Question about Rodenstock Lens and Beseler Board

[brlagniappe]

Hi, Hope someone can tell me about this lens and board. I have no idea what the board is for or what the little red "stick" is for. The lens is a Rodenstock Rodagon 1:4 f = 80mm. It is made in Germany. Any information is appreciated. Thanks, Kay

[alcoforever]

That is just an ordinary enlarger lens and it can be used on any enlarger if mounted on the specific board for that enlarger.   If I recall correctly, 80mm focal length is mostly used for enlarging 2-1/4 square negatives but it can be used for any other size negative as well.  Rodenstocks were considered a good quality lens.  Back when new, they were probably about $30-40.

The little red thing appears to be a way to tell if the enlarger bulb is on although, for the life of me, I can't think why you would need it.

[cameraman-mike]

Alco is spot on. The board looks similar to the one used in the bessler 23C series enlargers.

When the enlarger light was on, the red "stick" was supposed to shine a "safe" red light onto the aperture number on the lens so you could see it as you adjusted it.

Thanx for getting the questions started!

[brlagniappe]

Thanks so much for the help. I have learned something:)
Kay