Cheap enlarger lenses

[Kevin Caulfield]

Hey, Nige, welcome back. I use the Nikkor 75mm 4 element lens and am very happy with it.

 

[ozphoto]

I agree with Trond; I too had two lovely 6x6 Meopta enlargers with original lenses and they were as sharp as a tack. I was so sad to see them both go - had to trade to a 6x7 as I started shooting more and more with my GS1.

I had a really cheap "Cherry" brand lens that was awful until I shut down to f11. I then bought a wonderful Rodenstock Rodagon 50mm f2.8 (6 element) and love it to bits! For my 6x7 I purchased an older Schneider Componar 105mm f4.5, (4 element I think) which is great too.

Always stop them down a couple of stops for sharpness across the neg with both lenses - I'm very happy with the results I get from both of these.

 

[Peter Schrager]

105mm with 6x6

better sense-you can definately use the 105 with 6x6 negatives and I do it all the time, it is my favorite combo but don't tell anyone else!! photography is all about trying and doing so go try it and report back..if it works then why not??
Best, Peter

 

[Nige]

Hey, Nige, welcome back. I use the Nikkor 75mm 4 element lens and am very happy with it.

Hi Kevin! Just lurking occasionly!

If I ever get around to clearing out my unused gear... you might be a candidate for a cheap but excellent 90/5.6 lens then

Must catch up one day!

Cheers, Nige

 

[Anscojohn]

Better,
As above, I use a longer focal length than necessary. The old darkroom rats who taughtme so much insisted on using "size larger" for better sharpness and more even light distribution. I have an old style El-Nikkor 105 5.6 I use for 6x6 and 6x7 that is very sharp. And that lens cost 250 bucks back when a McDonald's fries were a dime.
Nothing wring with using the "proper" focal length, though; but keep in mind, that when you graduate to 6x7 or get that like new 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Speed Graphic for two bucks or so, if you have 20 dollar 105, you are all set.

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

Hi Kevin! Just lurking occasionly!

If I ever get around to clearing out my unused gear... you might be a candidate for a cheap but excellent 90/5.6 lens then

Must catch up one day!

Cheers, Nige

Sounds good, I'm definitely interested. Yes, we must catch up soon. I;m thinking of trying to organise a Melbourne APUG get-together soon, so maybe then?

 

[Nige]

I'm thinking of trying to organise a Melbourne APUG get-together soon, so maybe then?

sounds like a plan!

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

Okay, let's do it then.

 

[Nige]

saw your new thread... now we can get out of this one