Meopta Meogon S 50/2.8 [V3a]

Five-element lanthanum glass enlarger lens made in Czech Republic. [V3] has upper-case ‘MEOGON’ on fascia, matching fine knurling on dual dials and multicoating. Four digit serials beginning 9xxx are probably earlier than five-digit serials beginning 0xxxx. Russian and Eastern Europe examples are seen with low four digit serials (ie, 1282, 0324) outside the main sequence. Meopta recommends optimal performance at f5.6. [Cat 392 821 110 361].

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Category: Enlarger Lenses

Specifications
Reviews

Weight	95 g
Dimensions	50 mm
Focal Length (mm)	50
Max Aperture (f)	2.8
Min Aperture (f)	22
Aperture Blades	5 (Curved)
Elements	5 / 4
Sharp (Near)	89.3%
Sharp (Far)	87.6%
Rear Mount	M39
Flange-Focal Distance (mm @ ∞)	45
RF/L Extension (mm)	25
Serial Numbers	03934, 9309
Production	c.1987-1993

Reviews

16:9 – April 11, 2022

The fast little Meogon scores only Silver, but it’s the merest whisker (eg, slightly better long range Zone 3 performance) from a Gold award. The build quality is excellent although the typical Meogon push-pull click-clutch can wear sloppy over time.

The images it generates as a taking lens would have you believe the Meogon is a rebranded Rodagon 50/2.8 V3: the resolution scores, diaphragm type, and bokeh are very similar. Performance certainly isn’t harmed by the absence of what Luc-Besson never called the sixth element. Meopta would rightfully resent a description of their Meogons as “one element short of a Rodagon”; in the case of the 80mm lenses, the Meoptas are a notch better corrected. But among the many excellent options available, this 50mm is best described as ‘another one’.