Rodenstock Enlarger Lens - Haze or ...?

gWaL · Mar 27, 2023

I recently purchased a used APO rodagon-n that was assured mint by the seller but after receiving, its less so. The dust is a let down but I'm more worried about this haze inside. Looks like a possible scratch but I'm leaning towards it being a hair? Think it's worth keeping?

albada · Mar 27, 2023

I agree that the haze is what could affect your prints. In your lens, the central area of the lens has little haze, so you might not notice any degradation when stopped down to normal aperture.
You might make two prints, both at f/4, using this lens and another haze-free lens, and see whether the haze visibly hurts contrast.

Mark

mshchem · Mar 27, 2023

gWaL said:
I recently purchased a used APO rodagon-n that was assured mint by the seller but after receiving, its less so. The dust is a let down but I'm more worried about this haze inside. Looks like a possible scratch but I'm leaning towards it being a hair? Think it's worth keeping?

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Return it!

Don_ih · Mar 27, 2023

It looks like it might have the start of a fungal infection - or the residue of a cleaned-up fungal infection. I'd just take apart a lesser lens and see if I could clean it but an APO Rodagon? Sorry for the seller, but I suggest you return it. It is not "mint" (or any other nice flavour).

Steve906 · Mar 27, 2023

I agree possibly start of fungus and bad cleaning attempt. If really good deal maybe worth trying cleaning. otherwise return. Stopping down will not improve anything wherever the haze is, all parts of the lens are used all the time whatever the aperture, that's why just the light level is reduced and no image of the iris is evident, the reason the stop/iris is placed in the position it is.

gWaL · Mar 28, 2023

Thanks for the advice! Bummer to see it go but I just got the same answer from Dieter at Rodenstock global.

mshchem · Mar 28, 2023

Enlarging lenses are at higher risk in part to higher humidity. I have a dehumidifier and central ac.

Sirius Glass · Mar 28, 2023

I would return it. There is a better one for you out there waiting for you to buy it.

DREW WILEY · Apr 5, 2023

Probably mold/fungus due to damp storage conditions. MINT it ain't; that's one thing you can be certain about. In this case, "M" stands for "Miserable condition", and "apo" stands for "apoplexy performance". Get rid of it.

Rodenstock Enlarger Lens - Haze or ...?

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