Enlarger lenses

[Matt5791]

I need to get hold of a decent enlarger lens, 80mm.

At present I have a "Phago" 75mm. I don't think it is all that good, but mabey I'm not giving enough credit - is anyone familiar with this lens?

Thanks for any advice,

Matt

 

[reellis67]

I don't know anything about the lens you are using, but you should be able to get a 4 element lens for about $20 - $25 US, used that is. A 6 element lens will be more, but still should not be that much. What size negatives are you working with?

- Randy

 

[Surly]

Look for a Wollsak Raptar in 90mm or 75mm for MF. They are quite good lenses and dirt cheap. There are plenty to be had in 50mm too if you are printing 35mm negs.
Good luck.

 

[Surly]

Ooops, make that Wollensak. I need to get away from the 'puter. I can't spell today.

 

[Mongo]

It's actually hard to buy an expensive used enlarger lens these days without trying...the prices on them have dropped probably faster and farther than any other piece of camera equipment. Which is, to me, great news.

I like Nikkor and Schneider enlarger lenses, and you can find good ones at or near your 80mm target. (I've also heard a lot of good about the Wollensak 90mm lens, but have no personal experience with it. I'm sure that other companies have made great lenses as well, but through happenstance I've ended up with sets of newer Nikkor and Schneider lenses, and they're all excellent performers.) Keep an eye on eBay; every now and then you'll find a number of the same lens listed to close within a day of each other. Given the dearth of buyers for these things, the prices will be held low by the temporary oversupply. Patience is worth more on eBay than any other skill. Avoid buying the first or last to close, and you should get a deal.

Best of luck to you.
Dave

 

[craigclu]

Look for a Componon-S or Rodagon. They're going dirt cheap and anything you will find that's better will be so little different in performance, you'll be left wondering if there's really any difference anyway. Good things are said about the Nikons but I haven't had too much experience with pristine examples to comment directly. Any of the 3 in their 6 element versions are very, very capable and very affordable.

 

[nworth]

The above advice is excellent. I would only add that you should get the best enlarging lenses that you can afford. The quality really makes a difference in the image. I echo the recommendations to shop the used market. Good lenses don't wear out easily, and there are many excellent ones on the used market.