Vega-5U 4/105 Review

10/20/2015 - 00:00
Vega-5U 4/105. Review




Vega-5U 4/105 is a large format enlarger lens. For a frame 6x9 cm. Produced on several plants. My copy is released Azov optical-mechanical plant in 1987. Earlier, I tested a few lenses that plant. For example, the DM-3 2.8/78 and Vega-11U 50/2.8, all of them I wouldn't say I liked its contrast. Vega-5U is the same. The lens has a Zeiss Biometar optical design - 5 elements in 3 groups.  

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Mechanics

The lens is assembled in a metal barrel. It has an average size, much larger than Industar-23U, which is at the same focal distance and half stop slower. Vega-5U 4/105

Ahead is a “zebra” design aperture ring. Aperture is closed from 4 to 11.

Vega-5U 4/105

The aperture has 6 blackened blades.

Vega-5U 4/105

Behind the lens is a big ledge. Of course, like all enlarger lenses, the lens does not have the focusing helicoid. For usable focusing, I used a homemade helicoid. Like all large-format lenses, it has a long flange distance - 78.7 mm. The lens has an M42 mounting thread. I attached it to the helicoid, and add small and middle extension tubes, and through the adapter, set the whole construction on the camera.

Vega-5U 4/105

View on Nikon D3100

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Example Photos

I took all photos with a Nikon D3100 camera at a wide-open aperture. RAW export, some photos, a little edited contrast.  

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Sharpness

The lens has a resolution of the center/edge 56/24 lines/mm. But on a wide-open aperture, sharpness is weak because the lens is designed for a large format.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Another reason for such a weak sharpness is that it is designed for close range and macro focus because of the enlarger lens.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4 It is said that it is a better performer for the macro than when focusing on infinity.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4 As for the female portraits, sharpness enough.

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Sharpness increased significantly at aperture f/8.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Character and Bokeh

The lens has good options for aperture and focal length. Therefore, can be seen nice bokeh.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

The bokeh is prettier than the Tessar-like bokeh.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Contrast and Color Reproduction

The lens has a weak contrast. The backlight keeps bad.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Halftones and mikrokontrast passes as bad as I23U 4.5/110.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

Pictures have a yellow tint. This is especially noticeable when you shoot at sunrise or sunset. Then the yellow color is particularly enhanced. But I liked this color reproduction.Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

 

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

 

f/4

Such color reproduction is good for artistic ideas.

Vega-5U 4/105 Samples

f/4

 

Summary

Vega-5U 4/105 is a mediocre enlarger lens. For serious work will not do. Yet they can shoot close-ups and just creative subjects.





Serj's picture
Thank you for the review!
Andrius's picture
Sorry, but you don't understand this lens at all. Mine is very sharp even wide open. It look's like you focused not correctly on some photos.
Andrius's picture
Very sharp, very detailed lens. Use it on Canon 6D.
Example photos: 
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