Lens for 6x6

Tim Gray · Jan 11, 2010

I'm about to get into MF with a 6x6 camera. I've done some searching - it looks like the El-Nikkor 80/5.6 is a good dependable lens for enlarging. Is this right? I use an Nikkor 50/2.8 N for 35mm and have been reasonably happy with it, especially since I got it for ~$50 new. Are there any others I should look out for?

Jon Shiu · Jan 11, 2010

Hi, also look at the Schneider Componon-S 80/f4.

Jon

darkosaric · Jan 11, 2010

I have El nikkor 75mm/f4. It is great lens. If you find it for a good price - go for it .

Slixtiesix · Jan 12, 2010

Rodenstock Rodagon is also a good lens, available as 80/4 and 5,6.
PS: Don´t mix it up with Rogonar, which is not so good!

jfdupuis · Jan 12, 2010

I got the Schneider Componon-S 80/f4 for my 6x6 work. You can have a look at the Post Exposure book, there is a good review of enlarging lens in there.

David Brown · Jan 12, 2010

You'll be happy with the Nikkor. But, get the 80 (6 element) over the 75 (4 element). A lot of people have had fine results with the lesser lens, but since they are all so relatively cheap, get the best.

Componon or Rodagon is fine, too.

fotch · Jan 12, 2010

The El-Nikkor 80/5.6 is Excellent for 6x6.

fschifano · Jan 12, 2010

fotch said:
The El-Nikkor 80/5.6 is Excellent for 6x6.

...and it is rated by Nikon to be used for up to 6x7 cm. negatives. The Schnieder Componon-S is not rated by the manufacturer for anything larger than 6x6, but I've used it for 6x7 and it works fine when stopped down to f/8 or f/11. Honestly, I think Schneider was being overly conservative when they rated the lens.

Vincenzo Maielli · Jan 17, 2010

My preferred 6x6 enlarging lens is the Rodenstock Rodagon 80/4, but also the Schneider Componon S 80/4 or correspondant Durst Neonon (made by Pentax) are very good options. Also the 80/5.6 versions are very good. Whatever your choice, the most important things is that the enlarging lens is composed by six lenses in four groups. Sorry Tim, are you the same Tim Gray author of a book on the use of Phoshop CS3?
Ciao.
Vincenzo

Tim Gray · Jan 17, 2010

I don't think I'm the same one. Haha. There is at least one other Tim Gray photographer out there (I've seen him on photo.net), but he's a pro I think - I'm most definitely not. I don't know if he is the author of that book...

Ronald Moravec · Jan 17, 2010

1970`s Rodagon ( inherited ) and 100 mm 4.0 Schneider componon.

The 100 mm is good a nikon D700 for digi. Don`t know about the 80. Shoould be fine also.

Vincenzo Maielli · Jan 20, 2010

Tim Gray said:
I don't think I'm the same one. Haha. There is at least one other Tim Gray photographer out there (I've seen him on photo.net), but he's a pro I think - I'm most definitely not. I don't know if he is the author of that book...

Thanks, Tim. I'm more relieved...
Ciao.
Vincenzo

Lens for 6x6

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