In article
>I am thinking about buying a new lens for my enlarger (B&W, 35mm).
(....)
>Does anybody have experience with some of these lenses (for print
>sizes up to 8x10)? Is any of these noticeably better than the rest?
>Does it make a noticeable difference for B&W if a lense is >apochromatically corrected?
First, since you say your print size will max-out around 8x10, I
would strongly recommend using a longer than normal focal-length
for the format (and set up your enlarger condensors accordingly).
using a 75-80mm, or even a 100mm lens for 35mm has a few advantages:
Enlarger illumination can be more even (it is rarely even, no matter
what the type of light source, but using just the center of
illumination sure helps. Lens performance can be more even, since
just the center (best part) of coverage is being used. More space
between the paper and lens makes for easier hand dodging and burning.
Film flatness (or lack thereof) may be less of an issue. Excellent (in
the center), but less expensive lenses may be used - the Nikkor 75mm
is a good choice, but my all-time favorite is the Schneider 75mm
f4.5 Comparon (correct spelling) - it is the equal of anything I
have seen (at f8-f11), and is often sold cheap (used) because people
do not realize what this lens is (equal in quality to the Componon-S,
but designed for optimization at 1:4 instead of 1:6, but it works fine at ratios outside its optimum). As far as apos are concerned, why
bother? (I trust) you will be using the lens at mid apertures, and, if
you follow my advice about using a longer lens, you will be using only the center of the lens coverage - so apos will offer little, if any,
advantage over much less expensive alternatives.
Hope this helps.