Received this Componon. Is this normal?

[p.giannakis]

Hi guys,

I received this componon 50 f/4 today. Now, when i fully open it at f4, the aperture blades are still visible. I thought fully open means no aperture blades visible at all. Is this normal?

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I wasn't sure, since my Componon 50mm is the later f2.8 version. I googled the 50mm f4, and the ones I saw pictured with their apertures set to f4 did not have the blades showing. I think yours needs serviced, which isn't worth it as cheap as these are. I'd return it and get another.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'll return it and use the lens which came with your enlarger. You don't need another enlarger lens.
If you etchy for getting another lens, nothing but latest version of El-Nikkor 50 2.8N. They are not overpriced. Fifty bucks lens.
http://www.joeamenta.com/ebay/eln3.pdf

 

[Steve M.]

I think your version is a copy lens that was used for sharp text photos. The normal Componon 50 4 has lots more aperture blades. Both are 4 element lenses that will be relatively OK when stopped down, but I am sure the corners will be soft on your prints, and you will see unsharpness at print sizes over 8x10.

I agree, look for a 6 element Nikkor 50 2.8 (not the 4 element 50 4). In addition to making things easier to focus wide open, 6 element lenses give better sharpness across the frame and more contrast. Actually, any 6 element enlarger lens will do the job. Look on the bright side though....the kit lenses that come w/ enlargers are often 3 element, so at least you got something a little better than that.