Enlarger Lens.

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GrayPlayer
Posts: 59
Joined: Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:44 pm

Enlarger Lens.

Post by GrayPlayer »

Suggestions wanted for enlarger lens that will not break the bank. Also, are thread dimensions standard to some degree?
Fred H.

ChrisR
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Post by ChrisR »

Schneider Componon - S 50mm f/2.8
El Nikkor 50mm f/2.8
(For those two, look for less old versions)
Minolta Rokkor 30mm f/2.8
Schneider 28mm f/4 Componon, the 35mm too

Many/most 6 element f/2.8 50mm's are OK
Rodagon 28mm isn't quite as good as Schneider's (small sample)

A small range of filter thread sizes covers most of them, see the FAQ "Threads we use".

The shorter ones have become more expensive than the $50 or so which would probably be enough for most of the 50mms.

Avoid Componar, , Comparon, Rogonar or anything with a small aperture - they'll not be 6 element.

Longer, there-no standout good cheap one that I know of, though Ray will probably remind us...
The Rodagon 75mm D for 1:1 or 1:2 deserve a mention, but they aren't $50.
Chris R

catchsoul
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:22 am
Location: Vietnam

Post by catchsoul »

I would prefer Schneider Componon 4/28mm and 4/35mm. Two both are awesome Enlarger lens as reversed. Those good for macro on field or stacking.
Image

More samples here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/catchsoul/

gaconsooner
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2017 4:17 am

Post by gaconsooner »

awesome picture, please teach me how to make diffuser
catchsoul wrote:I would prefer Schneider Componon 4/28mm and 4/35mm. Two both are awesome Enlarger lens as reversed. Those good for macro on field or stacking.
Image

More samples here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/catchsoul/

catchsoul
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:22 am
Location: Vietnam

Post by catchsoul »

gaconsooner wrote:awesome picture, please teach me how to make diffuser
catchsoul wrote:I would prefer Schneider Componon 4/28mm and 4/35mm. Two both are awesome Enlarger lens as reversed. Those good for macro on field or stacking.
Image

More samples here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/catchsoul/
My setting up's here https://www.flickr.com/photos/catchsoul ... 0546461333

Ivery
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2018 2:53 am

Post by Ivery »

catchsoul wrote:
Mon Sep 04, 2017 6:46 pm
I would prefer D-Bal Max over anything else and 4/35mm. Two both are awesome Enlarger lens as reversed. Those good for macro on field or stacking.
More samples here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/catchsoul/
That picture was taken with Schneider Componon 4/28mm, right Catchsoul? It looks amazing. I'm not currently in the market for an enlarger lens, but I'll definitely keep it in mind.
Last edited by Ivery on Fri Jul 15, 2022 1:18 am, edited 2 times in total.

catchsoul
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:22 am
Location: Vietnam

Post by catchsoul »

Ivery wrote:That picture was taken with Schneider Componon 4/28mm, right Catchsoul? It looks amazing. I'm not currently in the market for an enlarger lens, but I'll definitely keep it in mind.
Yes it was bro. Thank you!

klevin
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Location: SW New Hampshire, USA

Post by klevin »

Why reverse an enlarger lens? Aren't most a symmetrical design?

rjlittlefield
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Post by rjlittlefield »

klevin wrote:Why reverse an enlarger lens? Aren't most a symmetrical design?
The designs are not really symmetrical. They're optimized for intended use, for example something like making an 8"x12" print from a 24x36mm negative, which is a little over 8X magnification.

--Rik

klevin
Posts: 129
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 5:28 pm
Location: SW New Hampshire, USA

Post by klevin »

I read a bit further after my post. Best answer is "it depends". Most of the slower lenses are symmetrical. Many of the faster ones, and the ones designed for wide field use, aren't.

Interestingly, Nikon itself made or makes a reversing kit for the 50/2.8 since it finds use in process cameras among other things.

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