300mm APO Sironar-W Resurrection

[ReallyBigCameras]

I just posted this over on the Large Format Forum at largeformatphotography.info and thought I'd post it here as well since I know a few of you shoot 11x14 or 7x17.

Those of you shooting 11x14 and 7x17 might be interested to know that Badger Graphic has commisioned a special production run of the twenty units of the Rodenstock 300mm APO-Sironar-W. This is an 80 degree lens capable of covering 11x14 or 7x17 with movements. It was discontinued around 1997 or 1998 and is rarely seen on teh used market. It's not small (127mm filter size), it's not ultralight (1610g) and it's not cheap ($4025), but for those who really need this kind of coverage (490mm image circle) in a modern, state-of-the-art multicoated 300mm lens, this is a rare opportunity to buy one of these lenses.

Kerry

P.S. This is a public service announcement only. I have no financial interest in this item and don't work for either Rodenstock or Badger Graphic. Just passing along some info someone might find useful.

 

[Richard K.]

Kerry; I was lucky enough to get the Sinar (Sinaron WS) version of this lens when I was looking for the Apo Sironar W a few years ago and I confirm your opinion of this lens. I use it for both 7x17 and 11x14 and it is extremely sharp with ample, even coverage. If you have the need and the means and can handle the weight, you'll have a spectacular optic.

 

[Zebra]

Richard,

What did you decide about the 16 x 20 quest. Hope you are still fighting the good fight and heading down the dark dark path towards bigger and bigger negatives. You won't be disappointed I promise.

I'm pulling 20 x 24 negs out of the soup as we speak!

Continued success,

Monty

 

[cperez]

You really know how to make a guy jealous!

...I'm pulling 20 x 24 negs out of the soup as we speak!...

 

[Petzi]

For the record, the production run was commissioned by my LF supplier Christoph Greiner in Germany. I have seen the lens at the Rodenstock booth during the previous Photokina in Cologne. Rodenstock engineers were apparently delighted to produce this lens again. Buy it. Some Canon tele lenses cost more than this.

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

For the record, the production run was commissioned by my LF supplier Christoph Greiner in Germany. I have seen the lens at the Rodenstock booth during the previous Photokina in Cologne. Rodenstock engineers were apparently delighted to produce this lens again. Buy it. Some Canon tele lenses cost more than this.

Not that it really matters, but I believe Christoph Greiner commisioned a special run of the 210mm APO Sironar-W a year or two ago. I was told by Jeff at Badger Graphic that they (Badger) commissioned this special run of twenty 300mm APO Sironar-W lenses.

No matter who commisioned which special run of which lenses, I find the fact that Rodenstock is willing and able to make these small production runs of previously discontinued lenses very encouraging.

Kerry

 

[naturephoto1]

I agree Kerry, it is very encouraging to know that Rodenstock can and will make small production runs.

Rich