80mm f/2.4 Zenzanon vs. 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor, for copy work

[sean_mcgroty]

I'm planning some copy work with my EC-TL and I'm deciding whether to use my 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor or 80mm f/2.4 Zenzanon. I've done

some tests and it's looking to be a toss-up, but I'd like to know if there's anything specific I should know.

 

Also, I have two 75mm Nikkors, one the older Nikkor-P and the other the newer Nikkor-P.C. The P.C's diaphragm at minimum aperture

appears smaller than the P's diaphragm at minimum aperture. Is this expected? The lenses appear to be of the same construction, but I

have found some references indicating the two lenses may have slightly different formulas.

[SCL]

If you're doing copy work, you're probably stopping down the lenses anyway, so I'm not sure that there will be much of a noticeable difference. Most differences would be more readily apparent wide open.

[rodeo_joe1]

Nippon Kogaku used a simple code for their lenses. A "P" designation simply indicates that there are 5 elements in the optical construction, and the "C" suffix indicates multi-coating. This doesn't rule out Nikon changing the optical construction of this lens between issues.

 

How critical and demanding is the copy work?

 

If it's something like recording paintings for insurance purposes, then either lens should be fine. If, however, you need any technical accuracy in the copies - accurate scale and minimum distortion for example - then you might want to consider using a lens that's specifically designed for close up and/or copying work.

 

If you plan on using the lens on extension tubes or a bellows, then most decent quality enlarging lenses will beat a standard camera lens at close distances for sheer resolution, and if you need geometrical accuracy then you really should use a specialist copying lens. Not many copying lenses were made for medium format use, because basically medium format isn't the right tool for the job. I suppose that a 150mm Repro-claron or G-claron could be pressed into use on a Bronica, but it's not ideal because of the lens extension needed.