Enlarger Lens for 6x4.5 film

[aaronzomback]

I have a Durst M805 b/w enlarger, and I will begin making prints for my 6x4.5 film.

Reading the Durst manual, it recommends a lens focal length between 75-80mm for this size film.

I'm just curious, if anyone knows more about Boyer lenses (now defunct company which manufactured in Paris).

I am looking at a listing where the seller has offered me 50 euros for a Boyer Saphir f4.5, 75mm (apparently in perfect condition).

Do you think this would be a good deal, or do you think the price is higher for the novelty rather than the quality (i.e. I can find rodenstocks at 75mm for cheaper) ?

Thanks,

Aaron

 

[koraks]

do you think the price is higher for the novelty rather than the quality

I expect so yes.

 

[bernard_L]

the price is higher than others I can find (like the Rodenstocks) because it is rarer rather than necessarily better quality ?

Yes.

According to:
https://www.galerie-photo.com/boyer-optique-objectif.html (scroll approx 2/3 down)
this would be a 4-element, Tessar-like lens.
Looking at finished sales on ebay for 80mm componons I see:

SCHNEIDER OPTIK KREUZNACH COMPONON 1:5.6/80 enlarger lens small thread | eBay

Les meilleures offres pour SCHNEIDER OPTIK KREUZNACH COMPONON 1:5.6/80 enlarger lens small thread sont sur eBay ✓ Comparez les prix et les spécificités des produits neufs et d'occasion ✓ Pleins d'articles en livraison gratuite!

www.ebay.fr

Schneider Kreuznach Componon F5.6 80mm M25 25mm Enlarging Camera Lens With Box | eBay

Les meilleures offres pour Schneider Kreuznach Componon F5.6 80mm M25 25mm Enlarging Camera Lens With Box sont sur eBay ✓ Comparez les prix et les spécificités des produits neufs et d'occasion ✓ Pleins d'articles en livraison gratuite!

www.ebay.fr

These are relatively cheap because (I think) they have a 25mm rear diameter instead of 39mm. BUT, you can buy an adapter from this guy : https://customphototools.com/ for a reasonable price. There are also some with standard 39mm thread.
BEWARE of articles from countries outside EU. The worst is not the VAT or customs, bur the "handling fee" charged by some services. ENQUIRE with seller about: scratches, haze, fungus, so that either you receive a defect free lens or you return it because "not as described".

 

[Ian C]

A better choice is the 80 mm f/5.6 EL Nikkor or the Rodenstock 80mm f/4 Rodagon for two reasons:

1. They are both of excellent optical and mechanical quality (6-element, 4-group designs).

2. Both are rated by their makers as properly covering the 6 x 7 cm format.

Item #2 is important because, at some point you might wish to enlarge 6 x 6 cm or 6 x 7cm negatives. Additionally, If you ever choose to sell the lens, it will be easier to do so with a lens that gives up to 6 x 7 cm coverage.

Note: The Schneider Componon lenses are excellent. However, Schneider only rates the Componon for use up to 6 x 6 cm—not 6 x 7 cm.

 

[ic-racer]

I'd pass on that lens.

 

[xkaes]

Check out the FUJINON EX 75mm. They also made less expensive 75mm models.

 

[aaronzomback]

Great, thank you all for the suggestions. I will pass.

 

[aaronzomback]

A better choice is the 80 mm f/5.6 EL Nikkor or the Rodenstock 80mm f/4 Rodagon for two reasons:

1. They are both of excellent optical and mechanical quality (6-element, 4-group designs).

2. Both are rated by their makers as properly covering the 6 x 7 cm format.

Item #2 is important because, at some point you might wish to enlarge 6 x 6 cm or 6 x 7cm negatives. Additionally, If you ever choose to sell the lens, it will be easier to do so with a lens that gives up to 6 x 7 cm coverage.

Note: The Schneider Componon lenses are excellent. However, Schneider only rates the Componon for use up to 6 x 6 cm—not 6 x 7 cm.

Do you think it is possible to find either of these in the 50 euro range ? Or should I be suspicious if I do find one.

 

[ic-racer]

Do you have a lensboard for you enlarger? If so, make sure you get an 80mm lens that fits your lensboard.

 

[aaronzomback]

Yes, I have a Durst Siriopla M39.

 

[ic-racer]

Yes, I have a Durst Siriopla M39.

That is a common thread; many 80mm in that configuration. I have five 80mm enlarging lenses and four are 39mm and one is 25mm.

 

[MattKing]

In the arcane world of Durst accessory naming, is the Siriopla lens board suitable for an 80mm lens on a Durst M805?
I ask, thinking about how specific the lens board requirements are for other types of enlargers - for example the Omega D series enlargers.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Yes. Durst made a number of 39mm lens rings. The Siropla was for sake of their med format M-series amateur enlargers, not their big commercial models.