Missing Rear Element on Componon-S 135mm Enlarger Lens

I've been wanting to get into large format for some time, and recently acquired a Saunders 4550XL to get ready for eventual printing. I currently shoot 35mm and MF (6x6), so I was looking into buying some newer enlarger lenses. I purchased a used 50mm f2.8 Componon-S for my 35mm work to replace an older metal Componon. For 6x6 MF and eventually 4x5 LF, I also purchased from the same seller a 135mm f5.6 Componon-S, the most recent version (No.39570), to replace my 75mm f4.5 Rogonar. In my haste, I didn't notice that the lens appeared to be missing the rear element in the images. I just got the lens and realized that there was no rear element. Tried focusing with the lens and it was futile....

So, does anyone here have experience with the different versions of the Componon-S 135mm? From (https://www.photocornucopia.com/1061.html), it appears there are three different versions (mine is this one: https://www.photocornucopia.com/archive/86/39569_Componon-S_5-6_135.pdf). Is it possible to buy one of the older versions, remove the rear lens element, and put it on my newer version?

Last year I replaced 3 of my silver Componon lenses with Componon-S. I noticed that the barrels are drastically different. The components don't fit together from the early to later lenses. I'm pretty sure the lens cell groups are not interchangeable either.

ic-racer said:

Last year I replaced 3 of my silver Componon lenses with Componon-S. I noticed that the barrels are drastically different. The components don't fit together from the early to later lenses. I'm pretty sure the lens cell groups are not interchangeable either.

Click to expand...

Right, I figured it would be different from the silver Componon lenses, which have different coverage and coatings compared to the S version. With the three S versions, it appears that they all share the same front filter thread and coverage (90x120), so I am assuming the front element is of the same design. The latest version (like yours, ic-racer), has the illuminated aperture readouts, and it seems like all three have different mounting threads. I am currently scouring the fleabay for a cheap 135m, Componon S, debating if it is an option getting the black metal version (without the illuminated aperture) and just using its rear element.

I would try out that lens as taking lens, as one would do with a LF compound-lens.

Return it to the seller.

Keith Pitman said:

Return it to the seller.

Click to expand...

He bought the lens based on photos that show the rear group missing, to his own saying. Unless the seller stated otherwise on the condition of the lens, a return seems far fetched to me.

Yeah, the sellers photos were correct and item arrived exactly as the photos showed, without the rear element. I just missed it when buying, the blame lies with me. Even then, the seller has worked with me, so I am more than happy with the resolution (I am keeping the lens). I now have a very clean half-an-enlarger lens that I'd like to fix somehow. I don't have an LF camera yet, but I'll do some research into how it might become a taking lens if it's not as simple just replacing the rear optic. If I get the exact same model Componon-S, will there be an issue in using the rear element from a different serial numbered lens? Assumption here is that current lens has cleaner glass than what I buy next.

pevelg said:

I don't have an LF camera yet, but I'll do some research into how it might become a taking lens if it's not as simple just replacing the rear optic.

Click to expand...

I did not mean to advise to use it as LF lens, but as MF format lens, on a bellows with extension rings. Likely you will get aberrations, but this might be useful.

Don't waste your time. Front and rear halves may be selected to go together. Even if you find a rear assembly It will never be as good as the original pair and you will know it is sub-optimum. It is a paper weight at best.

While looking for a replacement 135mm lens, I ended getting two copies of the 135mm Componon-S, one with 42mm thread mount and one with the 50mm thread mount and lighted aperature. So, I now have (3) 135mm lenses where (1) has 50mm threads in original condition, (1) lens with 50mm threads with a missing rear element, and (1) lens with 42mm threads in original condition. It turns out the rear elements are interchangeable between the 50mm version and 42mm version, as shown in the images below. Using a Micro Omega Peak Grain Focuser, I could not notice and distinct differences between the various lens configurations. Granted this isn't a scientific approach, but it is potentially feasible if someone finds themselves in a similar predicament.

I would write Schneider and ask if they might still have the missing part.

At the end of this pdf from 2018 you find their contact info:

https://schneiderkreuznach.com/application/files/8415/4115/5103/39569_Componon-S_5-6_135.pdf