In 2021 the Digital Enlarger Lens Test Archive (D.E.L.T.A) outgrew its original home at 16-9.net – and its remit. It continues to expand, and is now the most wide-ranging resource for film-makers and photographers seeking and using enlarger, projector, macro, repro, process and cine lenses to create digital work. Spanning more than 170 years, Delta collates information on almost 4,000 universally-adaptable lenses, and contains hundreds of unique reviews and articles.
The quick-browse catalogue below orders every lens by manufacturer and can be filtered by category or keyword.
The primary archive tracks generations of lenses with more in-depth information, and ranks hundreds for sharpness and rendition. Please use the main menu and search function to access further articles, pictures and videos.
QUICK-BROWSE CATALOGUE
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Kodak Retinar 150/4
Projector lens. 50mm internal thread. Aperture estimated (unmarked) |
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Kodak Retinar 180/4
Projector lens. 50mm internal thread. Aperture estimated (unmarked) |
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Kodak Retinar 250/4
Projector lens. 50mm internal thread. Aperture estimated (unmarked) |
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Kodak Retinar 35/2.8 [V1]
Black plastic barrel slide projector lens. Aperture calculated (unmarked). 43mm image circle. |
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Kodak Retinar 60/2.8
Projector lens. 50mm thread. Aperture estimated (unmarked). |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 1000 100/4
Projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black body. Aperture estimated. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 1000 150/4
Projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black body. Aperture estimated. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 1000 180/4
Slide projector lens. Aperture estimated (unmarked) [Cat 701.8484] |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 1000 70-120/3.5
Multicoated zoom projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black body. Aperture estimated. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 2000 135/2.8
Projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black metal body. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 2000 150/4
Projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black body. Aperture estimated. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 2000 35/2.8
Black metal barrel slide projector lens. Aperture marked f2.8. Image circle 43mm. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 2000 36/2.8
Black metal barrel 35mm wide-angle slide projector lens. Multicoated. [Cat 712.5446]. AKA Kodak EktaPro Select 36/2.8. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 2000 93/2.5
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens awarded 3/5 for image quality by Chasseur d’Images magazine. Multicoated. AKA Ektapro Select 93/2.5. |
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Kodak Retinar S-AV 3000 253/4
Projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black body. Aperture estimated. |
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Kodak S-AV 2000 Vario-Retinar 85-210/3.9
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector zoom lens made by Schneider. [Cat. 707.2416]. AKA Vario-Prolux 85-210/3.9. |
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Kodak Vario-Retinar 70-120/3.5 [V1]
Single-coated zoom lens for Kodak Carousel slide projector. Black body with zebra ring (first version). Aperture estimated. |
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Kodak Vario-Retinar 70-120/3.5 MC
Multicoated zoom projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black body. Aperture estimated. |
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Kollmorgen 100/1.7
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 4” B290 |
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Kollmorgen 95/1.7
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 3.75” B290 |
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Kollmorgen Cinelux 70/2
Brass-bodied 35mm film projector lens marked 2.75”. Aperture estimated. |
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Kollmorgen Snaplite 114/2
Black-bodied Petzval projector lens marked 4.5” Series II BX163 |
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Kollmorgen Snaplite 120/2
Black-bodied Petzval projector lens marked 4.75” |
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Kollmorgen Snaplite 135/2
Black-bodied Petzval projector lens marked 5.25”. Series II BX163. Barrel: 53.7mm |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 100/1.7
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 4” BX290 |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 100/1.9
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 4” |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 120/1.9
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 4.75” BX241 |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 178/1.9
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 7” |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 57/1.9
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 2.25” BX294 |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 83/1.7
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 3.25” BX290 |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 89/1.7
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 3.5” BX290 |
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Kollmorgen Super Snaplite 89/1.9
Brass-bodied projector lens marked 3.5” BX241 |
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Kollmorgen Ultravision 120/1.5
Double Gauss projector lens. Rebrand of Philips SL / Super Kiptar |
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Kollmorgen Ultravision 95/1.9
Double Gauss projector lens. |
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Komura S.E Anastigmat 75/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens (early model). All silver body. |
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Komuranon-E 105/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (early 4-layer multicoated model). Rare earth glass. |
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Komuranon-E 135/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (early 4-layer multicoated model). Rare earth glass. Also in 45mm Durst mount. |
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Komuranon-E 150/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (early 4-layer multicoated model). Rare earth glass. |
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Komuranon-E 50/3.5
Japanese enlarger lens (early 4-layer multicoated model) made by Komura. Rare earth glass. |
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Komuranon-E 75/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (early 4-layer multicoated model). Rare earth glass. |
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Komuranon-E 90/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (early 4-layer multicoated model). Rare earth glass. |
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Komuranon-S 105/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (late 4-layer multicoated model) |
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Komuranon-S 135/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (late 4-layer multicoated model) |
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Komuranon-S 150/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (late 4-layer multicoated model) |
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Komuranon-S 50/3.5
Japanese enlarger lens (late 4-layer multicoated model). Retail price in 1980 was 375 francs. |
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Komuranon-S 75/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens (late 4-layer multicoated model) |
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Konica E-Hexanon 50/3.5
Japanese enlarger lens. Post Konishiroku era (1987 onward). |
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Konica Hexanon EL 90/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens. |
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Konishiroku E-Hexanon 210/5.6
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica was called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku E-Hexanon 50/3.5
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku E-Hexanon 75/3.5
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica was called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexanon 50/2.8
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexar 50/3.5 [V1]
Japanese enlarger lens. The Hexar 50/3.5 is also seen in retractable camera mounts for use as a taking lens. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexar 50/3.5 [V2]
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica was called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexar 50/3.5 [V3]
Japanese enlarger lens also seen in helical camera mounts with 10-blade aperture for use as a taking lens. The company now known as Konica was called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexar 75/3.5
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexar 75/4.5 [V1]
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Hexar 75/4.5 [V2]
Japanese enlarger lens. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Konitor 50/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens more commonly seen in Copal mount for Konilette II camera. The company now known as Konica were called Konishiroku (Honten) from 1921-1987. |
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Konishiroku Projection Optor 100/3.5
Fitted to Konishiroku (now Konica) Konislide 35m slide projector. Silver or black metal barrel; black fascia. |
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Kowa 105-150/4.5
AKA Computar DL 105-150/4.5 enlarger lens. |
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Kowa 105/4.5
AKA Computar DL 105/4.5 enlarger lens. |
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Kowa 135/5.6
AKA Computar DL 135/5.6 enlarger lens. |
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Kowa 30/2.8
Superseded the aborted 25/2.8 enlarger lens. 43mm image circle. AKA Computar DL 30/2.8 |
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Kowa 50-80mm 50/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens with strong warm cast |
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Kowa 50-80mm 63/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens with strong warm cast/ Tested here at 64mm. |
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Kowa 50-80mm 80/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens with strong warm cast |
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Kowa 50/2.8
AKA Computar DL 50/2.8 enlarger lens, and from 1985-1989 marketed as Beseler ColorPro. Beware very high incidence of balsam separation. |
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Kowa 55/1.08
Industrial lens. Apertures Marked 1-10. M37 and larger rear threads seen. Infinity focus may not be posssible. |
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Kowa 55/1.1
Industrial/x-ray lens. Unknown rear thread (estimated 50mm). Infinity focus may not be possible. |
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Kowa 55/1.9
AKA Computar DL 55/1.9 enlarger lens. |
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Kowa 61.2/0.8
Industrial lens. Smooth barrel. Image circle c.50mm but infinity focus impossible. |
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Kowa 80/4.5
AKA Computar DL 80/4.5 enlarger lens. |
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Kowa 90/4.5
AKA Computar DL 90/4.5 enlarger lens. |
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Kowa Fax-Kowa 137/4.5
Repro lens. Barrel diameter: 56mm |
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Kowa-E 65/3.5
AKA Apo-Computar 65/3.5 / Computar DL 65/3.5 enlarger lens |
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Kuwata (KKS) Magnon Special 75/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens. |
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Kyoei E-Acall Anastigmat 105/4.5
Japanese enlarger lens. |
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Laack Definon 105/4.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Definon 105/6.3
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Definon 55/4.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow, marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Definon 55/6.3
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rothenow marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Definon 60/4.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow, marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Definon 75/4.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow, marked ‘Anastigmat’. Example images by pdccameras. |
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Laack Definon 75/6.3
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Definon 90/4.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow marked ‘Anastigmat’. |
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Laack Konkretar 80/4.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow. |
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Laack Repro-Polyxentar 135/9
All black German enlarger/process lens. |
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Laack Repro-Polyxentar 210/9
All black German enlarger/process lens. |
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Laack Repro-Polyxentar 260/9
All black German enlarger/process lens. |
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Laack Repro-Polyxentar 310/9
All black German enlarger/process lens. |
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Laack Super Definon 55/3.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow. |
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Laack Super Definon 75/3.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow. |
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Laack Super Definon 90/3.5
All black German enlarger lens made by Julius Laack of Rathenow. |
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Laack Vergrösserungs Anastigmat 105/4.5
All black German enlarger lens. |
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Laack Vergrösserungs Anastigmat 135/4.5
All black German enlarger lens marked “Laack Vergr. Anastigmat”. Images by KSMT. |
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Laack Vergrösserungs Anastigmat 90/4.5
All black German enlarger lens marked “f-9cm. Laack. Vergrosserungs Objektiv”. Manufactured for Muller & Wetzig by Julius Laack before Filmosto takeover in 1951. |
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Leech Medstar 82.5/4.5
Enlarger lens. |
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Leech Series II 75/3.5
Chrome barrel and black nose marked 3″. Fitted to Ellis & Newton sl8de/film projector. Aperture estimated (unmarked). |
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Leica Colorplan-P 90/2.5
Multicoated 35mm slide projector lens for Leica Pradovit. Silver metal barrel, black plastic nose. [Cat 37 005]. Optically identical to Colorplan [V2] variants. |
Acknowledgements: The DELTA project wouldn’t have been possible with the naysaying of experienced lens collectors; the death of film; the opposition of my wife; the embezzlement of shady eBay sellers and Japanese auction agents; the re-branders; the same 50/3.5 seen in a thousand guises; the unhelpful attitide of extant manufacturers who jettisoned their history without a backward glance (Schneider, Rodenstock et al); the corporations who swallow the legacies of decades without concern for their preservation; the disregard of librarians and archivists who no longer value photographic publications; the copyright laws prohibiting reproduction of adverts advertising things no longer made, once made by people and companies that no longer exist; the museums failing to digitise their collections and refusing to grant access to material rotting unseen in their basements; the sheer bloody-mindedness of Agfa serial numbers; the arrogance of those who have previously written about alt.lenses and imagine their sayings to be unalterably definitive, despite being patently erroneous; widespread dementia and death befalling a generation of those with inside knowledge of the industry; widespread withering of the information internet and the rise of regurgitated AI gobbledygook; the majority of used camera dealers who regard these lenses as pointless relics and have no interest in deploying them as taking lenses and regard their slow-moving stock as an irritation; clueless marketing people devoid of specific product knowledge; an overwhelming majority of photographers apathetic about the benefits and possibilities of alt.lenses; the publishers who failed to express an interest in a book deal; the army of DIY botchers who took their lenses apart and didn’t know how to put them back together again; a postal system that loses packages as a normal happenstance; and all the fungus. Against this tide stand we few. You know who you are. Thank you.