210mm coverage at f32: Symmar-S vs. G-Claron

Larry H-L · Oct 19, 2006

Can anyone tell me which lens might have more coverage (for 5x7) at f32?

I realize that the G-Claron probably has more coverage when stopped way down, but what about at f22-32?

The charts seem to hint at the Symmar-S.

Because of film speed and filtration, that is the best working aperture for me on a particular project.

Any help is appreciated.

Larry H-L

klazekk · Oct 19, 2006

I use the 210 Symmar-S on a 5x7 dorff and have never run out of coverage. Schneider rates this lens with an image circle of 294mm at f22. You need around 210mm to cover 5x7. I have not used the g-claron.

jimgalli · Oct 19, 2006

G-Claron hands down. It has 82 degrees to the Symmar's 70.

Dan Fromm · Oct 19, 2006

Um, Larry, if you work to the standard Schneider thinks you should, the Symmar-S wins, but not by much. Go to http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/archiv/archiv.htm to see for yourself.

They claim 64 degrees for plasmat type G-Clarons at f/22, 70 degrees for Symmar-Ss at f/22.

You've got to remember that many of us confuse the circle illuminated with the circle covered with good definition. Look for a recent thread about the 150/9 Ultragon on the LF forum. In it, someone reported that infinity the lens doesn't quite cover 8x10 because it puts no light in the corners. He's working with a very liberal interpretation of what "covers" means.

Cheers,

Dan

Steve Hamley · Oct 19, 2006

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that "coverage" is subject to the same modifiers as "Do I need a center filter with such-and-such a lens", which we're all bored to death with given the previous 10,000 same posts.

Take a picture. Make a print, look at the corners under magnification, tell us what you see.

Steve

Dan Fromm · Oct 20, 2006

Steve, I'm with you completely, when in doubt ask the lens(es). But what is the original poster to do if he has neither and is contemplating buying?

markbb · Oct 20, 2006

I use the G claron 210 on 10x8, with movements. Perfectly ok at f22 or smaller.

Larry H-L · Oct 20, 2006

Thanks to all, I'll probably purchase the G-Claron as it gets more votes. Markbb has the answer I was looking for.

Steve, I do make a lot of pictures, I've been using a 180 f9 Fuji and a 240 f9 Germinar, but always feel like I want something in between these two focal lengths. I was trying to decide which would be the better option before a purchase, rather than buying both.

Steve Hamley · Oct 20, 2006

Larry,

My apologies, I've had a family member ill that was making me not my usual jovial self. I'd do the G-Claron if you can stand f:9 not so much for coverage but for the smaller size and it will relatively easy to sell if you decide later to get out of it.

For me 210mm is about as short as I want a f:9 lens. I also have a 240 Germinar-W and it's fine, but the 150mm version is decidedly dim for me here in the eastern woods.

If you can find one, a coated Dagor or Dagor-type Kenro process lens might be a good compromise. Tiny, f:6.8, and will have as much coverage as the G-Claron. If you can find one in a Compur #1 rather than an Ilex #3, that would be a fine alternative.

Steve

Nick Zentena · Oct 20, 2006

Even better IMHO would be the older Fuji 210mm W. Coverage is stated at 352mm. Cost is often very reasonable. #1 shutter so not huge.

http://members.aol.com/subgallery/byseries.htm

Tom Stanworth · Oct 21, 2006

Theres no doubt the 210 G claron has monster coverage and I agree that it covers 10x8 no problem and we are talking sharp into corners good enough for ample enlargements. I would get the Symmar for 5x7 tho as brighter and more flexible ie sharp at f11 at infinity. You need to stope the g claron down to be sharp at infinity ie f22.

Larry H-L · Oct 21, 2006

Thanks again!

naturephoto1 · Oct 21, 2006

Hi Larry,

There is a Schneider f 9.0 210mm G Claron mounted in a Copal 1 shutter available on eBay if you are interested.

Below is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/4x5-SCHNEIDER-G...8QQihZ004QQcategoryZ30076QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Rich

Ole · Oct 22, 2006

There's one (mine) listed in the classifieds here on APUG too - cheaper.

naturephoto1 · Oct 22, 2006

Sorry Ole. I didn't go back far enough in the APUG classifieds. I wouldn't have expected this to still be available. But here is Ole's listing:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Rich

Ole · Oct 22, 2006

It's been there for a long time now, yes...

Free shipping anywhere in the world, and you support APUG at the same time

Larry H-L · Oct 28, 2006

Thanks for the offers guys, but I found a 210mm G-Claron in barrel for $120. I have a Copal 1, so I'll just have to stick on a new aperture scale.

borgida · Nov 7, 2006

You can use the g-claron with 8x10 as mentioned above. I have a g-claron and it is a flatter lens than the Symmar-S probably.

210mm coverage at f32: Symmar-S vs. G-Claron

Larry H-L

klazekk

jimgalli

Dan Fromm

Steve Hamley

Dan Fromm

markbb

Larry H-L

Steve Hamley

Nick Zentena

Tom Stanworth

Larry H-L

naturephoto1

Ole

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naturephoto1

Ole

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Larry H-L

borgida

210mm coverage at f32: Symmar-S vs. G-Claron

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