Rodenstock Lenses For 5x7

[seadrive]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.