RE: [Leica] Enlarging lens- user survey?

["Lee, Ken" <ken.lee@hbc.com>]

Bob,

I really like my Saunders.  I bought it with the colour head for flexibility
(colour & VC). After attending a John Sexton workshop and using the VCCE
head I bought one of those and have used it for the last 3 years.  It is
nice to be able to change the contrast and keep the same exposure.  The only
thing I don't like is stretching to reach the focus know with my eye on the
grain focuser.  Some people make a device to get around this; I haven't yet.

I can't say anything about the lenses because they are the only ones I have
used on the Saunders. Before that I had an ancient Omega D2 and a Durst M600
with the lower quality Schneider lenses.  The combination of the Saunders
and the Rodagon is definitely better   8-).

Ken

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	RBedw51767@aol.com [SMTP:RBedw51767@aol.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, February 03, 1999 3:18 PM
> To:	leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject:	Re: [Leica] Enlarging lens- user survey?
> 
> Ken:
> 
> The Saunders 4550XL is one of the enlargers that I am currently looking
> at.
> If you had it to do over again would you purchase the same?  Also, can you
> detect any improvements using the APO lense in black and white?
> 
> I would appreciate your comments.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bob Bedwell
> 
> << I use a Saunders 4550XL with a VCCE and Colour heads.  I use 50mm F2.8
> APO
>  Rodagon, 63mm F2.8 El Nikkor, 80mm F4 Schneider Companon S, 150 mm F5.6
>  Schneider Companon S. I also have a 135mm Schneider that I have had for
> 35+
>  years that I don't use much any more.  When I am planning on doing some
>  printing over a number of evenings, I use a 11X14 Nova Clubmate (? the
> one
>  with 3 tempered slots and a running water slot).  All my film is
> developed
>  in a Jobo CPP2.
>  
>  Ken Lee >>