Rodenstock APO Rodagon 90mm

[david b]

I am wondering if I will see a difference between the Rodenstock Rodagon APO 90mm f4 lens when compared to the Schneider Componon S 80mm f4 lens that I have.

Prints would be 11x14 to 16x20.

thanks.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If you're otherwise using good technique, glass neg carrier, properly aligned enlarger, then yes, I saw a difference when I upgraded to APO lenses.

 

[craigclu]

I had the Componon S 80mm at the same time as I owned (still have) a Rodagon (non-APO) 80mm. The Rodagon was very slightly better at larger (11X14 and up) sizes. I then moved to a Schneider APO 90 and found another slight performance advantage at 11X14 and up over the Rodagon. I've heard similar experiences from others, too. Remember, APO's tend to be sharpest at 1-2 stops down so you'll get very little forgiveness for alignment issues with that wide aperture ( especially if you print large), so if you don't currently have a good, solid tool or method for alignment, you might factor that into your decision, also.

My equipment doesn't exactly match exactly your question but I would imagine you could expect a similar experience.