Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Bob; There is so much that can vary when you do such a test. My results are using a very sturdy Durst condenser enlarger with a glass carrier...everything is flat. When I look at the 16X20's the grain is perfectly sharp without variation of focus or variance in the negative stage from edge to edge, corner to corner using the 50mm Rodenstock APO-N. When I test a camera lens, this is the enlarger and lens that will tell me what I am looking for. For what its worth, the 100mm f5.6 Schneider Componon-S (recent style) comes very close when I enlarge MF negs. My "daily driver" is the V-35/40mm Focotar combination which gets 90% of the use because its such a fast enlarger to work with and the lens is really remarkable in the f4-5.6 range....it also has a glass carrier, which I think makes a real difference when trying to judge the quality of the enlarging lens. If you want a real surprise, try an early version of the el-nikkor 50mm/2.8 on a Focomat 1 enlarger, that combination will really blow your mind. Sorry for the ramble...whatever you do, please have fun. MH - -------------------- Begin Original Message -------------------- Message text written by INTERNET:leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us "MH: I am somewhat of an enlarger lens accumulator (choose this word instead of collector). I have recently narrowed my collection down to a 50mm Focotar, a 40mm Focotar and a 75mm El Nikkor. Previous lenses in my "accumulation" were the 50mm 2.8 Rodagon, 50mm F2.8 Apo-Rodagon-N and an 80 mm F2.8 Rodagon. I conducted a very unscientific test by making a print of the same negative with each lens(Erwin, please forgive). I presented the unmarked prints to our small photo group (esteemed Dan Post present) and the 50mm Focotar was the clear winner and very close in 2nd place was the 75mm El-Nikkor followed in this order; 50mm Apo-Rodagon-n, 50mm Rodagon and last was the 80mm Rodagon. At this time I did not own the 40mm Focotar. I had suspected the outcome from previous use but was clearly surprised by the quality of the El Nikkor. I have since eliminated all three Rodagons (including the Apo Rodagon) and added the 40mm Focotar. I have not used it enough to come to a conclusion but it appears to be excellent. I am now searching for a medium format Focotar.... As stated this test was not scientific but good enough for me in achieving my darkroom quality standards. Does anyone have a 75 - 80 mm Focotar for sale? Thanks Bob" - -------------------- End Original Message --------------------