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 the constructive enlarger.
\
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 Mounting 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 an adhesive (electrical tape is better).
Industar-55U 4,5/140 Photo Examples
All photos were 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 too bad sharpness. It is suitable for shooting portraits and various art pens (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.