Which 50 mm enlarger lens should I keep?

[Mark Mombarg]

I recently bought a Durst 805 enlarger, with a 50 mm lens. Since I rarely use these lenses, I immediately changed it with a 80 mm Nikor I already owned.

I now have three lenses 50 mm; I use none of them.

I would like to sell 1 or 2 of them (together with older enlargers), and keep the best one in case I would need it.

Which lens would be the best one to keep? I have in my cupboard:
* Schneider Componon-S 2.8/50
* Rodagon 2.8/50
* Durst Neonon 2.8/50

I realize I could find out myself by making test prints. Unfortunately, almost all my negatives are MF.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[ricksplace]

Use a MF negative and mask out a 35mm frame in the middle. I'm sure you will get lots of answers, but the Componon and the Rodagon are top notch. Keep the one you like best.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I agree with "ricksplace." Sample variation is often a bigger issue with enlarging lenses than variation between brands. The Durst is probably a rebranded lens, the same type as one of the others. Test all three and keep the one you like best.

 

[Gerald Koch]

The Componon and the Rodagon are top notch. Keep the one you like best.

In my tests the Rodagon seemed a bit sharper.

 

[phfitz]

Mark,

just test each with a MF neg BUT don't mask it. See which is best to the corners at an f/stop you normally use.

Just a thought.