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. 

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

The aperture has 6 blackened blades.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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Sharpness increased significantly at aperture f/8.

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Vega-5U 4/105 Character and Bokeh

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

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The bokeh is prettier than the Tessar-like bokeh.

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Vega-5U 4/105 Contrast and Color Reproduction

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

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

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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.

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Such color reproduction is good for artistic ideas.

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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.