Best 180mm enlarging lens for 5x7, Companon-S?

[mark e mark]

Hi, Has anyone compaired the Rodagon 180mm with the Schneider Companon-S 180mm. Is there better quality fron the Companon-s. I have a Rodagon 180mm already (1980 vintage). Would there be any beneift in the Companon-S, they are quite cheap on the Bay. Also did Schneider improve the -S, the modern ones have a blue band on them -does this signify anything other than a cosmetic update?

[ic-racer]

Componon-S?

[Bob Salomon]

A more modern version of your lens will make a big improvement providing that you are using a glass carrier, a properly aligned enlarger and are within the optimization range of the lens. If you are trying to make mural prints and not normal range prints then the optimal lens would be the Rodagon-G. But that lens will not make good normal sized prints.

[Drew Wiley]

I would personally prefer something a little longer for 5x7, namely, 210 to 240mm. But
in reference to your specific question and my own experience, I find the 180 Rodagon
distinctly superior to the comparable Componon S.

[Eric Woodbury]

I've recently compared a Rodagon with an El Nikkor process lens, both 180mm. Could not tell the difference with small enlargements. Easier to read the f/# on the El Nikkor.

[mark e mark]

I have a De vere 507 bench enlarger (i.e. not floor standing) so max print size would be 20x24 with a 180mm (I think the actual maximum width I can do is 19").
Drew I also have a 210mm Rodagon, nothing wrong with it, but can only get a 15/16" with print max.
The Rodagon 180mm I have is not bad, just wondered if it is worth while getting a Componon S, if it is better.

[mark e mark]

Bob, Yes the negs in my 507 are held in a glass (both sides) carrier.

[Sal Santamaura]

...an El Nikkor process lens...

El Nikkor is an enlarging lens, Apo Nikkor is a process lens. Which did you test?

[Eric Woodbury]

A big fat Nikkor without click stops marked in 1/3 stop increments that I bought from someone doing copy work. I'll look when home.

[Eric Woodbury]

It is an El Nikkor, 180mm f/5.6 without click stops.