Lens for 6x6

[Tim Gray]

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]

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

Jon

 

[darkosaric]

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

 

[Slixtiesix]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[fschifano]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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