Nikon's budget enlarging lens — the EL-Nikkor 50mm f/4 N at the slower specification.
The Nikon EL-Nikkor 50mm f/4 N is the slower, more compact version of Nikon's 35mm enlarging lens with N multi-coating. The f/4 provides dimmer focusing than the f/2.8 alternative (ID 4840) but the optical quality benefits from the same N multi-coating. A smaller, lighter alternative for darkroom use where compact size matters more than focusing brightness.
Same N multi-coating quality as the f/2.8 version — excellent contrast and flat-field correction. The f/4 provides dimmer focusing but the print quality at optimal aperture is comparable. The more compact design is lighter. The N coating improves over older non-N versions. EL-Nikkor quality regardless of the f/4 versus f/2.8 distinction.
No camera mount — 39mm enlarger thread. Weight approximately 60 grams — lighter than the f/2.8. Build quality excellent Nikon with N coating. The compact f/4 design trades focusing brightness for smaller size. The 39mm thread enables macro adaptation via helicoid. Both f/4 and f/2.8 produce equivalent print quality at optimal aperture.
Very cheap. Good N-coated EL-Nikkor quality at the f/4 specification. The f/2.8 is preferred for brighter focusing but print quality is equivalent. Can be adapted for macro. The compact size may suit some enlarger setups. Nikon precision at clearance pricing.