A Componar is a 4 element Tessar mid-range lens while a
Componon is a 6 element 'Gauss' top-of-the-line.

60mm lenses were made for 4x4cm negatives on 127 film, as
from a baby Rollei/Yashica 44.

The Componon shouldn't be giving problems with light fall-off
if stopped to 5.6 or smaller.  I doubt the Componar will improve
things.

A quick rule of thumb (all else being equal) for Schneider lenses:

Componar = entry level
Componon =  better
APO anything = $$$$

Chrome barrel lenses = older (not always bad) but more likely to use a
mounting thread other than the "standard" Leica type.

Short answer?  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  In other words, if you
print wide open all the time and can observe or measure fall off, get a
different lens but I don't think the Componar would be the cure.

If your present Componon-S is truly exhibiting fall off, replace it, on the
other hand, if you are looking for a longer focal length lens to use based
on something you read here or elsewhere (though I don't know why anyone
would go elsewhere for darkroom info when all the really smart guys are
here) stick with your 50mm (if it was a bargain I'd get the 60 anyway just
to play with).  If you have the time, money and tools, it would be
interesting to test the lenses side by side.

My guess, the Componon has little (if any) fall off stopped down a couple of
stops.  And has much better resolving power at f/4 than the Componar.

So basically pick it up if you are curious, it's not in the same class as
the El-Nikkor (which is a 6-element f/2.8 lens, N-version, guess there's
also an older f/3.5).  BTW the Nikkor isn't that spendy, B&H lists them for
$199.00, new, currently backordered, but don't go nuts on eBay buying a used
one!

I have never seen light fall off using a 50mm Componon-S for 24x36. What
do you use it for?   .....6x6?   .....then you need a 80mm or the 60mm WA.
In these days you can get 2nd hand enlarger lenses for "nothing".

Max

Hello,

Componon-S is a great lense, just much better than Componar, that is
Schneider's base line. if you have little corner fall-off on corners,
let's stop down at f/5.6 or smaller and it will work perfectly for
24x36mm negatives.

Alvaro