I have a large format Schneider Componon - S lens 150mm f/5.6. I wish to know if its a macro lens or one for general purpose use. Also I would like to know if its convertible without the frount elements. I haven't used it yet and I would like to know more about it before I do so.If it is a macro type lens, I may have to sell it to better suit my needs.

-- John Dorio (john.dorio@ericsson.com), September 11, 1998

Answers

John, Am I missing something here? You have an extremely fine Schneider LF (4x5) enlarging lens, not a LF camera taking lens.

I've never used mine as a taking lens, macro or otherwise. I have only used it to enlarge 4x5 negatives, but I suppose anything is possible.

Good luck, Sergio.

-- Sergio Ortega (s.ortega@worldnet.att.net), September 11, 1998.

Yes, the 150 f/5.6 Componon-S is an enlarging lens. But an enlarger is just a camera in reverse. So I don't see why it wouldn't work as a fine macro and/or copy lens. Very flat field! But anyway, DON'T SELL IT! Unless you plan of sticking to contact prints, you'll need it for enlarging at some point and Componon-S's are among the very best available. I have two, a 50mm and a 100mm, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

-- Peter Hughes (leonine@redshift.com), September 11, 1998.

Yes, it is an enlarging lens. Did you visit the site I suggested in my previous reply to you (http://www.schneideroptics.com/enlarge/s/s.html)?

-- Alan Gibson (gibson.al@mail.dec.com), September 11, 1998.