Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the 50mm APO Rodenstock enlarging >lens. It is the best enlarging lenses I've used and it cost only $360.00, >used. It produces great images, and is at a level of quality that would be >difficult to significantly surpass at any price. >SincStephensonerely, >Joe I have the 50 EL-Nikkor, 50 Elmar and 50 Apo-Rodagon enlarging lenses. I did a darkroom comparison once with all three and printed a pic of an elderly lady's portrait which has a mix of bright backlights and dark shadows. The original pic was taken with a 50 Summilux-M. The Apo is easily seen as the sharpest and has good shadow details. Every one of the lady's hair that should be seen is there to see. Microcontrast is excellent. The Nikkor and the Elmar are a close fight for second place until close scrunity reveals a tad better micro-contrast with the Elmar. This was confirmed by a friend who did not know which lens was used to print which picture - a crude sort of single-blind study. I think the Apo quality helps in B&W work as well although this advantage may not be so apparent as in colour which I have no experience with. I still have all three but hardly use the latter two for enlarging. Dan K.