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Undecided between two lenses

zehner21

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May 28, 2014
Messages
143
Location
Sardinia, IT
Format
Multi Format
Hi,
I have been offered two lenses for my enlarger: a Rodagon f/2.8 and a EL-Nikkor 2.8

They have similar prices, the Nikkor costs a little bit more.
What do you suggest to take?
I'm not planning to do big enlargements but consider the fact that I've always printed with a basic Durst lens and I wouldn't mind a jump in quality.
Thanks
 
They are both good lenses and I don't think you can go wrong with either one of them.
 
I presume Durst lens will do perfect job for small prints. No need to upgrade, rather buy some time and paper. ;-)
 
I think the Durst Neonon lenses were made by Schneider. It should be pretty good. They fetch quite good prices on the used market here in the UK.
Alex
 
I have the last, plastic EL-Nikkor 50/2.8 and it seems to have a bit more contrast than the Componon-S I was using prior. I like it enough that I bought another when I came across it at a super price. Unfamiliar with the Rodagons but pretty sure they're no slouches. Neither is the Componon for that matter; splitting hairs.

s-a
 
I have both the Rodagon and El-Nikkor, and am hard pressed to choose between them. I also have a Schneider Componon(non-S), a lovely lens to use. Schneider did, at one time, make Durst enlarger lenses.
 
Depends on condition, if both lenses are pristine I would pick the Rodagon f/2.8, otherwise pick the one that's cleaner and preferably test drive if possible before cash.

btw: if your lens is the Neonon, keep in mind that Durst Neonons were mostly made by Pentax (and a few by Schneider) and if in good condition, and printing in the range of 10x ~ 15x, then you will need condensor light source in order to find substantial differences between the Neonon, Rodagon f/2.8 and a EL-Nikkor 2.8.

 

What he said. I like both.
 
I doubt you'll see much improvement over the Durst they were made by Schneider and Pentax and were excellent performers. I have twi Durst Noenons and they are just as good as my other lenses Componon S and Nikon,

Ian
 
I like the illuminated aperture scale on some (all?) Rodagon lenses.

Otherwise, given similar condition, you should see similar quality from all three options (including the Durst).
 
Matt, Durst Neonon's scale is illuminated as well. You can also push/pull the aperture ring between click stops / click free for fine control.

Rodagon's glow scale is great as well. Nikkors scale is meh.

MattKing said:
I like the illuminated aperture scale on some (all?) Rodagon lenses.

Otherwise, given similar condition, you should see similar quality from all three options (including the Durst).
Click to expand...
 
Take the one with the glass in best condition (dust, scratches, ...).
If there is no differences, take the one that handels best (focussing, f-stops, ...).
What feels better?

Bert from Holland
http://thetoadmen.blogspot.nl
 
I'm currently using a Neotar
I think I'll do a slightly modification of baachitraka's idea: I'll pick the cheapest of the two, the Rodagon and save enough money for some paper.
Thanks!
 
zehner21 said:
I'm currently using a Neotar
I think I'll do a slightly modification of baachitraka's idea: I'll pick the cheapest of the two, the Rodagon and save enough money for some paper.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Durst may not have sold the Neotars in all countries, the Rodagons are excellent so you won't go wrong.

Ian
 
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