What is the EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens?
The EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens is a high-quality lens designed for use with enlargers in the field of photography. Enlargers are devices used in the darkroom to project and enlarge photographic negatives onto photographic paper, creating prints. This particular lens was manufactured by Nikon, a renowned brand in the photography industry, and it has gained a reputation for its exceptional optical performance.
The Birth of EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens
The EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens was first introduced in the early 1980s. At that time, it quickly became a favorite among professional photographers and enthusiasts due to its remarkable image quality and versatile focal length. This lens was primarily designed for photographic enlargements, allowing photographers to produce large prints with stunning clarity and detail.
Features and Specifications
The EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens boasts several impressive features that set it apart from other lenses on the market. Here are some of its key specifications:
1. Focal Length: With a focal length of 180mm, this lens provides a moderate telephoto view, ideal for capturing subjects at a distance and achieving a shallow depth of field.
2. Aperture: The maximum aperture of F5.6 allows for excellent light gathering capabilities, making it suitable for low-light conditions. It also provides a pleasing background blur, emphasizing the subject.
3. Optical Design: The lens incorporates high-quality optical glass elements, multi-coating, and advanced design techniques to minimize aberrations and ensure sharpness and clarity across the entire image.
4. Mount Compatibility: The EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens is available in various mounts to be used with different enlarger models.
Price and Availability
When it was first released, the EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens had a price tag of around $500. However, as it is no longer in production, obtaining a brand-new lens might prove to be a challenge. Nevertheless, used versions of this lens can still be found on online marketplaces or purchased from camera equipment resellers.
Conclusion
The EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens remains a sought-after lens among photography enthusiasts and professionals who work with enlargers. Its exceptional image quality, versatile focal length, and strong build make it a valuable tool for producing stunning prints. If you are passionate about darkroom photography or interested in exploring film enlargements, the EL-Nikkor 180mm F5.6A Lens could be a worthy addition to your camera equipment collection.
