Rodenstock APO-Grandagon N 55mm f/4.5

Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon-N 55mm f/4.5 is the fast apochromatic ultra-wide for 4×5 — the widest Rodenstock LF lens, equivalent to roughly 16mm on 35mm. Apochromatic correction reduces chromatic aberration on high-contrast subjects.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 55mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4.5 (notably bright for the focal length)
• Image circle: ~163mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with limited movements
• Optical formula: Apochromatic retrofocus wide-angle
• Multi-coating standard

Use case + rendering

The 55 Apo-Grandagon-N is the architectural ultra-wide for 4×5 — direct competitor to the Schneider Super-Angulon XL 58 with similar role and image quality. Apochromatic correction is most visible in color landscape with high-contrast skylines.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G — bag bellows essential
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX — bag bellows essential
• Graflex Crown Graphic

Related lenses

• Rodenstock Grandagon-N 65mm f/4.5 — slightly longer wide
• Schneider Super-Angulon XL 58mm f/5.6 — Schneider equivalent