Rodenstock Lenses For 5x7

seadrive · Aug 24, 2005

Hi guys and gals,

I'm looking to buy a used enlarging lens for 5x7, so I'm looking for a lens in the 210-240mm range.

Can someone tell me the difference between Rodenstock's Rodagon and Gerogon lines? Is the Gerogon a process lens, and therefore not as good for enlarging as a Rodagon?

TIA!

Steve

Peter Schrager · Aug 24, 2005

Rodenstock

Seadrive-I can't answer the second part but if you can find a 150mm APO-rodagon used. It will cover. You do NOT need a 210. A 180mm of good quality will suffice. Try looking at a el-nikkor; they are fine lenses too.
Best, Peter

Nick Zentena · Aug 24, 2005

At what enlargements will the 150mm cover?

The Gerogon I think was some sort of budget lens. In other words no process lens.

The big two issues with using a process lens for an enlarger is

1) Slow wide open. Expect F/9.

2) They should be used at F/22.

Those are the reasons I'm looking for a 210mm enlarger lens. The process lenses I have make good prints but I'd rather something a little faster and more flexible.

If you're looking for process lenses keep an eye open for the Agfa lenses. The one I have is fairly small. They will be reasonable in price since they don't fit a shutter.

Clueless · Aug 24, 2005

Wouldn't it be important to factor in the size of enlargements you intend to make? A "designated" 180MM SK was in the ads month after month as few need one.

pelerin · Aug 25, 2005

Nick Zentena said:
At what enlargements will the 150mm cover?

The Gerogon I think was some sort of budget lens. In other words no process lens.

The big two issues with using a process lens for an enlarger is

1) Slow wide open. Expect F/9.

2) They should be used at F/22.

Those are the reasons I'm looking for a 210mm enlarger lens. The process lenses I have make good prints but I'd rather something a little faster and more flexible.

If you're looking for process lenses keep an eye open for the Agfa lenses. The one I have is fairly small. They will be reasonable in price since they don't fit a shutter.

Well,
I think it is safe to call an apo-Gerogon a process lens as I have one that I salvaged off a process camera. It may not be the only use for them though as Beseler used to sell the 240 apo-Gerogon to be used with their 8x10 conversion.
Celac.

Paul Sorensen · Aug 25, 2005

pelerin said:
Well,
I think it is safe to call an apo-Gerogon a process lens as I have one that I salvaged off a process camera. It may not be the only use for them though as Beseler used to sell the 240 apo-Gerogon to be used with their 8x10 conversion.
Celac.

Yeah, I think that the Geronar is the budget lens not the Gerogon. Gerogons do seem to be less expensive than G-Clarons on eBay, however. I am not sure that they are as easy to mount in shutters or if they are as suitable for large format work.

Ole · Aug 28, 2005

A Rodagon 180mm covers 6x7" at all enlargements, at least up to 20x. It also has 39mm thread, unlike the 210mm whin can be difficult to mount.

Rodenstock Lenses For 5x7

seadrive

Peter Schrager

Nick Zentena

Clueless

pelerin

Paul Sorensen

Ole

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency