Which 210mm?

Regular Rod · Jul 29, 2014

duparis00 said:
Hey All,

I'm looking to get a 210mm lens in the 200-250 range and it seems there's a few choices. Fuji, Nikon, Schneider and Calumet Caltar-II which I'm told could be made by either Rodenstock or Schneider. Of these brands which would you guys suggest or if there is not obvious front runner than they're all pretty good?

If you can find one that its owner is prepared to sell you could do a lot worse than the Computar 210 f9. Remarkably sharp, tiny, great big image circle and convertible to 370mm. Two lenses for the price, weight and space of one!

RR

sharpnikkor · Aug 11, 2014

For a vintage lens in a diminutive size, don't forget the 8 1/4 inch f/6.8 Goerz Dagor, preferably coated but an uncoated example will still produce excellent contrast for black and white. Prices are high but if you are patient, reasonably priced lenses do
become available.

Dan Fromm · Aug 11, 2014

If we're going to tout Dagor types, here's a good one in barrel at, so far, a reasonable price: http://www.ebay.fr/itm/BOYER-PARIS-BERYL-6-8-F-210-mm-/131263207940

Not mine, I'm not acquainted with the seller and I have no idea whether it will ship to the US.

I have one just like the lens on offer. Its cells are a direct fit in a #1 shutter.

DREW WILEY · Aug 13, 2014

The Symmar S was not quite as deadly sharp as the newer plastmats from the big four, but it had a somewhat smoother out-of-focus rendering and a tad less contrast, for when those kinds of characteristics might be desirable; and it can usually be had for bargain sums, since it was an abundant lens in its day. You could do a lot worse. I did almost everything with one of these for over a decade. If you want a more critically sharp lens in smaller size, the 210 G Claron is a stellar performer and also tends to be a bargain at the moment. If you need a small lens with a
bit higher contrast and very very sharp, I'd recommend the 200 Nikkor M.

jovo · Aug 13, 2014

My first lf lens was a Rodenstock 210 Geronar. It's a three element lens in a copal shutter. I wanted something "better" and bought a Nikon 210, but I really didn't need to...the photographs I made with it were just fine (b&w enlarged only to 11x14). Two are available now at KEH for $139-144 as EX or EX+. If you're not making unreasonable demands on it, buy one and spend the difference on film which ain't gettin no cheaper no how!

Amfooty · Aug 14, 2014

I like my Rodenstock Sironar-N quite a bit. It is a wonderful lens.

rpsawin · Aug 14, 2014

I use a Fujinon L 210/5.6. It's small, lightweight and a very fine performer...great in the field.

Which 210mm?

Regular Rod

sharpnikkor

Dan Fromm

DREW WILEY

jovo

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Amfooty

rpsawin

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