Which 210mm and 240mm lens for 8x10

[Jim Noel]

210 Computar Symmetrigon

[Bob Salomon]

Rodenstock Apo-Sironar (W) 210/5.6 - 352mm IC

Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 240/5.6 - 372mm IC

I have both of those lenses. Each has the largest IC of any lens in my database in the respective focal length.

I believe common practice for extended movements is to tilt the camera bed, then set front and back vertical.
That technique provides more rigid support than relying on extensive shift of the front standard.

- Leigh

For reference, the full diagonal of 8x10 film is 325mm. The image area diagonal is slightly less.

The S has a smaller circle then the W had. The W covered 80° the S 75°.

[Leigh]

Hi Bob,

The values I gave are from recent Rodenstock datasheets.

The 210/5.6 that I have is a W, confirmed by the dimensions, although it does not have W engraved.
My W is in a Copal 3 shutter and takes 105mm filters, vs. Copal 1 and 72mm for the Apo Sironar-S.

I don't know about earlier versions.

- Leigh

[Peter De Smidt]

How much movement does the Symmetrigon have? I had one at one time, and my feeling then was that it didn't cover 8x10. That was years ago, though, and I'd be happy to be incorrect. It's a very different beast from the F9 Computars, which cover significantly more.

[Lachlan 717]

How much movement does the Symmetrigon have? I had one at one time, and my feeling then was that it didn't cover 8x10. That was years ago, though, and I'd be happy to be incorrect. It's a very different beast from the F9 Computars, which cover significantly more.

I'm with you on that one, Peter.

[Bob Salomon]

Hi Bob,

The values I gave are from recent Rodenstock datasheets.

The 210/5.6 that I have is a W, confirmed by the dimensions, although it does not have W engraved.
My W is in a Copal 3 shutter and takes 105mm filters, vs. Copal 1 and 72mm for the Apo Sironar-S.

I don't know about earlier versions.

- Leigh

There were only two versions of the 80° coverage version. The original labeled an Apo Sironar in 150, 210 and 300mm and then, when the Apo Sironar S was introduced the original 80° coverage lenses became the Apo Sironar-W. The W/Apo Sironar covered a larger circle then the S series.

[Leigh]

...when the Apo Sironar S was introduced the original 80° coverage lenses became the Apo Sironar-W. The W/Apo Sironar covered a larger circle then the S series.

Yes. The W is the one I have.

I also have the Apo-Sironar-S 210/5.6, which is in a Copal 1 shutter and takes 72mm filters.

With its 316mm IC it might cover 8x10 on a good day, but I wouldn't bet my necessaries on it.

- Leigh

[jeroldharter]

Rodenstock ApoSironar W 210 is an outstanding lens for 210. I have one and they are very hard to find. However they are large and heavy.
A G-Claron 210 barely covers 8x10 but it much lighter. Unless you can find the W, I would stick with the 240-250 where many lighter, less expensive options exist.

[Drew Wiley]

That Symmetrigon recommendation sounds off. It's the f/9 process Computar or the equivalent f/9 Kowa graphic you'd want. A 210 G Claron will probably cover, but without much wiggle room.

[Daniel Stone]

OP, do you want more modern lenses, or does any vintage work for you?
single, multi, or uncoated mean anything to you in your search?
a few more specifics would be helpful to use narrowing the field for ya

I have a 240A Fujinon, and it's super sharp. I used it briefly on 8x10, and it covered with some movements. Not a lot, but a bit. But it's a TINY lens size-wise, and you won't even notice it in your pack/case since it's so small.

-Dan