Which 135mm enlarging lens os right?

[sruddy]

I need another lens for enlarging 4x5. I currently have a Componon f5.6/150mm but I need a bit wider lens so I don't have to drop my table when doing 20” prints. I’m thinking I may need a 135mm. My Durst enlarger has a 4x5 mixing box. The Pictograph manual lists Rodagon 5.6/135 and Componon-S 5.6/135. This lens will be used for 8x10 - 16x20 and the existing 150 Componon for up to 40”. While looking for the suggested lenses I have discovered what seems like many versions of them. Which version should I be seeking and are these lenses optimal for the amount of enlargment I will be using them for or should I be looking for something else.

 

[MARTIE]

Both the Rodenstock Rodagon and Schneider Componon are excellent 6 element lenses. Likewise, don't rule out any other 6 element lens, such as Nikon, they will be equally good.
The condition of the lens is probably more significant than 'generation/version' and as long as they've still got good multi-coating.

I have a preference for Rodenstock Rodagon's, rather than Schneider, which has more to do with firmer, more positive click stops, in my experience. It's also nice to have half stops and illuminated f-stop apertures but not necessary. Similarly, Apo-'s are nice but expensive.
Naturally, the 135mm will offer noticably greater enlargement over the 150mm but I don't know how much.

 

[ic-racer]

It is important to get the right lens. Look for a 135mm without signs of tamper, clear scratch free glass, and the correct threads for your lens board.

 

[bdial]

If you find a Nikon 135, be aware that it uses an adapter ring to mount on a 39mm board. The adapter is originally supplied with the lens, but you might find lenses without it. As I recall, the lens requires a 50mm threaded mounting hole without the adapter ring.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Unless you make a dedicated correctional diffuser to match the lens falloff, most 135's will indeed exhibit a fair amount of luminance falloff, being shorter than the "normal" focal length of 150. I actually prefer 180 for 4x5 printing, for that very reason. A Rodagon is decent, as would be a Fuji EX or Nikkor EL. Componon S lenses are just OK by comparison, but distinctly better than the even older chrome barrel Componons per se. I'm not aware of any "apo" option in 135mm. The Apo Rodagon N 150 is truly stellar, but somewhat expensive and now hard to find; nobody wants to sell theirs.

 

[sruddy]

Unless you make a dedicated correctional diffuser to match the lens falloff, most 135's will indeed exhibit a fair amount of luminance falloff, being shorter than the "normal" focal length of 150. I actually prefer 180 for 4x5 printing, for that very reason. A Rodagon is decent, as would be a Fuji EX or Nikkor EL. Componon S lenses are just OK by comparison, but distinctly better than the even older chrome barrel Componons per se. I'm not aware of any "apo" option in 135mm. The Apo Rodagon N 150 is truly stellar, but somewhat expensive and now hard to find; nobody wants to sell theirs.

Darn, I already purchased a Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 5.6/135mm. Turns out I didn't have the rear element of the Componon 150/5.6 installed. I got a bunch of lenses given to me, and had no idea what that piece was for because they weren't on lens boards. I'm hoping this lens will perform well for prints 16x20 and smaller. I'll purchase another 150 for larger prints.