Rodenstock 127mm Ysaron or Kodak Ektar 127mm

[Andrew Moxom]

Which of these two lenses would give me more coverage with less fall off at the edges? I already have the Ektar and notice the fall off quite a bit, but have a lead on a Ysaron version with prontor press shutter for a good deal. It may worth getting even if just for the prontor press shutter.

So what sayeth the gurus on better coverage and what would be sharpest?

Thanks

 

[waynecrider]

A little Googleing: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=8140

 

[Jim Noel]

The Ektar lens is superior to the Ysaron in design nd performance. The Ektar stopped downto 22 should cover 4x5 with some movements.

 

[John Kasaian]

IMHO both will cover 4x5 though without much wiggle room. Both are very nice lenses for what they are (and they are both quite sharp and well corrected for color!) My uncoated wartime production 127 Ektar is a keeper. I had a 127 Ysaron and gave it to a friend, then I bought a second 127 Ysaron just for the shutter so I'll have something in which to mount the $40 270mm G Claron I'll win on ebay some day in the future

Keep in mind that the 127 Ektar was used primarily on press cameras like Speed Graphics which were usually shot handheld, so the ability of any usable movements were really a non-issue.

If what you want is a cheap lens, both the Ektar and Ysaron are excellent if availability of movements aren't an issue. OTOH if you want movements there are plenty of lenses going for not much more that will give you much greater satisfaction. I'd recommend checking out a 120 Angulon.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

My 127mm Kodak Ektar is a Tessar type lens that came together with my 3.25" X 4.25"
Crown Graphic. It covers the 3.25" X 4.25" format ok...

My 127mm Rodenstock Ysaron is also a Tessar design and it also covers the 3.25" X 4.25" format ok...

 

[Wade D]

I have both of those lenses. They cover the field on my Speed Graphic just fine and are both sharp. They also cover the limited movements on my Crown View without much of a problem when stopped down enough.

 

[weasel]

I have both, and and honestly can't tell the difference in image. Little/no room for movements, but great almost point and shoot lenses for a speed graphic.