Welcome to Delta

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.

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meopta-anaret-50-2.8-v1a

Meopta Anaret S 50/2.8 [V2]
All-black multicoated reverse Tessar lens made in Czech Republic for Opemus enlargers. Serials on rear. [Cat 392 821 110 391]

meopta-anaret-50-2.8a

Meopta Anaret S 50/2.8 [V3]
All-black multicoated reverse Tessar lens made in Czech Republic for Opemus enlargers. Marked MC. Some samples marked ‘SPECIALLY TESTED’. Serials on rear.

meopta-anaret-s-50a

Meopta Anaret S 50/4.5 [V1]
Zebra lens (double row of short stripes) made in Czech Republic for Opemus and Axomat enlargers. Later ‘S’ spec models had illuminated aperture scales and a push/pull declick aperture ring. Product image by Real Camera.

meopta-anaret-s-50-v2f

Meopta Anaret S 50/4.5 [V2]
All-black lens made in Czech Republic for Opemus enlargers. Dual knurled rings. Marked ‘SPECIALLY TESTED’. [Cat 392 8211 10343]

meopta-anaret-s-50-v3a

Meopta Anaret S 50/4.5 [V3]
All-black lens made in Czech Republic for Opemus enlargers. Serial on fascia. [Cat 392 821 110 343].

meopta-anaret-s-50-v2a

Meopta Anaret S 50/4.5 [V4]
All-black lens made in Czech Republic for Opemus enlargers. No serial on fascia.

meopta_anaret-s-80b

Meopta Anaret S 80/4.5 [V1]
Zebra enlarger lens AKA Schneider Componar-S 80/4.5. [Cat 392 8211 10248]

meopta-anaret-s-80d

Meopta Anaret S 80/4.5 [V2]
All-black enlarger lens AKA Schneider Componar-S 80/4.5. Optically identical to [V1]. [Cat 392 821 110 411].

meopta_belar_105_4.5_v1a

Meopta Belar 105/4.5 [V1]
Enlarger lens with silver body and black nose.

meopta-belar-105a

Meopta Belar 105/4.5 [V2]
Enlarger lens with silver body and black nose.

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Meopta Belar 180/4.5
Enlarger lens. Made in Czech Republic.

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Meopta Belar 210/4.5
Enlarger lens. Made in Czech Republic. Updated version of Belar 210/6.3.

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Meopta Belar 210/6.3
Enlarger lens. Made in Czech Republic.

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Meopta Belar 50/4.5 [V2]
Silver body enlarger lens. Black nose

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Meopta Belar 50/4.5 [V3]
Zebra. No aperture markings. Early models have curved aperture?

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Meopta Belar 50/4.5 [V4]
Black body enlarger lens. Made in Czech Republic.

meopta_belar_55-v1d

Meopta Belar 55/4.5 [V1]
Czech enlarger lens with silver body and black nose. Probably Tessar. Continuous knurling. Circular aperture. [Cat. 392 812 110 062].

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Meopta Belar 55/4.5 [V2]
Czech enlarger lens with silver body and black nose. Probably Tessar. Opemus 3-4 era. Intermittent knurling. [Cat. 392 812 110 062].

belar-75-d

Meopta Belar 75/4.5 [V1]
Silver body, black nose [V1] for Opemus enlargers has a continuously knurled aperture ring and circular iris.

belar-75-v1a

Meopta Belar 75/4.5 [V2]
Czech enlarger lens with silver body, black nose. [V2] has an intermittently knurled aperture ring and six-blade iris.

belar_75_v3a

Meopta Belar 75/4.5 [V3]
Czech zebra enlarger lens with square aperture.

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Meopta Correctar 105/4.5
Enlarger lens fitted to Meopta Agrand and Meogrand. Made in Czech Republic.

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Meopta Correctar 165/4.5
Enlarger lens. Made in Czech Republic.

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Meopta Definar 55/4.5
Fitted to pre-war Meopta Columbo enlarger.

meopta-dia-opticon-100b

Meopta Dia Opticon 100/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500 and Kodak Carousel. [Cat 392 841 160 392].

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Meopta Dia Opticon 150/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500.

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Meopta Dia Opticon 25/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500. Image circle c.35mm.

meopta-dia-opticon-35b

Meopta Dia Opticon 35/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500. Image circle c.35mm. [Cat 392 841 160 372]. Images by mekbat.

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Meopta Dia Opticon 45/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500 and Kodak Carousel. [Cat 392 841 160 412].

meopta-dia-opticon-60a

Meopta Dia Opticon 60/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500 and Kodak Carousel. [Cat 392 841 160 382].

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Meopta Dia Opticon 70-120/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector zoom lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500.

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Meopta Dia Opticon 75/2.8
Multicoated Czech slide projector lens fitted to Meopta Vario 5500.

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Meopta Dianar 250/4.3
Projector lens. Weak at infinity focus. Barrel: 62.5mm

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Meopta Dianar 75/2.8
Compact projector lens. Format unknown.

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Meopta Fatrar 180/2.3
Projector lens. Reportedly (though not likely) a triplet.

meopta-fatrar-250mm-f3-a

Meopta Fatrar 250/3.0
Projector lens. Reportedly (though not likely) a triplet.

meopta-fatrar-350mm-a

Meopta Fatrar 350/4.5
Projector lens. Reportedly (though not likely) a triplet. Product images by Vintage Photo Store.

meopta_hyper_meostigmat_1.37

Meopta Hyper Meostigmat 1:1.37
Auxiliary converter for Meopta Meostigmat lenses, squeezing Meo 5 series cine projector output to 1:1.37 aspect ratio. Afocal, so not suitable as a standalone taking lens.

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Meopta Hyper Meostigmat 1:1.66
Auxiliary converter for Meopta Meostigmat lenses, squeezing Meo 5 series cine projector output to 1:1.66 aspect ratio. Afocal, so not suitable as a standalone taking lens.

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Meopta Hyper Meostigmat 1:1.85
Auxiliary converter for Meopta Meostigmat lenses, squeezing Meo 5 series cine projector output to 1:1.85 aspect ratio. Afocal, so not suitable as a standalone taking lens.

meopta-meogon-50-5.6a

Meopta Meogon 50/5.6
Czech enlarger lens with zebra aperture ring. Meopta recommends f11 for optimal performance. [Cat 392 812 110 311]

meopta-meogon-60-5.6a

Meopta Meogon 60/5.6
Enlarger lens. Made in Czech Republic. [Cat 392.812.110.291]

meopta-meogon-80-2.8-v0-a

Meopta Meogon 80/2.8 [V1]
Multicoated Czech Bioemtar/Xenotar enlarger lens [Cat 392.821.110.371]. Rare original zebra version.

meopta-meogon-80-2.8-v1c

Meopta Meogon 80/2.8 [V2]
Multicoated Czech Bioemtar/Xenotar enlarger lens [Cat 392.821.110.371]

meogon-80-2-8-a

Meopta Meogon 80/2.8 [V3]
Final version of this multicoated Czech Biometar/Xenotar enlarger lens has MEOGON in upper case on flatter fascia and stippled aperture ring. Meopta recommends optimal performance at f5.6. [Cat 392.821.110.371]

meopta-meogon-80mm-f56a

Meopta Meogon 80/5.6
Czech enlarger lens with zebra aperture ring. Sample images by simple.joy.

meogon-50-2.8-v1a

Meopta Meogon S 50/2.8 [V1]
Five-element lanthanum-glass enlarger lens made in Czech Republic. [V1] has lower-case ‘Meogon’ on fascia, widely-spaced ribs on body and zebra pattern on aperture dial. [Cat 392 821 110 361]. Confirmed 1986-1987.

meopta-meogon-50-v1a

Meopta Meogon S 50/2.8 [V2]
Five-element lanthanum glass enlarger lens made in Czech Republic. [V2] has lower-case ‘Meogon’ on fascia, fine ribbing on body and an all-black version of [V1]’s aperture dial. Four-digital serials. Meopta recommends optimal performance at f5.6. [Cat 392 821 110 361]. Product image by West Yorkshire Cameras.

Meopta Meogon S 50/2.8 [V3a]
Five-element lanthanum glass enlarger lens made in Czech Republic. [V3] has upper-case ‘MEOGON’ on fascia, matching fine knurling on dual dials and multicoating. Four digit serials beginning 9xxx are probably earlier than five-digit serials beginning 0xxxx. Russian and Eastern Europe examples are seen with low four digit serials (ie, 1282, 0324) outside the main sequence. Meopta recommends optimal performance at f5.6. [Cat 392 821 110 361].

meopta-s-50-2.8-v3b-1

Meopta Meogon S 50/2.8 [V3b]
Five-element lanthanum glass enlarger lens made in Czech Republic. [V3b] appears similar to [V3a] but with revised typography on fascia and high five-digit serials commencing 2xxxx and 3xxxx, believed to be later examples. [Cat 392 821 110 361].

meopta-meogon-80-4-v1b

Meopta Meogon-S 80/4 [V1]
Early version of this Czech enlarger lens has sloped fascia with lower-case spelling of Meogon and a widely-ribbed aperture ring.

meogon-80-4a

Meopta Meogon-S 80/4 [V2]
Exceptionally sharp at f5.6-8 and well maintained to distance (unlike Meogon 80/2.8). Undervalued. Ceased production in 2005. Meopta recommends optimal performance at f8. [Cat 392.821.110.351]

meopta-meopar-135a

Meopta Meopar 135/4.5
Heliar enlarger lens with silver body and black nose.

Meopta Meopar 180mm f/4.5

Meopta Meopar 180/4.5
Czech Heliar enlarger lens fitted to Meopta Magnitarius 10×15. Production date applies to enlarger, not necessarily lens.

Meopta Meopar 210mm f/4.5

Meopta Meopar 210/4.5
Czech Heliar enlarger lens fitted to Meopta Magnitarius 13×18. Production date applies to enlarger, not necessarily lens.

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Meopta Meopar 300/4.5
Czech Heliar enlarger lens fitted to Meopta Herkules. Production date applies to enlarger, not necessarily lens.

Meopta Meopar 50mm f/4.5

Meopta Meopar 50/4.5
Czech Heliar lens fitted to Proximus and Proximus 2 enlargers.

meostigmat_lens-formula

Meopta Meostigmat 100/1.7
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 100].

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Meopta Meostigmat 100/1.9
Early model Planar 35mm film projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

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Meopta Meostigmat 109/1.7
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 572].

meostigmat_lens-formula

Meopta Meostigmat 119/1.9
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 582].

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Meopta Meostigmat 120/2.1
Early model Planar 35mm film projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

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Meopta Meostigmat 130/1.9
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 591].

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Meopta Meostigmat 141/1.9
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 591].

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Meopta Meostigmat 60/1.7 [V1]
Early model Planar 35mm cine projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

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Meopta Meostigmat 60/1.7 [V2]
Multicoated 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose..

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Meopta Meostigmat 60/1.7 [V3]
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. Multicoated.

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Meopta Meostigmat 65/1.7 [V1]
Multicoated 35mm cine projector lens. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 80757].

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Meopta Meostigmat 65/1.7 [V2]
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 512].

meostigmat_lens-formula

Meopta Meostigmat 71/1.7
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 522].

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Meopta Meostigmat 75/1.9
Planar projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

meostigmat_lens-formula

Meopta Meostigmat 77/1.7
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 532].

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Meopta Meostigmat 84/1.7
Late model lens for Meo 5 XB1 and XB3 35mm cine projectors. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 542].

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Meopta Meostigmat 90/2
Early model Planar 35mm film projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

meostigmat_lens-formula

Meopta Meostigmat 92/1.7
Late model 35mm cine projector lens. Silver body. Black nose. [Cat 392 841 110 552]. Example pictures by Martin Dlouhý.

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Meopta Meostigmat 92/1.9
Early model Planar 35mm cine projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

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Meopta Meostigmat 97/1.9
Early model Planar 35mm cine projector lens. Silver body. Black nose.

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Meopta Mirar 20/3.5
30mm image circle only

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Meopta Mirar 20/5.6
Enlarger lens for Meopta Mignoret 11×14. Image circle for 16mm film only.

meopta-mirar-35mm-a

Meopta Mirar 35/3.5
30mm image circle only. Product image by The Real Camera Company.

meopta-miron-100_a

Meopta Miron 100/2.8 [V1]
Czech lens fitted to Mikromar 16mm slide projector. See also Meopta Miron 100/2.8 for OP5x5 (Typ 76102) slide projector.

Meopta_Miron_100_f2.8-v2a

Meopta Miron 100/2.8 [V2]
Czech lens fitted to OP5x5 (Typ 76102) and other slide projectors. See also Miron 100/2.8 fitted to Mikromar 16mm slide projector.

meopta_miron_60a

Meopta Miron 60/2.8
Czech lens fitted to Mikromar 16mm slide projector.

miron_75mm-f2.8-a

Meopta Miron 75/2.8
Czech slide projector lens.

meopta_optinar-80mm-f1.9-a

Meopta Optinar 80/1.9
Lens for Meopta Meopton 35mm cine projector.

meopta_pferov_belar_180b

Meopta Přerov Belar 180/4.5
Silver enlarger lens with black nose made after Meopta’s nationalisation in 1947.

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Meopta Stigmar 100/1.3
Lens for Meopta Meopton III (produced 1955-1959) 35mm cine projector. Lenses apparently produced after this period, too.

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Meopta Stigmar 110/1.4
Lens for Meopta Meopton III (produced 1955-1959) 35mm cine projector. Lenses apparently produced after this period, too.

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Meopta Stigmar 110/1.5 [V1]
35mm cine projector lens. Silver metal barrel, black nose. [V1] has 80mm diameter barrel, designated Cat. 807 01.

Meopta Stigmar 110mm f1.5

Meopta Stigmar 110/1.5 [V2]
35mm cine projector lens. Silver metal barrel, black nose. [V2] has 82.5mm diameter barrel, designated Cat. 807 23.

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Meopta Stigmar 120/1.6
Projector lens. Silver metal barrel diameter: 80mm. Black nose.

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Meopta Stigmar 120/1.6 [V1]
Lens for Meopta Meopton III (produced 1955-1959) 35mm cine projector. Lenses apparently produced after this period, too – from 1961 to c.1975. [Cat 807 03] has 80mm barrel.

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Meopta Stigmar 120/1.6 [V2]
Lens for Meopta Meopton III (produced 1955-1959) 35mm cine projector. Lenses apparently produced after this period, too – from 1961 to c.1975. [Cat 807 24] has 82.5mm barrel.

meopta_stigmar_65_1.25-a

Meopta Stigmar 65/1.25
Projector lens. Silver metal barrel. Black nose.

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Meopta Stigmar 75/1.1
Projector lens. Silver metal barrel. Black nose.

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Meopta Stigmar 90/1.25 [V1]
Lens for Meopta Meopton III (produced 1955-1959) 35mm cine projector. Perhaps also [Cat. 807 04]

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Meopta Stigmar 90/1.25 [V2]
Updated lens for Meopton series 35mm cine projectors (post 1961). [Cat. 807 04]

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Meopta Super Meostigmat 100/1.6
Asymmetrical 35mm cine projector lens. Black metal barrel. [Cat. 392 841 110 921].

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Meopta Super Meostigmat 109/1.7
Asymmetrical 35mm cine projector lens. Black metal barrel. [Cat. 392 841 110 961].

meopta-Super_meostigmat_119

Meopta Super Meostigmat 119/1.9
Asymmetrical 35mm cine projector lens. Black metal barrel. [Cat. 392 841 110 981].
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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.