240 f-11 APO GRAPHIGON

[John Brady]

I picked up a Rodenstock APO GRAPHIGON 240 f-11. Is the suitable as an enlarger lens on my De Vere 5108? I’m having a difficult time finding information about the Graphigon.

Not sure if this was meant for 1-1 copy Work or if it works well as an enlarging lens, any information would be appreciated.

[Dan Fromm]

The Apo-Graphigon is a wide angle (75 degrees) lens for compact process cameras, is recommended for magnifications from 1:3 to 3:1. Since you have it, why not ask it directly how well it meets your needs?

[Bob Salomon]

As Drew said it is a process lens and as such it is designed to perform optimally at f22. Not the best for enlarging.

[Luis-F-S]

At least the G-Claron is an f/9 lens and the Apo rodagon is an f5.6 lens with optimum at f/16. All are designed from 1:3 to 3:1 so are usable in that range. A 3x print from 8x10 is a 24 x 30, larger than most people print on a regular basis. A 16x20 is a 2x enlargement from 8x10 neg, probably the max most will print on a regular basis in a home darkroom. The Rodenstock literature says that "A further Gerogon type is the Apo-Grahigon with a still larger angle namdely 78˚. This again in response to request from camera manufacturers wanting to cover a 50x60 cm format with a still smaller camera. At same size reproductions, the Apo-Graphigon does this with a 240 mm focal length.....maximum aperture is f/11 and the working aperture is f/22. The scale range is 1:3 to 3:1." L

[John Brady]

At least the G-Claron is an f/9 lens and the Apo rodagon is an f5.6 lens with optimum at f/16. All are designed from 1:3 to 3:1 so are usable in that range. A 3x print from 8x10 is a 24 x 30, larger than most people print on a regular basis. A 16x20 is a 2x enlargement from 8x10 neg, probably the max most will print on a regular basis in a hope darkroom. The Rodenstock literature says that "A further Gerogon type is the Apo-Grahigon with a still larger angle namdely 78˚. This again in response to request from camera manufacturers wanting to cover a 50x60 cm format with a still smaller camera. At same size reproductions, the Apo-Graphigon does this with a 240 mm focal length.....maximum aperture is f/11 and the working aperture is f/22. The scale range is 1:3 to 3:1." L

Thanks Luis, I also picked up a Rodagon,it looks like new but the front element has some serious separation, strange on such a well cared for looking lens? Not sure if that can be fixed?

[Bob Salomon]

At least the G-Claron is an f/9 lens and the Apo rodagon is an f5.6 lens with optimum at f/16. All are designed from 1:3 to 3:1 so are usable in that range. A 3x print from 8x10 is a 24 x 30, larger than most people print on a regular basis. A 16x20 is a 2x enlargement from 8x10 neg, probably the max most will print on a regular basis in a hope darkroom. The Rodenstock literature says that "A further Gerogon type is the Apo-Grahigon with a still larger angle namdely 78˚. This again in response to request from camera manufacturers wanting to cover a 50x60 cm format with a still smaller camera. At same size reproductions, the Apo-Graphigon does this with a 240 mm focal length.....maximum aperture is f/11 and the working aperture is f/22. The scale range is 1:3 to 3:1." L

That scale range is at 22.
Bear in mind, none of the lenses that you mentioned are enlarging lenses. At this focal length the Rodagon and the Rodagon G were enlarging lenses.

[Luis-F-S]

From the same Rodenstock Brochure, "The Apo-Rodagon....maximum aperture is f/5.6. The Apo-Rodagon was specifically designed to yield a larger angle than the four-element lenses with a working aperture larger by one stop-namely f/16. No, the Apo Rodagon is a process lens with a working aperture of f/16 and usable from 3:1 to 1:3." The Rodagon is an enlarging lens and has better MTF curves than the process lenses above is usable down to about 2:1, and is optimized for a 6x magnification. I'm attaching the Apo-Rodagon brochure.

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[Bob Salomon]

From the same Rodenstock Brochure, "The Apo-Rodagon....maximum aperture is f/5.6. The Apo-Rodagon was specifically designed to yield a larger angle than the four-element lenses with a working aperture larger by one stop-namely f/16. No, the Apo Rodagon is a process lens with a working aperture of f/16 and usable from 3:1 to 1:3." The Rodagon is an enlarging lens and has better MTF curves than the process lenses above is usable down to about 2:1, and is optimized for a 6x magnification. I'm attaching the Apo-Rodagon brochure.

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The longest Apo Rodagon enlarging lens was the 180mm for 4x5. It was replaced by the 150mm Apo Rodagon N. All of the longer Apo Rodagon lenses were process lenses and were incapable of performing as well as the Rodagon for enlarging. Would they produce an enlargement? Yes. But no where near the quality of an enlarging lens, provided a glass carrier, proper alignment and within the optimal range of the lens!

[John Brady]

So I have the Rodagon 5.6 240mm, (not the apo), but some pretty serious separation. Any suggestions on repair or start over?
I can’t tell if S.K Grimes does that type of repair or if it can even be done?

[Luis-F-S]

Depends on what you paid for it. SKG does not do optical repairs, but frankly, you probably won't notice the separation in enlargements unless it's really severe. If you bought it right, you can always look for a better one and then sell the one you have.. L

[Luis-F-S]

...... and within the optimal range of the lens!

Agreed, the range of a Rodagon is typically 6x for a longer lens down to 2:1. The Apo-Rodagon is 3:1 to 1:3. L

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[Bob Salomon]

So I have the Rodagon 5.6 240mm, (not the apo), but some pretty serious separation. Any suggestions on repair or start over?
I can’t tell if S.K Grimes does that type of repair or if it can even be done?

It is possible to repair, if one is willing to pay the price, but once repaired it will never meet original factory spec! Much cheaper to just look for a good one.