Question on Anaret S

[Arvee]

Anyone know if the suspicion is true that the Anaret series of enlarger lenses are simply rebadged Scheiders? I have a Schneider Componar-S that looks very similar to the Anaret S. I think Thornton may have made this observation but I cannot recall where. The Schneider performs very, very well for a four element design.

Ole should know the answer to this one!

Thanks!

Fred

 

[Ian Grant]

Not sure that its rebadged, rather the lens assembly comes from Schneider and is then fitted into a Meopta barrel.

But essentially optically identical.

Ian

 

[Ole]

The barrel is very different, so the complete barrel assembly must be by Meopta.

Since Meopta also makes a cheaper Anaret (no "S"), I would assume they are capable of making their own lenses - after all, they are also a leading producer of rifle scopes and other sporting optics.

That one Tessar-type enlarging lens is very similar to another should come as no surprise.

So until I find clear evidence to the contrary I will believe that Meopta are fully capable of making an exellent Tessar-type enlarging lens at very low cost.

 

[Uncle Goose]

I've been using that lens for a time (the 50mm) and must say it's an excellent preformer, it's a good sharp lens.

 

[Ian Grant]

Quoting Martin Read of Silverprint:

"ANARET ENLARGING LENSES
It is not well known that the Meopta Anaret S lenses are optically identical to the Componar S range, and indeed are made on the same production line, although sell at a lower price, substantially lower in some cases."

Martin's been involved with photography and darkroom supplies since the 1980's when he worked for Peter Goldfield at Goldfinger, before setting up Silverprint the UK's leading darkroom suppliers.

So yes Fred that's why the lenses look so similar.

Ian

 

[dida]

Well, yesterday I read about Thorntons tests, it is in "Edge of darkness" book. He found Anaret high performer, not only for its price ....
The "S" series have continuous iris setting and illuminated aperture stops.
I didn't understand Ian precisely about the same production line, Meopta is located in CZ, Prerov (www.meopta.cz), and produce enlarging technique for more than 50 years. They have probably the same design, but price is "eastern" ...

r.