Industar-55U 4,5/140 Review

Industar-55U 4,5/140 (russian Индустар-55У) is a large format enlarger lens. From enlargers "Belarus". Produced in USSR at the Minsk Mechanical Plant (MMZ). Designed for format 60x120mm. Optical design — Tessar type.

 The lens has the such "square ballast", apparently for constructive enlarger.  

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Industar-55U 4,5/140 Specs

Focal length: 140mm

Aperture: f/ 4,5 – f/ 22

Weight (gr): 290

Length (mm): 58

Filter Ø (mm.): 60

Aperture blades: 8  

Industar-55U 4,5/140 Monting on DSLR Camera

The lens has a flange distance of 122.09 mm. To install it on a Nikon 3100 with the focus on infinity, I used macro helicoid and a long extension ring M42 and adapter M42-Nikon.Mount to the Nikon

There are different versions of the lens barrel, with thread, the lens is attached to the enlarger and without thread. In my version of the thread was not, and had to glue it to the helicoid by adhesive (electrical tape is better).

Industar-55U 4,5/140 Photo Examples

All photos taken with the camera Nikon D3100, at wide open. RAW export without any post-processing.  

Industar-55U 4,5/140 Sharpness

As with all large-format lenses Industar-55U has a not high resolution, but has not to bad sharpness. It is suitable for shooting portraits and various art pans (flowers, etc.).

Industar-55U 4,5/140 Character and Bokeh

The lens has a nice, beautiful character.

 Bokeh also interesting, resembling oil paintings. I really enjoyed it. Frankly I did not expect such a pleasant bokeh from Tessar type design.

Bokeh example

Industar-55U 4,5/140 Contrast and Color Render

The lens has a weak contrast and backlight at all, and does not copes a strong side light. Even its built-in lens hood, 25 mm long, can not help.

Backlight example

The lenses have a single-layer yellow-violet coating. Because of this the colors are slightly yellowish. Color reproduction is nice, I would say vintage.

Summary

Industar-55U 4,5/140 is an interesting lens for creative ideas. It has a nice character. You can buy it very cheap, to be mounted on the camera required helicoid.