Reproduction Lenses | Frank Titze

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Reproduction Lenses

Overview

Reproduction lenses are not standard "all-purpose" lenses. Instead, they belong to a specialized category known as reproduction or process lenses. They were primarily designed for a very specific task: produce sharp, distortion-free, and color-accurate images made them indispensable for creating color separations, printing plates, and other reproduction materials.
Examples of European Reproproduction Lenses:

Rodenstock* Apo-Ronar* and Apo-Gerogon*
Carl Zeiss* Apo-Tessar* and Apo-Germinar*
Staeble (Agfa*) Repromaster*, Super Intergon* and Ultragon*

Key Characteristics:

Apochromatic Correction: This is the key to understanding these lenses' performance. It means that the lens is designed to bring three different wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue) to a single, sharp plane of focus. This is a level of chromatic correction superior to standard achromatic lenses and is essential for eliminating color fringing and achieving true-to-life color reproduction.
Optimized for 1:1 Magnification: Reproduction lenses are at their absolute best when the subject is the same size as the image on the film (1:1 reproduction). Their design minimizes aberrations and distortion at this specific magnification ratio. While they can be used for subjects at infinity, their peak performance is in the close-up range.
Symmetrical Design: Reproduction lenses have typically a symmetrical design. This symmetrical layout is inherently well-corrected for distortion, which is a critical feature for reproduction work where a perfectly flat field and straight lines are a necessity.
Flat Field of Focus: They are engineered to render the entire image—from the center to the very corners—with uniform sharpness and contrast. This "flat-field" characteristic is crucial for copying flat documents or art, where a curved field would render the edges out of focus.
Low Distortion: Due to their design, reproduction lenses exhibit practically zero distortion. This is a significant advantage for architectural or technical photography where the slightest bending of straight lines is unacceptable.
Slower Maximum Aperture: A common trade-off for this high level of correction is a relatively slow maximum aperture, typically f/9 and lower. Since reproduction work is usually done in a controlled studio environment with continuous lighting, a wide aperture is not necessary. The slower aperture allows for a simpler, more compact lens design that is easier to correct for aberrations.

Today, while reproduction work is largely digital, reproduction lenses have found a new life among photographers who appreciate their unique qualities. They are popular for:

Landscape Photography: Many landscape photographers value the reproduction lenses for its stunning sharpness, contrast, and lack of chromatic aberrations. They accept the narrower angle of view and slower aperture for the exceptional image quality.
Architectural Photography: Their lack of distortion and flat field makes them a great choice for architectural work, especially when paired with a large format camera's movements to correct perspective.
Macro and Close-up Photography: Their design makes them excellent for still life, product, and other forms of close-up photography.

In summary, reproduction lenses are a specialized class of optics, famous for their apochromatic correction, flat-field performance, and extreme sharpness. While originally designed for high-end reproduction work, their unique characteristics have made them a favorite among photographers seeking the highest possible optical quality for a variety of applications.

Evaluation

26.08.25

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