In article <4ptav6$qi1$2@mhade.production.compuserve.com>,
70477.2046@CompuServe.COM says...

>From my experience, the 50mm f4 is a very good lens. Iv'e used
>one for many years and I'm very happy with it. The 50mm f2.8 is
>probably a better lens but is also more expensive so you will
>have to decide if you wish to spend the extra money for it.

If your enlarger will accomodate it, and you do not need to make
large prints, it is often preferable to use an enlarging lens
that is longer than normal for the format. Advantages include:
- More even center-to-corner sharpness.
- More even illumination from both the lens and enlarger
light source, assuming that you adjust the condensers
for the longer lens, if the enlarger has them.
- Less tendency to vignetting if the carrier doesn't
center the film precisely.
- Perhaps fewer problems with negative flatness.
- More room under the lens for dodging/burning operations.
The 75mm f4 El-Nikkor works well for 35mm enlarging.
Hope This Helps