I have just obtained a Beseler 23C enlarger and want to print some of my 6X9 negatives taken on my old Graflex Super D. Can anyone recommend a good enlarging lens together with the optimum focal length. If you have one for sale please let me know - if you also have the matching Beseler 4X4 board that would be even better.
Back when I was wet printing... a long time ago... I found that most any lens of decent make was fine unless it was a lemon. I did prefer slightly longer than normal focal length for moderately size enlargements because the grain structure in the far corners showed no visible distortion... 60mm for 135, 150mm for 6x7cm, 210mm for 4x5... not really feasible for big prints though. I had Rodagons and El Nikkors and none were of the pricey Apo variety.
Look for a six-element 105mm lens. (Rodagon, Componon, etc.) I enlarge 6x9 with a 105mm Schneider Componon-S I got in 1986.
I use the APO Rodagon 90mm for 6x9 negs , it really is a nice lens.
I used to have a 100mm Componon-S, bought it for a song in 2005.
They should be relatively easy to find on eBay, as it is a relatively unusual focal length.
Apo Rodagon or Apo Radagon-N?Originally Posted by bob carnie
Per Rodenstock the original Apo Rodagon 90mm was only designed for 645 to 67 film
The much more improved 90mm f4 Apo Rodagon-N was also only corrected for up to 67 but the 105mm Apo Rodagon-N was corrected for up to 69.
I use an El Nikkor 105mm f5.6 for 6x7 and 6x9 which I found in absolute mint condition w/bubble and box on eBay for very little money. In conjunction with a glass negative carrier and Delta Adjust Board this lens is extremely sharp.
Thomas
Maybe overkill, but I use my 150 Apo Rodagon with wonderful results.
not the N version I have two of them and have worked with no apparent problem
105 El Nikkor has done it for me.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks