Sironar vs Sironar N

[Doc W]

I am thinking of buying a 150mm Rodenstock Sironar. Not the "N." It is a little rough cosmetically but the glass is really clean and the shutter speeds are very close (shutter is a Synchro Compur). The seller wants only USD 110.

What is the difference between the Sironar and Sironar N?

 

[Alan Gales]

The Sironar N lenses are multicoated and marked MC. I don't know about the older lens but it should be marked MC if it is multicoated.

I have read that the older versions or at least some of them were convertible models and a different design. Check the shutter to see if it has a couple different aperture scales on it.

 

[Ian Grant]

The Sironar has less coverage than the Sironar N, it's also prone to separation of the front elements as are one or two other similar aged Rodenstock lenses of the time. Rodenstock had just switched from Balsam to the newer polymer optical cement. I've 3 Rodenstock lenses with separation including a 150mm Sironar, the other two are enlarger lenses.

Alan is right the Sironar N was a newer design and no longer sold as convertible, they are superb lenses, I've had mine nearly 30 years and it's the LF lens I've used the most over the years.

Ian

 

[Doc W]

I will probably pass. I already have enough older lenses with issues. Thanks, guys.