Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/11/11

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Subject: [Leica] OT: which enlarger lens
From: michiel.fokkema at wanadoo.nl (Michiel Fokkema)
Date: Fri Nov 11 01:30:16 2005
References: <6.1.0.6.2.20051110231921.05183cb8@192.168.100.42>

Richard wrote:
> Thanks all for the offers, great advices etc. Full speed ahead :-) Now I 
> need an enlarger lens. I understand the important of getting a good one. 
> I see there is a Focotar 5cm/4.5 (not Focotar-2 or -3) available. Are 
> there "better" ones? Rodenstock? Schneider? Nikkor? Tell me your 
> favorite please.
>

Hi Richard,

The focotar-2 is praised as being the best lens around, I've not tested 
it my self though. But these rumours make it astonishing expensive. They 
go easily for $400 or more on Ebay. I can't imagine it is that much 
better to justify these prices.
The first Focotar is oke but I changed to the componon-s. It is much 
better than the first Focotar and is now quit cheap on Ebay and 
certainly not more expensive then a Focotar-1. It fits in my Focomat and 
still has the automatic focusing (after calibration).
Funny thing nowadays is that when you buy a good enlarging lens you get 
the enlarger for free. I bought a componon-s 80 for Eur 50,- and got an 
enlarger with it. On the other hand I bought a IFF 4X5 enlarger for EUR 
50 and received a free componon-s 135 with it.
It is just the best time to set up a darkroom again and I love it!

Check www.apug.org in the darkroom equipment section.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

In reply to: Message from richard-lists at imagecraft.com (Richard) ([Leica] OT: which enlarger lens)