Mounting Rodenstock 120mm f/5.6 APO-Rodagon D Enlarging lens to 4x5 lens board

[Drew Wiley]

Thanks for the quick rely, Bob. The hypothetical application would be 8x10 internegs from
4x5 transparencies. I'm using a 240 Apo-Nikkor for this currently with decent results, but
am always interested in anything even better. Just another ace in the hole, since I have
quite a stockpile of 4x5 chromes but Ciba no longer an option. I've still got a couple of months ahead of boring specialized tests with Portra 160 for interneg use. My concept of an interneg is something a lot higher performance than the traditional expectations, so fussing around is inevitable.

[Bob Salomon]

Bob,

My idea is to use the lens for macro work on a 4x5 camera with a 5D MkII mounted to the back of the camera. I should be OK to get 1:1 magnification right?

I don't know of anyone who has tied this but given that it's a copy lens I suspect that both distortion and CA are well controlled in the design.

Your thought are welcome.

I would use the 120mm Apo Macro Digital Sironar rather then a duplicating lens. Second choice would be the 120mm Apo Macro Sironar and then a 150mm Apo Ronar. The D would then come after most of the reverse mounted enlarging lenses.

[vastphoto]

Thanks Bob.

[vastphoto]

First you don't have a Rodenstock enlarging lens. A Rodenstock enlarging lens has, among other features an illuminated aperture. Your lens, and the other two D lenses do not have this feature. That is because it is not an enlarging lens. It is a duplicating lens. Most often used for duplicating 45 transparencies.

All three Rodenstock Apo Rodagon-D lenses; 75mm 4.0, 75mm 4.5 and the 120mm 5.6 have a 39mm Leica thread mount. The same as found on most modern enlarging lenses. It will mount to a 0 size board. It will not mount directly to the threads in a 0 size shutter.

The link to B&H's web site also shows the wrong description as well as a picture of the lens upside down.

When you say it will mount on a 0 size board would that be using the standard M39 retaining ring? I will not be installing a shutter as I'll be using the shutter on the 5D MkII.

[Bob Salomon]

When you say it will mount on a 0 size board would that be using the standard M39 retaining ring? I will not be installing a shutter as I'll be using the shutter on the 5D MkII.

Yes, it is a standard Leica thread, not a 0 shutter thread.

[pcardone]

Hi Bob,

Old thread but related question. I wanted to buy a Schneider 120mm f/5.6 APO-Componon HM Enlarging Lens for 4x5 enlargement but BH no longer sells it. They suggested the Rodenstock 120mm f/5.6 APO-Rodagon D instead but it looks like it is designed for 1:1 1:2 report rather than typical 4-5 x or more typical of an enlarger. I am wondering if it would work equally well for darkroom printing enlargements or if I would be better off with say a Rodenstock 135mm Rodagon lens. I am looking to get the sharpest one I can for 4x5 neg enlargements. but have to buy it new.

[Bob Salomon]

Hi Bob,

Old thread but related question. I wanted to buy a Schneider 120mm f/5.6 APO-Componon HM Enlarging Lens for 4x5 enlargement but BH no longer sells it. They suggested the Rodenstock 120mm f/5.6 APO-Rodagon D instead but it looks like it is designed for 1:1 1:2 report rather than typical 4-5 x or more typical of an enlarger. I am wondering if it would work equally well for darkroom printing enlargements or if I would be better off with say a Rodenstock 135mm Rodagon lens. I am looking to get the sharpest one I can for 4x5 neg enlargements. but have to buy it new.

The problem is that the D series are duplicating lenses. They are terrible enlarging lenses. In 120 for enlarging Rodenstock only made the Rodagon-WA and it was a spectacular performer. But it is also no longer made. If you need a current lens then it would be the Rodagon. It is also a spectacular lens!

[pcardone]

The problem is that the D series are duplicating lenses. They are terrible enlarging lenses. In 120 for enlarging Rodenstock only made the Rodagon-WA and it was a spectacular performer. But it is also no longer made. If you need a current lens then it would be the Rodago;. It is also a spectacular lens!

Just saw this reply. Maybe the e-mail notification did not work. Thanks so much for the helpful response.

[Karlmera]

I would use the 120mm Apo Macro Digital Sironar rather then a duplicating lens. Second choice would be the 120mm Apo Macro Sironar and then a 150mm Apo Ronar. The D would then come after most of the reverse mounted enlarging lenses.

Hello Bob, why would be the D so bad as a taking lens, imo it should be as good as the Apo Macro Digital Sironar? Do you think more lens elements are better?

[Bob Salomon]

Hello Bob, why would be the D so bad as a taking lens, imo it should be as good as the Apo Macro Digital Sironar? Do you think more lens elements are better?

It is strictly a lens made for duplicating, you would find that at other then the ratios it is designed for that it would be a terrible performer.