[UV] EL-Nikkor enlarger lenses for UV photography

As I was testing (again) EL-Nikkor lenses for UV photography, I ran a few more spectrometric tests on other EL-Nikkor enlarger lenses, which might be of interest. These are usually the older full metal black or chrome/black versions, not the later larger diameter plastic "tyre like" looking ones. [Here is a comparison of the newer with the older 4/75mm EL-Nikkor]

[click on image to see a larger one]

UV transmission graph for various EL-Nikkor lenses:


In terms of UV transmission, out of all tested lenses the 5.6/80mm clearly excels (reaching down to about 320nm @-3EV), closely followed by the 105mm (but which shows much more focus shift). All others have less, but still useful, UV transmission.

In terms of photography performance (focus shift for instance) see here and here and here (incl. IR). But to already state the result here, only that 5.6/80mm is nearly free of focus shift, which makes it the clear winner.

P.S.: the 80mm EL-Nikkor (the older, chrome black full metal type) has an adapter ring on its base with outer M39x26tpi screw mount (Leica enlarger mount). Beneath it is a M25 thread for older #00 shutters. Company Schneider Optics offers adapter rings, if that one should be missing (oder code 92-013251).
P.P.S.: the filter thread of that older EL-Nikkor 80mm is 34.5mm, which is pretty uncommon, as me if you need an adapter ring.


Stay tuned, more will follow on that fascinating subject...

More info on this very interesting field may be found on my site http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos

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