Enlarger lenses

[Ed Weatherly]

Anyone using the CE Rokkor lenses? I just got an 80mm and have yet to try it. Just wondering the common opinion of these lenses. I will be using it on a Beseler 23Ciii.

 

[nikon_sam]

I have a CE Rokkor-X 50mm 2.8 lens that came with my Beseler 23C II but now mounted for the Vivitar VI enlarger...I love it...it's replaced the Nikon 50mm f4 lens that I bought new back in the early 80's...
The Beseler has an 80mm Rodenstock Rodagon on it...very happy with both lenses, both deliver the goods...
I've read many good reviews on the Rokkors...

 

[Ed Weatherly]

I have a lot of enlarging lenses. The 50mm C.E. Rokkor-X I have is one of the best. I also have the 80mm somewhere but I unfortunately can't find it...

There is very little information out there about the C.E. Rolkkor-X lenses because they weren't widely sold and of course, computers didn't exist back then to distribute information. I believe they were made to be sold with the Minolta color enlargers of the time. The 50mm I have shows some chromatic aberration wide open but stopped down to f/5.6 it is sharp as a tack even at 20". It compares favorably to an Orthoplanar I have.

Most people who use the Minolta lenses are surprised at how good they are. Unless your 80mm is in poor condition you would be wasting your time and money tying to find something better. You could get an APO Componon HM or an APO Rodagon-N but the difference would be negligible.

The Minolta lens I got is in mint shape. Thank you both for your replies an for sharing your experiences. I look forward to getting the darkroom dark enough to actually do some printing.

 

[ooze]

I use a 50mm CE Rokkor for 35mm negs. Excellent lens optically IMO, and very solidly built as well. I prefer it over an EL-Nikkor and Rodagon.

 

[mwoenv]

I have Nikon and Rodenstock Rodagon 50mm and 80mm lenses. I found a good deal on a used C.E. Rokkor 50mm lens and, because I'm a fan of Minolta (very underrated cameras and lenses) I bought it and I think it is the best lens. I later also picked up an 80mm C.E. Rokkor. Very sharp and the best build quality, in my opinion.