Best quality yet affordable enlarging lens for 4x5?

[Paul Howell]

go the webb site

www.prograf.ru/rodenstock/enlarging_en.html

Rodenstock apo-rodagon N 150mm f/4 is a keeper

 

[williaty]

The Schneider APO-Componon HM 150mm f/4 has quite a good reputation, as does the Rodenstock APO-Rodagon N 150mm f/4. Neither are mentioned in Post Exposure though, which may mean nothing more than that he didn't test them. The others are too short to cover 4x5 well (potential falloff issues) and would have the enlarger head far too close to the baseboard.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Good Lord... I'm so envious.

For 4x5 I would test the 150mm Apo Rodagon N against the 150mm Apo Componon HM... keep the best.

For the Expan and 6x6cm I would test the 90mm Apo Componon HM against the 105mm Apo Rodagon N... keep the best.

For 135 format I would test the 45mm Apo Componon HM against the 50mm Apo Rodagon N... keep the best.

If you'll ever want to make HUGE prints from 135 format then keep the Rodagon G.

 

[Andre Noble]

My best advice is to keep all of those excellent lenses for yourself and use them for the remainder of your life. They are no linger manufactured. Keep a spare in case one develops an optical issue such as haze or fungus or in case you mishandle it and drop it etc etc.

If you need emergency money, you can always drive for Uber (like I did) for a few weeks.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

My best advice is to keep all of those excellent lenses for yourself and use them for the remainder of your life. They are no linger manufactured. Keep a spare in case one develops an optical issue such as haze or fungus or in case you mishandle it and drop it etc etc.

If you need emergency money, you can always drive for Uber (like I did) for a few weeks.

If funds aren't an issue this is what I would do too.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I'd keep the whole suite of Apo Rodagons. You hit the Mother Lode there.