how to mount the Schneider 150mm APO HM

[splanken]

OK - so I have finally got the Schneider 150mm APO componon. I have just realized that the thread is bigger than the componon-S and it won't fit my lensboards. I see beseler used to make a specific board 8088 for this lens, but it is unavailable now...any suggestions?

[J D Clark]

I have one of these lenses mounted on my Saunders enlarger -- it's a wonderful lens! However, as you've found, it has an unusual 54mm thread (as I recall), and a lensboard from Saunders/Omega wasn't available. I sent a lensboard to Steve Grimes to be machined, and threaded to fit -- as I recall their quote was $40. Fit perfectly when I received it.

Is that you Simon? We should have lunch!

John Clark
www.johndclark.com

[Don Hutton]

Any Schneider agent can order the dedicated retaining ring for this lens - list is about $80 - you should be able to get it for around $55. I bought one within the past 12 months for $55.

[splanken]

Update: got a standard 4x4 lensboard bored to fit the larger flange by Grimes and to be able to mount the lens/board combo in my Beseler MXT, took a hacksaw to the asymetric turret mount that gets in the way of the large rear element.
Job done! Can finally use the damn thing...

[jeroldharter]

I have that lens. I can mount it on a Beseler flat lens board but then board has to be canted to mount it onto the enlarger and that can ding up the edges of the rear element as it passes over the mount for the lens board. Then I bought the board specifically dedicated to the lens which has some built in extension. The problem is that the special lens board does not have the two screws that tighten the fit of the lens board so there is a little wobble. therefore I am not confident that the alignment is consistent. Because of that, I switched back to my Rodagon 150mm lens and don't see too much difference. When I get some time, I will do some comparison prints for my own edification.