The "N" in El Nikkor and Rodagon

[Neil Poulsen]

I've been seeing Rodagon "N" enlarging lenses, and most recently, an El Nikkor "N" enlarging lens on EBay.

What does the "N" mean in each case?

 

[john_s]

As far as Rodenstock is concerned, the letter denotes the enlargement range in which the lens is optimum.

N for the usual range of enlargements from negatives (x2 to x15, according to their pdf). This is probably what you want.

D for close to 1:1 reproduction

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodenstock_GmbH

 

[Smudger]

El - Nikkor

In the case of the Nikkor lens,some years back Nikon redesigned the lens barrels;more plastic,and an illuminated aperture scale.AFAIK,no changes were made to the optics. So,presumably,the N is for NEW.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

Thanks.

 

[GeorgesGiralt]

Hi !
Well Nikon has _also_ made some change to the lenses : the 75mm f:4 was replaced by a six lenses design 80 mm f:5.6 N if my memory serves me right, these changes appeared at the same N other lenses.