Rodenstock's compact Rodagon — the 50mm f/5.6 budget version of the premium enlarging lens.
The Rodenstock Rodagon 50mm f/5.6 is a more compact, slower version of the premium Rodagon 50mm for 35mm enlarging. The f/5.6 provides a dimmer focusing image than the f/2.8 but the Rodagon optical design ensures quality printing at the optimum aperture. A compact alternative within the Rodagon premium tier for 35mm darkroom printing work.
Rodagon optical quality — the same premium flat-field design at a slower aperture. Print quality at the optimum printing aperture is similar to the f/2.8 version. The f/5.6 is significantly dimmer for focusing — the main practical drawback. The compact f/5.6 design is lighter and smaller. The f/2.8 version is preferred for focusing convenience.
No camera mount — enlarger thread. Weight very minimal — the compact f/5.6 is lighter. Build quality Rodenstock premium. The f/5.6 is a compact alternative — same Rodagon quality at a slower maximum aperture. The f/2.8 version (ID 4855/4405) is the standard recommendation for brighter darkroom focusing operation.
Very cheap. Rodagon quality at the f/5.6 specification. The f/2.8 is preferred for brighter focusing. Print quality is similar at optimal aperture. Only choose the f/5.6 if the compact size specifically matters. Not a camera lens. Darkroom only. The f/2.8 version is recommended.