Rodenstock 210mm f6.8 Geronar

[BradS]

I am interested in the Geronar line of optics. I have done some reading on the subject but have seen very little in the way of reviews or real world performance. Does anybody have any experience with the 210mm Geronar that they'd like to share? I am aware of it's 3 element design and rather limited coverage compared to the plasmats but how does it perform? I'm mainly interested in natural light portraits on 4x5 film but any insight would be appreciated.

 

[jovo]

Hehe....I wrote a similar query here last spring and got lots of assurances that the Geronar is a very decent performer. After using it exclusively for months, I came to appreciate its' strengths and weakness. However, recently I was complaining about it perhaps not being as sharp and...well....for want of a better word...dynamic as perhaps a 'better' lens. If you check that later thread, you'll read every responder pointing out that the 'fault' must lie elsewhere...it was almost certainly NOT the lens. Shortly thereafter, I made one of the most crisp and lovely images I've ever made (posted here in my personal gallery: Barnside and Vine.) with it. So....I've quit bitchin and come to really appreciate the strengths of the lens. I'm happy with it now....I guess I was just reacting to a lack of experience with any other lens to compare it to.

BTW, Eric Rose has an image in the Autumn issue of the UK Black and White magazine made with the 210 Geronar. Check it out. It's excellent!!

 

[Eric Rose]

I've just hung a show consisting of 6 prints all enlarged to 20x24 inches. Several of them were taken with either a 210 or 300 Geronar lenses. All are tack sharp and contrasty. I also did some prints from my 150 APO super zapp'em ultra sharp (read expensive) lens and you can't tell which print goes with which lens. Nuff said.

 

[BradS]

JoVo and EricR,

Thanks. I have one on the way right now. It comes as part of a package deal I just purchased. Was thinking of reselling the lens but, sounds like it's a keeper.

I am assuming that you guys both shoot the lens well stopped down. What does it do wide open -- or nearly so?

Brad.

 

[roteague]

I've had mine for 15 years or so. Just recently pulled it out of retirement and it seems to be working great.

 

[jovo]

I am assuming that you guys both shoot the lens well stopped down. What does it do wide open -- or nearly so?

Brad.

Because it was suggested from the get-go that f22 or smaller was optimal for this lens, I have always used it in this way. Ergo..no experience with it more widely opened.

 

[BradS]

Update

Did some initial tests in the back yard and was very pleased with the results so, I mounted the Geronar on a Graphic lens board and it has found a home in my "travel kit". As an aside, it fits just fine inside a folded crown graphic...try that with a 210 symmar or sironar!

 

[Flotsam]

Because it was suggested from the get-go that f22 or smaller was optimal for this lens, I have always used it in this way. Ergo..no experience with it more widely opened.

Ditto with my 150 Geronar. I just consider it an 150mm f/22 lens. I've never judged it wider aps

 

[BradS]

I did a "quicky" portrait of my son yesterday morning at f/8 on Kodak E100G. He's a little skirmy, so it's hard to judge sharpness from this one but, it looks nice on the light table.