Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gary, In 1982 Ctein and Ken Werner undertook what is still probably the most comprehensive enlarging lens test comparison ever written up for a photographic magazine. They spent six months testing the best 90 lenses manufacturers could offer them. Their findings were then published in the American "Camera & Darkroom", also in my own "Darkroom User" (now "C&D" (UK version)) in 1996 and further writings on the subject by Ctein have appeared in "DU" and in Mike Johnston's "Photo Techniques". I can e-mail the text of the article if you want - but it is worth noting here that Ctein stated there was only one true Apo-enlarging lens... the Apo-El-Nikkor 105mm f/5.6 which, incidentally, only covered up to the 6x7 cm format. That particular lens has been mentioned recently on this list... and if you can find one (only used nowadays) it will cost in the region of $2,500++ ...and it is debatable whether it will be worth it to you. I've reviewed quite a few enlarging lenses over the years and have to find anything better than the Focotars, as fitted to Leitz's enlargers from the 50s to the 90s, for black-and-white work up to 16 x 12 inch size. Basically there is more to be gained from ensuring correct alignment of the enlarger than spending extra $$$ on a lens which will not perform 100%, or even 75%, when other variables such alignment, etc, are not attended to. A Zig-Align alignment tool and a Micromega Critical Grain Focuser should be your primary purchases... then if your prints are still lacking in the sharpness deparment try a different lens... but I doubt you'll find the latter necessary if you already use a 6-element El-lens from the Nikon, Rodenstock or Schneider stables. Ed Buziak / Publisher "Camera & Darkroom" ed.buziak@camera-and-darkroom.co.uk * Web site under construction * - ---------- >From: "Gary D. Whalen" <whalen@circle.net> >To: "leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us" <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> >Subject: [Leica] OT:APO vs non-APO enlarger lense >Date: Sun, Feb 27, 2000, 12:36 pm > > Seeing as how (like myself) most of the people in this group are lense >crazy I have a question. > > I am trying to decide between an APO enlarger lense vs. a non-APO >enlarger lense. I will only >be doing B&W but I have had some, seemingly knowlegeable people, tell me >that the APO is worth the extra money and other knowledgeable people >tell me that I will see no difference. Anyone here have any definitive >information concerning this topic? Thanks. >