Did 50mm 2.8 APO-Rodagons improve as time went on?

[chip j]

I have what I think is an early example coming.

 

[AgX]

In my broshures there is not even a 2.8 Apo-Rodagon, but only a 2.8 Apo-Rodagon-N.

I assume that to be the only one.

 

[chip j]

That's the only one available today. I read that it was designed for 20x enlargements.

 

[AgX]

Yes, 2-20x.
(2-15x for the other N-lenses)

In parallel they offered the Apo-Rodagon-D , a F4.5 75mm lens designed for 0.4-2.5x .


I assume any variation in design to have come along with a new designation.

 

[tedr1]

According to a vintage Rodenstock databook the Apo Rodagon has optimum performance for magnification range x6 to x10.

If I understand correctly when a lens maker commited to the commercial manufacture of a lens the design details were carefully controlled and replicated over the commercial life of the product without deviation. There may be cosmetic changes to the design of the package that houses the glass but I believe the glass remained consistent.

When a change of optical performance was wanted the design was given a different designation, Rodagon, Apo Rodagon and Apo Rodagon N all being (slightly) different optically. In other words I believe that all Apo Rodagon 50mm lenses (in good condition) have the same optical performance regardless of age.

 

[Bill Burk]

Thanks tedr1,

There has to be an N and a non-N, since I have an f/2.8 50mm APO Rodagon and it is not N

I use it to enlarge full-frame 35mm negatives to 11x14 which puts me at 9 1/8x with a wide border.

Sounds like I've got the right lens for my needs.

 

[EdSawyer]

The apo rodagon N 50mm only had one version , but was later superseded by the even better apo rodagon N 45mm F/2.8

 

[AgX]

So there was an Apo Rodagon before the N/D range .

Good to know. I already feared I was lacking a catalog... And am lacking access to my old magazines.

 

[tedr1]

My source is a document available at Dan Fromm's "onedrive" online location which he included in a document he posted earlier this year. I would post a link but unfortunately the forum is resisting my attempts to copy and paste the address, but a search through Dan's posts on lenses this year would turn up the document (MS word) lens_documentation.doc

The specific location within the document is under the heading for Rodenstock large format lenses (page 6), the first link leads to a set of about eight bi-lingual Rodenstock PDFs

 

[AgX]

https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx...t=file,docx&app=Word&authkey=!ACp3Kf30SHN3MwY

On Rodenstock:
Dead Link Removed

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

I can confirm using both the APO and APO N of the 50mm that the N was improved. I used my N professionally for about 7 years before it got internal hazing.

 

[Slixtiesix]

In which way was the N-version better?

 

[jjphoto]

The various versions are listed in the table below, data sourced from catalogs and referenced.

http://www.photocornucopia.com/1061.html

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

I had the N version first and was well acquainted with it when I got a good deal on a premium darkroom auction and the non N APO was in the mix. The APO seemed to hit the sweet spot at closer to f/5.6 and with the N APO F/4 was about as good as the lens will get; the APO looked best at 8x10 size and seem to not look as pleasing at 11x14-16x20 size where I would use the N APO which is where I think the N APO really is worth the money. I don't often print at those sizes as much and I've settled on the Nikkor 50mm EL 2.8-N for my general 8x10 size. If I did more volume at 11x-20x sizes I would only use the N APO although that newer 45 APO looks appealing on the Focomat 1c, maybe for the next darkroom build. The N version Nikkor 50 is what I consider in 2017 the best overall lens for most printing especially in regards to the often very low prices. The N version Nikkor 50mm EL was highly regarded by the optical engineers at Nikon.

 

[chip j]

Good to know that, Thanks. I have 3 various vintage N Nikkors as well, the newest one being made in China.

 

[BMbikerider]

Where Rodagon Apo lenses are concerned I think we may be talking of optical improvements, or possibly coating which will not be discernable to us unless we regularly make prints over a certain size. Even then it will largely be down to the original taking lens and if the camera was on a tripod.
There have been subtle changes to the lens barrel though; I have a 50/2.8apo which is the 'N' version and a 80/4.0 apo. I have found that the preset apperture is easier to set on the 50mm version despite it being physically smaller. I cannot see any difference with the coating on both lenses.

Apart from that, why worry, with lenses of this quality and standard, just use them with total confidence.

 

[tedr1]

Some of the variables between standard, APO and APO N versions are: light fall-off away from the center; correction of chromatic aberration; corner sharpness; center sharpness. For each design these quality factors vary with the aperture setting in use and the magnification being used. The broad principal (and generalizing) for a given situation standard lenses may be "best" closed down two stops, Apo lenses closed down 1 - 2 stops and N lenses 1 stop. The performance wide open is usually slightly inferior, however it is mainly used for focusing and the exposure is made with the lens stopped down. These quality differences are quantified in charts of optical performance, some of which can be found at the link given above.

 

[chip j]

HOT DAMN!! Got my APO today! Clean up the glass a little bit and it's like new. $124 on ebay!

 

[John Wiegerink]

HOT DAMN!! Got my APO today! Clean up the glass a little bit and it's like new. $124 on ebay!

I have a late, non "N" version and I will say it's a darn good lens. Still, if I could use my Fujinon 50mm f2.8 on my Focomat Ic I'd sell the Rodagon 50mm APO. Maybe the "N" series is that much better, but I doubt it.

 

[chip j]

I have a 50mm 2.8 Fuji EX & a 1c, but haven't tried them together. The EX is a Great lens.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I have a 50mm 2.8 Fuji EX & a 1c, but haven't tried them together. The EX is a Great lens.

If you figure out how to get the thing to focus with the Fujinon please let me know. I agree, the Fuji 50mm 2.8 EX is one of the best.

 

[chip j]

I have a Valoy & Valoy 2 for lenses that won't fit on the 1c or my Durst 35mm Micromat (such as my HUGE 55mm 1.9 Computar!).

 

[John Wiegerink]

I have a Valoy & Valoy 2 for lenses that won't fit on the 1c or my Durst 35mm Micromat (such as my HUGE 55mm 1.9 Computar!).

I have a very nice LPL C6700 for use with the Fuji and other lenses, but I like the Ilford 400HS VC head I have adapted to the Focomat Ic. It's just so much easier to use than the color head on the LPL. I might work on the Ic to Fuji ex 50mm lens problem this weekend if I get a chance.

 

[chip j]

If the lens physically fits, it should autofocus (you know how to adjust the 1c for different lenses, don't you? If not get a reprint of the 1c manual). You can also manual-focus, if neccessery.

 

[John Wiegerink]

If the lens physically fits, it should autofocus (you know how to adjust the 1c for different lenses, don't you? If not get a reprint of the 1c manual). You can also manual-focus, if neccessery.

Oh yes, I know the focomat IC well enough. Some lenses you might have to add a short m39 extension tube to to get it within focus range. It's the opposite problem with the Fuji EX 50mm. You cannot get the focusing helical retracted far enough toward the negative carrier to get the darn thing to focus right. Try your Fuji EX 50mm on your Focomat Ic and you tell me if you can 'cause I sure as hell can't. The Fuji works just fine on the LPL enlarger. My 50mm Rody APO lens looks a lot, size wise, like the 50mm Fuji EX, but something inside must be totally different.