Question about the Nikkor 80/5.6 EL N

NortheastPhotographic

Advertiser
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
1,513
Location
Maine!
Format
Medium Format
I have read some stray reports that the 80 may have some coverage issues if I try to print 6x6 negatives with thick film edges. I find this a little strange since it's rated for 6x7...but I wanted to ask the community before committing myself to one. I'm also looking at a Schneider 80/4 Componon-S (Non APO). Will the Nikkor be ok for me or should I just spring for the Schneider?
 

miha

Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
2,970
Location
Slovenia
Format
Multi Format
I'm using one for printing from my Mamiya C330 negs. No issues.
 

Johnkpap

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2006
Messages
293
Location
Australia
Format
Medium Format
The 80mm Nikkor has been my ‘go to lens’ for years, very sharp , high contrast no fall off

Everything you expect from a pro grade lens

Johnkpap
 

Johnkpap

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2006
Messages
293
Location
Australia
Format
Medium Format
If you are have fall off issues I would look else where ....what model of enlarger are you using? My Durst 1200 has no issues with fall as it covers 4x5 easily

Johnkpap
 

Dali

Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2009
Messages
1,861
Location
Philadelphia
Format
Multi Format
Where did you read these "reports"? Knowing that such lens is not that complex and knowing Nikon's ability with optical matter, who would you trust the most? These "reports" (whoever wrote them) or Nikon's engineers?

End of the story.
 

M Carter

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Messages
2,147
Location
Dallas, TX
Format
Medium Format
And the "thick film edges" thing? I've used that lens in 2 different enlargers with glass carriers for 6x7, no problems.
 

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,086
Format
8x10 Format
I recommend somewhat longer focal length for 6X7. I personally use a 105 Apo Rodagon N, or even a 150 Apo N. An 80mm lens would be OK, but not ideal. Most El Nikkors are quite good, including the 80/5.6. The relatively inexpensive 75/4 is not, unless you use just the center of the optic for 35mm film. I do not know what you mean by "thick edges". If this refers to excess edge density creating pseudo-falloff, that's a development issue. Componon S is an older lens series of slightly lower contrast and a bit less less crispness than later lenses, but a distinct improvement over old non-S Componons. Some of these slightly older lenses are nice for color printing when you want to limit harshness.
 

voceumana

Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2004
Messages
896
Location
USA (Utah)
Format
Multi Format
My example of this same lens has no trouble covering 6x6. Since it is rated for 6x7 (one of the few 80mm lenses to do so) it should probably cover 7x7, since the lens maker can't know the orientation of the negative.
 

RalphLambrecht

Subscriber
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
14,661
Location
K,Germany
Format
Medium Format
I don't think the Schneider is superior to the Nikon.You will be very happy with the Nikon!
 

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,086
Format
8x10 Format
Well, there's Nikon, and then there's unaffordable Nikon. Everyone agrees that a 105 Apo EL Nikkor is the pick of the litter; but are you going to search the whole world over and pay several thousand dollars for one of those when you can get a regular EL Nikkor used for around fifty bucks? Since I do mostly large format work, I take the middle of the road - Apo Nikkors from the printing industry. They cost a lot originally, but now can be obtained at quite a discount, and will outperform any official enlarging lens as long as you don't need the speed of a large aperture. Unfortunately, they don't come in any shorter focal length than 180. So I opted for Apo Rodagons; but they never seem to come up for sale affordably. So the best bang for the buck in terms of high quality MF printing would seem to be El Nikkors or Fuji EX enlarging lenses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…