Rodenstock Ysaron 105 mm or EL-Nikkor 105 mm

[normmamiya]

I have a Rodenstock Ysaron 105 mm lens and I'm thinking to change for a
EL-Nikkor 105 mm lens. I'm happy with the Rodenstock lens, it's look OK.
Does the Nikkor will do a better job?

Regards

 

[Nick Zentena]

I'd expect a new Nikkor to be better then a new Ysaron. But enough of a difference to matter? To even be noticable in normal use? Worse I'm guessing that's a used Nikkor and who knows it's condition.

OTOH enlarger lenses aren't very expensive now. I think it makes sense to upgrade if the cost isn't too high. But I wouldn't blow a lot of money if you are happy now.

 

[glennfromwy]

I use several Ysaron lenses and considr them excellent for what I do. I can't see that you would gain much, if anything, for normal use.

 

[firecracker]

I'd expect a new Nikkor to be better then a new Ysaron. But enough of a difference to matter? To even be noticable in normal use? Worse I'm guessing that's a used Nikkor and who knows it's condition.

That's a good point. Recently I had a chance to get a cosmetically good-looking used Rodenstock 105mm lens (not Ysaron but something else) cheap at an online auction, but the comment by the lens owner said he bought it 20 years ago and loved it, so he always used it til recently. 20 years of use? That sounds a little too much for me.

I think besides the brand names, there are things to consider.

And one more thing: I don't know what generation of the El Nikkor lens this is, but I personally hate the plastic construction of the last models of El Nikkor lenses because they are so cheaply made. I have a 63mm Made-in-Japan lens I bought new a couple of years ago, and I love the quality, optically very much. But everytime I turn the F stop ring, it feels like I'll break it if I sneeze or something. It feels so fragile, still a Nikkor lens, though.

 

[AJH]

I have a Rodenstock Ysaron 105 mm lens and I'm thinking to change for a
EL-Nikkor 105 mm lens. I'm happy with the Rodenstock lens, it's look OK.
Does the Nikkor will do a better job?

Regards

The Ysarons are budget models from Rodenstock. How could these possibly compete with EL-Nikkors. The latest models (N) of Nikkors have the best optics. Wether you like the plastic outside or not. Nothing is going to break there. It is all well designed.

Age is not a factor on enlarging lenses as long as the technique has not changed too much. And if the lenses have been used or stored in a proper environment. Light doesn't wear them out

 

[dancqu]

I have a Rodenstock Ysaron 105 mm lens and I'm
thinking to change for a EL-Nikkor 105 mm lens. Regards

Enlarging lenses are optimised for a specific diameter
of enlargement. The two to four diameter enlargements
I usually make with my 105mm EL-Nikkor are likely low for
that lens' optimization. How much do my prints suffer?
How much of my negative's detail is lost?

I'm just wondering if diameter of enlargement is a factor
considered by anyone when selecting a lens? Information
on each lens is hard to come by. I've seen Rodenstock this
series and that knowing this letter or that is an optimization
tag. I'll likely buy another lens and would like some additional
insight on the subject. I take care to take sharp pictures
and wish not to lose that sharp image on the easel. Dan