Schneider HM 120mm f5.6 vs 150mm f4 enlarging lens

[mark e mark]

I am planning to buy a Schneider HM 120mm f5.6 or 150mm f4 enlarging lens for 5x4. I don't require the extra stop of the 150mm (and the 120mm is cheaper). Is there any quality beniefts of using one over the other, I have looked at the SCHNEIDER MTF graphs and there are pros and cons for each:confused:

[ic-racer]

I am planning to buy a Schneider HM 120mm f5.6 or 150mm f4 enlarging lens for 5x4. I don't require the extra stop of the 150mm (and the 120mm is cheaper). Is there any quality beniefts of using one over the other, I have looked at the SCHNEIDER MTF graphs and there are pros and cons for each:confused:

Yes, at 12x both lenses perform about the same according to the MTF curves on the Schneider site. The HM 120 is about double the price of the 150, so unless you are hurting for head height, the 150 should be fine. For smaller magnification, both seem similar also, so its a toss up based on enlarger height requirements and price.

If you are getting a good deal on the HM 120 used, then that should be a good lens for both high and low magnification. The only drawback would be that the 150 would have very slightly better evenness of illumination.

(I use a 150mm Componon-S and Componon but my comments on the HM 120 are based on the data shown on the Schneider site.)

[Allen in Montreal]

I am with IC,
I have the Rodenstock WA 120 and a Rodagon 150
(yes, i am scouring e bay for a deal on an Apo 150 as I become obsessed with sharpness).

The 120 is sharp as a tack, sharper than the 150, but I am surprised to find that I don't like using it as much as the 150 due the relationship of neg/lens board/print.
Unless you need the extra height for large prints as IC mentions, go for the 150,
it just feels right while printing IMHO.

[Drew Wiley]

Also look at eveness of the field of illumination. Longer focal lengths are generally better in this respect.

[jeroldharter]

I use the 150 and it is an excellent lens. Even so, I am not sure I can see a difference in a 16x20 print with the 150 apo-Componon vs. my backup 150 Rodagon. I have never used the 120 but that seems a bit wide for 4x5, especially if printing an 8x10 because you would be right on top of the print. Also, that 1 stop difference between the two lenses might make a difference in critical focusing at times.

[ic-racer]

I am with IC,
I have the Rodenstock WA 120 and a Rodagon 150
(yes, i am scouring e bay for a deal on an Apo 150 as I become obsessed with sharpness).


Allen, I bet better enlarging lenses won't be appreciated by your viewers, but what you need is to become obsessed with getting a Hypergon. (...yes, I'm trying to rid my Hypergon obsession by giving it to you ;) )