since I did darkroom work.
Marvin