Getting ready to purchase enlarger lens/s

[Drew Wiley]

I really like the 180 Rodagon for 4x5 due to its very even illumination. Slightly longer than "normal" is a distinct advantage in this respect. But my 150 Apo Rodagon N is a little more nuanced in terms of textural representation, and has a bit more contrast when color printing; it's also effectively a stop faster if that is needed. Don't worry about anything still longer focal length unless you acquire a 5x7 or 8x10 enlarger. In fact, you might be forced to use a 135mm lens to print 4x5 negs due to your limited column height.

[neil poulsen]

I really like the 180 Rodagon for 4x5 due to its very even illumination.

Drew, Are you referring to the 180mm Apo Rodagon that Rodenstock made? (Versus a Rodagon?)

[Tin Can]

OP we are unclear what size films you want to use

It is it 4X5 to 8X10?

How long is your bellows and extension cones do exist

I have a 360 Rodagon I cannot use

This thread may be interesting Rodagon-G 360 for enlarging 5x7 12 times

[Drew Wiley]

No, Neil, the regular 180 Rodagon. I do have a set of Apo Nikkors including 240, 305, 360, 450, and even longer, but not the uncommon 180 Apo Nikkor. I really don't see the need for any more enlarging lenses than I already have! - even though I'm down to using only four enlargers at this point. Gasp, I pity whoever has to handle my estate sale when I croak!

[Bob Salomon]

Drew, Are you referring to the 180mm Apo Rodagon that Rodenstock made? (Versus a Rodagon?)

The 180 Apo Rodagon was for 45. It is vastly inferior to the 150 Apo Rodagon N that replaced it.

[Drew Wiley]

The regular 180 Rodagon seems to be a special design, specifically in how it handles even 5x7 format field of illumination much more evenly than one would ordinary expect for this focal length. Am I correct, Bob? In any event, it's definitely a "keeper" lens.

[Bob Salomon]

The regular 180 Rodagon seems to be a special design, specifically in how it handles even 5x7 format field of illumination much more evenly than one would ordinary expect for this focal length. Am I correct, Bob? In any event, it's definitely a "keeper" lens.

Not sure I would call it a special design, but like all modern Rodagons it is a superior lens.

[Steven Ruttenberg]

I will be printing 4x5 with pictures enlarger. When I get the Durst L184 I will do up to 8x10. I will be printing up to 32x40, but not before I get proficient at sizes such as 16x20

[interneg]

I will be printing 4x5 with pictures enlarger. When I get the Durst L184 I will do up to 8x10. I will be printing up to 32x40, but not before I get proficient at sizes such as 16x20

In that case, get a 135 or 150 Rodagon/ Componon-S (or even a plain old Componon)/ EL-Nikkor for it & a 240 Rodagon/ Componon-S/ Componon/ EL-Nikkor for the 8x10. Down the line, if you are routinely printing a lot of 4x or bigger off 4x5, the 120 WA-Rodagon may offer some advantages.

[Daniel Unkefer]

The lens is use all the time is the black 180 f5.6 Rodagon (not Apo) for 8x10 to 16x20 prints with my Omega DII's. I laser align every time I move anything. A couple of years ago I got a really reasonable 150mm f5.6 Rodagon, the sister of the 180 in vintage. The idea would allow some cropping and the 180 is pretty long but extremely even. I have a complete set of chrome Componons (they used to sell cheap as dirt) 40mm to 360mm. For everyday making of 8x10 RC work prints, I prefer the 180 Rodagon. BTW it's not a cheap lens