Gast
Hello,
I use a Meopta Axomat 5 with an Anaret 4.5/50 lens. I’m now thinking about getting a better lens, such as a Rodenstock Rodagon 2.8/50. I have two questions about this:
1.) Can I expect a significant improvement in the quality of the enlargements by using a better lens? To be honest, I know nothing about enlarger lenses, but the Anaret has just four aperture blades, meaning a square aperture, which surprised me a bit. I’m generally satisfied with the enlargements, but I don’t really have anything to compare them with.
2.) Will the Rodagon fit on the Axomat? I know that older Meopta enlargers don’t have an M39 thread, but I think mine does; the diameter of the plate into which the lens is screwed is 39 mm. So it shouldn’t really be a problem, should it?
Thanks in advance!
Arthur
Gast
Arthur,
Question #1: About 20 years ago, I switched from a Meopta lens (I’ve forgotten which one, but the aperture and focal length were similar) to the Schneider Componon-S. The latter has a _visibly_ better contrast rendition, i.e. I would answer your question with ‘yes’ (the Rodagon is also a top-class lens).
Question #2: 39mm is indeed the standard thread.
Regards
Ferdinand
MirkoBoeddecker
Arthur,
We’ve covered this topic in quite some detail in our catalogue.
To summarise abstractly: a Tessar-type lens such as the Anaret, Rogonar, Componar etc. is more sharp than a 6-element Meogon, Rodagon or Componon, but the 6-element lens offers greater brilliance and, from 10x magnification, has the edge in the peripheral areas.
So it really depends on how much magnification you want.
It’ll do the job.
Regards,
Mirko
Gast
Ferdinand, Mirko!
Better late than never, but I’d like to thank you both for your replies! I’ve just bought a Rodagon 50 f/2.8 on eBay. It was cheaper than I’d expected, so even if I don’t notice any difference, I haven’t lost out – at least focusing is easier thanks to the larger aperture. As soon as I’ve tested it (it’s still in the post), I’ll share my experiences here!
See you soon and thanks again,
Arthur
