Enlarging lens question

[z_z1]

In the grand scheme of things how do the different models of

Schnieder lens's stack up. I have seen companon, comparon, and

companar. I know my spelling is probably off, but the last 3 letter

are the only thing that changes. Which is considered the best

optical quality? I am looking at a 135mmm -non type. Seems like a

nice lens, but I already have a Roddie 135mm built for Omega that

seems pretty sharp.

 

Your informed and always wise guidance is muchly appreciated.

 

Eric

[david_goldfarb]

www.schneideroptics.com has all the technical info on these lenses.

 

The Componon-S lenses are fine standard 6-element lenses, and the Apo-Componons are top end. Since enlarging lenses are going at fire-sale rates on the used market, there's no reason to look at older Componons or 4-element Comparons.

 

A Componon-S is similar in design and quality to a 6-element Rodagon. I have a 135mm Rodagon that's pretty good, and I don't think I would bother to trade it for a Componon-S, though I might upgrade to an Apo-Componon or Apo-Rodagon at some point.

[m0002a]

As David mentioned, the Componon-S and APO-Componon-HM lines are 6-element designs. Avoid the 3-element and 4-element Schneider designs (Componar-S, etc.).

 

Rodenstock also has 3-element, 4-element, and 6-element designs. Only the Rodagons are 6-element designs. For normal size enlarging, avoid the Rodagon-G or APO-Rodagon-D unless you are making extremely large (20x) or extremely small (1x) prints.