Fujinon-EX 105/5.6

Reviews

1. 

   16:9 – August 3, 2022

   Fujinon’s EX range gradually superceded the EP ‘Professional’ range in late 1983. All are significant upgrades, with revised optical forumulae and EBC multicoating. At each focal length, they offered state of the art performance fully comparable to the equivalent EL-Nikkor, Rodenstock and Schneider models – in most cases matching the Apo versions. The bulky, but not heavy, casings are a sensible hybrid of metal and plastic construction. An abundance of samples in excellent condition is the best testimony of their build quality.

   Adaptation is straightforward for focal lengths below 105mm, which all deploy a standard M39 thread. The 135mm, however, jumps to 53mm. Aperture settings were designed to illuminate internally, so photographers redeploying them as taking lenses will want to mask the translucent rear panel – at least.

   Fujinon’s EX glass offers among the most contrasty and ‘modern’ looking rendition among enlarger lenses – similar to, but a bit punchier than, the Nikon EL-Nikkors they resemble. In fact, the drawing style and resolving capability of both ranges is closely matched. Across the board it’s generally true that an EX is slightly sharper than an EL centre frame, but an EL will have a sharper Zone C (full frame corner).

   In the case of the 105mm focal length this is somewhat less pertinent: the EX is fractionally sharper, although it suffers a slight ‘Zone B Dip’. There is mild ‘bubble’ outlining of specular highlights and bokeh overall is somewhat busier than the EL Nikkor 105.

   Like the Nikkors, colour is neutral and deeply saturated. CA is minimal, geometry is spot-on and sunstars are among the best defined of any enlarger lenses thanks to the flare control of the EBC coating. All Fujinon EX models perform almost as well at distance as close range, making them not only excellent macro lenses from 1:1-1:3, but fine general-purpose taking lenses, with the caveat of their ‘conservative’ light-gathering capability – a natural function of their petite size. They are enlarger lens royalty, consistently earning ‘Gold’ awards for top-flight performance.