Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/30

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Zeiss enlarger lenses
From: "Henning J. Wulff" <henningw@archiphoto.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2000 14:05:03 -0800
References: <975577041.3a261fd1eba24@webmail.ision.nl>

>Ardrian asked:
>Whilst I am addressing you about optics: what do you know about the Zeiss
>S-Orthoplanar and S-Biogon lenses as enlarging optics? I understand they are
>the absolute best lenses for enlargements though they were not intended for
>regular photography. Have you ever compared them to the best Apo Componons
>and Apo Rodagons, the Leica lenses or the legendary Apo El Nikkor 105mm?
>Just wondered at which point the difference might be noticeable...
>***
>The Zeiss enlarger lenses are indeed the best you can buy. When discussing
>optical quality issues and imaging chain aspects at Oberkochen, I saw examples
>of these lenses. When needing enlargements of quite big proportions, these
>lenses are superior.
>When I heard the price, however , I lost all interst. I do not recall exactly,
>but a price tag odf several thousands of dollars was to high for an adavantage
>in a limited area (20 to 30+ enlargements).
>
>Erwin

Last I heard on the MF list from K.Fleischer of Zeiss was that:
a) theses lenses are no longer made
b) last pricing for lenses for MF work was in the US$20-$30K region.

I value optical quality, but I would like to think (since I am 
unlikely to get a sample to test) that diminishing returns would make 
that sort of investment unreasonable.

- -- 
    *            Henning J. Wulff
   /|\      Wulff Photography & Design
  /###\   mailto:henningw@archiphoto.com
  |[ ]|     http://www.archiphoto.com

In reply to: Message from imxputs@ision.nl ([Leica] Zeiss enlarger lenses)