Comparon enlarger lens

[tkamiya]

I have been using an enlarger lens with these markings:

"Comparon 1:4.5/75 Schneider-Kreuznach"

Can anyone comment on this piece in term of quality? How does it compare to more better known lens such as Nikkor? I have made many prints but I don't have much of anything else to do a comparison myself.

[Rick A]

I believe its a four element low end Schneider. I have a Durst 1:4.5/75 Comprotar, that is a rebadged Comparon. Its a 25.0x0.5mm mount, glass is crystal clear. Only problem with mine is its missing all the iris blades. I've used it wide open, and its a nice lens, just wish I could stop it down. If the price is LOW its worth buying, unless you need a 39mm mount. The older Componons are much better, and I think as good as the Componon S(just up to 11x14). I have a 1:5.6/150 Componon that I love for 4x5. I also have a f4/80 Componon S that I have been considering letting go(if the price is right)of. Its a dandy performer, especially past 11x14.

Rick

[tkamiya]

Thanks Rick.

Currently, I don't print any larger than 8x10 and it seems to work ok. Only other 75mm I have is an El-Omegar f/3.5. Which one would you use??

[Fred Aspen]

If I remember correctly, my El-Omegar 75 is a three element lens. I also have the Comparon and, IMO, it is the better lens.

-F.

Thanks Rick.

Currently, I don't print any larger than 8x10 and it seems to work ok. Only other 75mm I have is an El-Omegar f/3.5. Which one would you use??

[fotch]

The only real way is to make a print from each of the same negative, same size, exporsure, and compare with a magnifier glass. Otherwise, my guess would be the Comparon.

[Rick A]

I love the Comparon I have, if the iris was there I'd use it more. If yours is intact, I'd stick with that one. There isn't anything wrong with the El-Omegar, I have one as well. My most used is my Rodenstock 90/4.5 Omegaron.

[tkamiya]

Thank you, Frank, Fotch, and Rick.

Since you brought the topic up, I have a Q on Rodenstock Omegaron. I know Omegaron or anything from Omega or Bessler is an entry level lens to sell the enlarger. What about Rodenstock Omegaron?? Where does it stand in term of quality?

[MattKing]

Thank you, Frank, Fotch, and Rick.

Since you brought the topic up, I have a Q on Rodenstock Omegaron. I know Omegaron or anything from Omega or Bessler is an entry level lens to sell the enlarger. What about Rodenstock Omegaron?? Where does it stand in term of quality?

A Beseler Color Pro is actually an excellent lens - most likely a re-badged six element Schneider Componon.

The Omegaron is most likely a basic quality lens.

Matt

[Fred Aspen]

Going strictly from memory here but I believe the ---gar lenses are the three element bottom of the stack where the ----aron lenses are the Rodenstock 4 element middle quality offering. The Comparon is Schneider's answer to the Omegaron or vice versa.

Thank you, Frank, Fotch, and Rick.

Since you brought the topic up, I have a Q on Rodenstock Omegaron. I know Omegaron or anything from Omega or Bessler is an entry level lens to sell the enlarger. What about Rodenstock Omegaron?? Where does it stand in term of quality?

[tkamiya]

Oh, geez... I need a decoder ring and possibly a secret hand-shake to figure out this *garon, *gar, thing...

Going strictly from memory here but I believe the ---gar lenses are the three element bottom of the stack where the ----aron lenses are the Rodenstock 4 element middle quality offering. The Comparon is Schneider's answer to the Omegaron or vice versa.