Enlarging Lenses Schneider vs. Rodenstock vs. El Nikkor-Advice

[David Carlson]

I would appreciate any information or direction to a comparison on the web
of these lenses. I am specifically interested in the 80mm Schneider Companon
vs. the 80 mm f4 Rodenstock Rodagon vs. the 80mm El Nikkor. (I believe the
75mm f4 El Nikkor has only 4 elements which would make it not quite as sharp
as the previous 3 lenses which all have 6 elements.

I am currently using an 80mm Rodenstock Omegaron which has given me
excellent prints at 11 x 14 and 16 x 20 enlargements (even from my 35mm
negatives). I guess I'm just wondering if one of these lenses would give me
even sharper results. I'm leaning towards the 80 mm f4 Rodenstock Rodagon --
but I would love to get some additional information before I make a
purchase.

I also need the f4 aperture. I have been printing on slower fiber based
chloro bromide paper so I can use all the light I can get.

Thanks in advance for any advice

da...@eamnet.com

[David Grandy]

You've asked about a Schneider 80 mm Companon.  I just checked the Schnieder web site and they don't sell a Componon lens of that focal length, so I'll assume you mean the Componon-S.

I've been using the 80 mm Componon-S lens for the last five years and I can't say enough nice things about it.  It's sharp and contrasty and I bet the other three lenses are as well.   The switch that allows me to set the lens at say f11, then flick it open to check focus and then flick it back to the "taking aperture" is very convienient and that makes a difference.  I'm pretty sure the Nikkor doesn't have this feature but the Rodenstock might, so you should check that out.

I use my 80 on a Omega D5-XL with a three lens turret.  A friend lent me his Rodenstock 50 mm 2.8 lens for a bit and I just couldn't use it on this enlarger.  The flange on the on the back of the lens kept it from rotating in the turret. I'd check the back of the 80 mm Rodenstock to see if there is a potential problem with that lens.  Of course if you don't use a turret then this comment is moot ...

[Loc Pham]

To add to what David Grandy has already mentioned: I use both the 80mm f4
Schneider Componon-S
vs. the 80 mm f4 Rodenstock Rodagon. As far as quality of prints, I can't tell
the difference between the two. Both provide outstanding quality prints for me
(I've only developed up to 11x14 so far). Both of these lenses have the full
opening and return to preset f stop and very convenient. I prefer the
Schneider since its control is easier to use for this feature - a lever that is
easy to reach and use in the dark. The Rodagon use a pull down ring and is
harder to use in my opinion.

[SlberFuchs]

I have used all three, but not in 80mm n a long time. Currently i own a 105
Rodagona nd a 150 Rodagon. Internet mythology contends that the Rodagons are a
bit more contrasty than the Schneiders and both a bit more so than the Nikkors.
I jsut too a look at some prints made several years ago with a Schneider
Componon-S and, like Loc, I cant' see any difference.

Ted