4x5 enlarger lens (economy model)

[Calamity Jane]

Since I have snagged a couple of Dichro 45 Color Computers for reasonable money, I have decided to go ahead and build a 4x5 enlarger.

I need an economical enlarger lens to get started.

I don't anticipate doing any color prints in the near future and I don't mind buying a better enlarger lens later, soooooo ....

.... what would you recommend for cheap (say under $150 used)?

[Nick_3536]

$150 might buy you two or three lenses. Just surf Ebay. Odds are you'll find plenty of 150mm/135mm lenses from the big three companies for less then $100. With time closer to $50. If it hasn't been abused it'll be fine

[John Kasaian]

Calamity,

I found a 135mm Omegaron built by Rodenstock in primo shape for $40 on eBay. For more bang for your buck, why not look for a 210 or 150 G Claron in barrel? Then you could put it into a shutter when you get the bucks and have a taking lens as well.

[darter]

The G-Claron, while an incredible taking lens, is a bit dark at F9 for focusing. I recommend a 135mm Componon, or 150mm nikkor, which you should be able to get for $150 or less.

[Peter Collins]

In the spring of 2004, I bought a Rodenstock Rodagon 135mm lens in pristine condition, about 10 yrs old, for $91 from an ebay seller.

[Jim Rice]

Let's face it, today's bargan enlarging lens was yesterday's (and I DO mean yesterday's) pretty damn nice enlarging lens. Figure out what enlarging ratio you are most interested in, do a little web browsing, and select from the cornucopia. You won't get the Apo-Fantastigon, but you will get a Fantastigon.

[Jim Rice]

Correction: Fantastinon.....a Fantastigon would be a wide-angle taking lens, which unfortunately is holding it's value. ;=)

[ronald moravec]

135 or 150 comparon- not componar or componon. These were designed for for 2x to 6x which is small for 35mm enlarging lenses, but 6x for 4x5 is pretty big (24x30) . Mine resolve grain from delta 100 right into the corners at 11x14.

I am pretty fussy, but I can`t justify replacing them.