[click on image to see a larger one]
Differential UV-VIS shot, left EL-Nikkor 3.5/63mm , right 5.6/80mm:
No focus correction was done during the shots using a single 400Ws adjustable Xenon flash and ND filters to balance out the exposure differences, so as to ensure an identical light direction.
Now let's compare the UV transmission of the lenses.UV transmission graph:
The highly acclaimed EL-Nikkor 3.5/63mm loses quite obviously not only in terms of focus shift, but also due to its much lower UV transmission. Quite a surprise!
Don't get me wrong here, the 3.5/63mm is still an outstanding, very sharp lens useful for enlarging and taking. This comparison was only about UV transmission and focus shift!
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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