G-Claron

[Bruce Osgood]

I am considering a 240mm G-Claron to be used as a general purpose lens on a 4x5 camera, not exclusively as a 1:1 reproduction lens. Is this a good idea?

I understand an f-stop wider than 16 will produce vignetting but from 16 to 95 it should perform as any other lens of 240mm.

Does anyone have experience or first hand knowledge of this lens and performance?

Thank you,

 

[lee]

Bruce,

I use a 305mm G-Claron as a normal on my 8x10 and long lens on 4x5. I also use a 150mm G-Claron on 4x5 and 5x7. I have a 210mm G-Claron that, until recently, I used on my 8x10. It covers and with some movement stopped down past f:22. I have never heard or seen this that you are refering to. I now use the 210 mm lens as an enlarging lens for my 5x7 enlarger.

I like the G-Claron series. There is a Repro-Claron series that is a different bird. The lenses are single coated.

lee\c

 

[colrehogan]

I use a 240 mm G-Claron on my 8x10 but haven't used it at an f-stop greater than 22 other than to focus. I don't recall seeing any evidence of vignetting during focusing either. Thus far, my pics have been taken in the 22 to 45 range.

 

[colrehogan]

I like the G-Claron series. There is a Repro-Claron series that is a different bird. The lenses are single coated.

lee\c

I also have a 420 Repro Claron which I've used up to f/64 with no problems.

 

[Bruce Osgood]

I'm quoting from the Schneider site:

http://www.schneideroptics.com/photography/large_format_lenses/g-claron/

"The G-Claron is a lens of symmetrical design with six elements in four groups, optimized for 1:1 reproduction. The normally used range of linear magnifications is 5:1 to 1:5. The G-Claron may also be used for distances up to infinity by stopping down to f/22 or less.

For photographic work the G-Claron can be used up to an angle of 64 degrees and is free from mechanical vignetting at f/16 or smaller apertures."

By the quick and decisive responses I get the feeling a lot of people use them for general photographic purposes .

 

[Rick Haug]

Bruce,

Here's another thumb's up for the G Claron. I use the 210 for general purpose on a 4x5 field camera. Don't have the bellows draw to do 1:1 with this set-up. The G Claron is a nice lightweight alternative to the f5.6 lenses of same focal length. I have not used the lens wider than f16 and have never experienced any vignetting problem.

Rick

 

[rbarker]

The biggest problem with the 240 G-Claron is that they can often be found at reasonable prices, completely eliminating the satisfaction of paying high prices for a lens. Another drawback is that the elements of the barrel-mounted enlaring version screw directly into a Copal 1, potentially making it even more of a bargain.

Seriously, yes, I use mine as a general purpose lens that is also very good at close-ups. I haven't done tests to determine at what aperture it might vignette, but I haven't encountered any problem, as I usually shoot at around f/22 (or smaller) anyway.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Both mine [150mm and 240mm] I mounted in shutters so I don't know how the factory ones are mounted. The 150mm I have lights an 8x10 ground glass wide open. At least if I leave off the step up rings.

 

[jimgalli]

240 2 sell

I've got one Dead Link Removed. If you buy it as a result of this discussion I'll donate 3% to APUG. They are superb performers at all f stops. I've shot my 355 wide open in poor light and still gotten excellent results. Schneiders data is somewhat of a mystery on this series lens and can only be surmised to have been aimed at the reproduction industry folks. I have no idea what mechanical vignetting up until f16 meant?? There certainly is no mechanical vignetting at f9 on a view camera. I've made a bit of a cottage industry out of buying these when I can in barrel, mostly out of Europe and then mounting and calibrating in shutters. The US Govt pays me for this same type service in my real job and I've done somewhere around 80 of these now to help pay for my expensive bad habits (read large format cameras). No unhappy customers as far as I know.

 

[Tom Duffy]

I'm quoting from the Schneider site:

For photographic work the G-Claron can be used up to an angle of 64 degrees and is free from mechanical vignetting at f/16 or smaller apertures."
.

Bruce this g claron will certainly cover 8x10. I don't think any mechanical vignetting will be noticed when used with a 4x5 camera, unless the movements are really extreme.

The g claron is very sharp at infinity focus between f22 and f45. I recommend it very highly.
Take care,
Tom

 

[John Kasaian]

I have a 240mm G Claron. Its a peach---try it, you'll like it!

 

[Bruce Osgood]

I have a 240mm G Claron. Its a peach---try it, you'll like it!

I JUST WON IT ON EBAY!!! I'm excited. Waiting for seller to acknowledge. By the serial number it seems to be about 10 years old. Now if the shutter works as claimed I will be VERY happy.

 

[John Kasaian]

Congratulations!

 

[rbarker]

Bravo, Bruce!

I'm confident you'll "love" this lens.