Older 240 Symmars for 8x10?

[Frank Petronio]

In terms of vignetting and edge softness, how do the older Schneider convertible 240/5.6 Symmars do on 8x10? I know that coverage will be limited but they are certainly priced right.

 

[df cardwell]

Pretty much like a dagor without focus shift.

Here are the official specs:

http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/vintage_lens_data/large_format_lenses/symmar/data/5,6-240mm.html

I figure, at f/32, I get about a 16" circle... and I don't press the issue. it isn't a WF EKTAR. But it is a fine 4x5 portrait lens, and a very useful 8x10 lens. AND CONVERTIBLE !

 

[Ole]

I use one - I don't have 8x10" yet, but it's great on 18x24cm. With a little movements, too.

 

[Jeremy]

Frank, look for a Caltar II-N which is the rebadged Sironar N that, according to the LF.info website, has a larger image circle than even the newer Symmar-S and the Nikkor-W. I was able to find one of these for not much more than the cost of the old 240 Symmar.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Well, I just won one for $162 shipped on the bay, so for that price I can't go wrong. Now for a longer portrait elcheapo... some older 14-16 inch in a compound perhaps?

 

[photobum]

Frank; I have one in a Compur and find that it's a very nice lens. It is used only on my 8x10. I do not use excessive movements. Converted to 420mm, I always find myself wondering why they have been disparaged. I have always used at least a #8 filter when converted. I keep checking for and never seem to find the reputed focus shift. As long as you have it, it would make a wonderful portrait lens, though maybe way to sharp. Nothing a little filter would not fix.

Please do not lisen to lens snobs without trying it at 420.

 

[Ole]

nother little detail I really like with this lens: Mine is in a Compur #2 shutter. The "real deal", not the erroneous mesurements on the SK Grimes website.

Same size shutter my Angulon 165mm f:6.8 is in - they share a lensboard, with occasional visits by a 180mm f:4.5 Xenar and a 150mm f:3.5 Xenar Typ D.

The Angulon 165mm is another lens that's much better than most seem willing to believe. As well as another lens that can be used converted, with far better results than even I was willing to believe until I'd tried it.

 

[df cardwell]

Converted, the 240 is s superb portrait lens.

BTW, the focus shift is a charecteristic of DAGORS, not Symars.

This is THE classic plasmat, just coated, and a bundle cheaper than an old Meyer.

Well done !

 

[photobum]

DF; I had never heard that it was more of a Dagor problem. I also have a Wollensak triple that never seems to shift. I did find that my high end Rodenstock enlarging lenses shifted and a very old Wolly did not. Do you have any info on that?