I'm in the market for a 105mm 5.6 el nikkor for doing 6x9 cm color enlargements, and wonder if there is any difference in print quality between the older chrome barrel and newer plastic version. I am pretty sure there was a design change, but did this equate to improved sharpness, contrast, etc.? I am NOT talking about the apo el nikkors. Thanks in advance.
The design change was in the barrel, not in the glass.
Some folks believe that anything made of metal is better quality than plastic. It's a matter of belief.
I formerly owned the older metal barrel version. I upgraded to the newer plastic barrel version, which has illuminated aperture numbers. I like it better.
Since I no longer print in the darkroom, I am selling my El-Nikkors.
Interested?
I have an 80mm El-Nikkor in plastic barrel and a 135mm El-Nikkor in metal barrel.
I have an irrational(?) dislike of plastic hardware and the plastic barrel feels "cheaper" when you compare the two. OTOH, the aperture on the plastic one "clicks" a little nicer and it has the illuminated display which makes a big difference in usability.
I think either is fine and whichever you can get cheaper is the way to go.
The 135, 150, and larger El Nikkors were not available in plastic barrels.
They were only made in metal barrels.
No illuminated aperture scale.
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