Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11

Thread: Lens Comparison

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    102

    Lens Comparison

    I am planning on purchasing a 150mm lens for my 4x5 camera, and am having a hard time trying to decide which one to buy. There are two that I am looking at on the KEH website that I like. My question is what is the difference, other than prices, between the two. One is a 150 F5.6 Nikkor with a Copal 0 shutter. It sells for $415.00. The other is a 150 F5.6 Caltar II-N MC also with a Copal 0 shutter. It is selling for $339.00. Both lenses are rated excellent plus by KEH. Which one should I go with folks? The specs for both lenses are very similar.

    Thanks for any and all input.

    Jeff

  2. #2
    MIke Sherck's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Elkhart, IN
    Posts
    1,312

    Lens Comparison

    Either one should be fine for you, Jeff. I doubt that you could tell the difference between negatives shot with them even with a 10x loupe. If you shoot a lot of color then you might want to go with whichever one is from the same manufacturer; or maybe not. Me, I'd go with the less expensive one and be that much further ahead for film!

    Mike
    Politically, aerodynamically, and fashionably incorrect.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    102

    Lens Comparison

    Yes, the more film the better, Mike!

    Jeff

  4. #4
    Octogenarian
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Frisco, Texas
    Posts
    3,532

    Lens Comparison

    Hi Jeff,

    Jim, at Midwest Photo Exchange, has a Nikkor 150W f5.6 in a Copal 0 shutter (9+ condition) listed for $329. I regularily purchase equipment from both K.E.H. and Midwest and usually find Midwest's prices on previously owned lenses to be about $50 lower than K.E.H.'s prices. Judging from my past experience with both Caltar and Nikkor lenses, I found that the Nikkors maintained their value better than the Caltars, even though the Caltars are made by Rodenstock.

  5. #5
    Moderator Ralph Barker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Rio Rancho, NM
    Posts
    5,034

    Lens Comparison

    FWIW, I'd concur with Eugene's observations. Although the lenses are pretty comparable quality-wise, the Nikkors tend to hold value a bit better. I've also found both Midwest and KEH good to deal with, and have bought from both.

  6. #6
    All metric sizes to 24x30 Ole Tjugen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Norway
    Posts
    3,383

    Lens Comparison

    Having used several different 150mm's - including none of the above - I would go for the Nikkor. On the other hand - if there are any more 150/4.5 APO-Lanthars with scratched rear element out there, I couldn't wish for a better lens. Those in the print exchange will get an image shot with that - on 5x7" film. The scratch made it worthless to collectors, thus affordable to me.

    I think that what I'm trying to say is: Don't worry. Any 150mm you can find is going to be plenty good, and probably good value for the money.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    48

    Lens Comparison

    I second or rather third the suggestion of going over to Midwest. I bought a set of 3 (75SW, 135W and 210W) Nikon Lenses from them. The prices were great and the lenses were flawless. The only reason they would not have passed for new was that they lacked boxes (actually the 135W came in a box). Before buying I tested a whole bunch of lenses via rental, I just chose to standardize on Nikons. They had more than adequate coverage and a price/performance ratio that got me an additional lens for the amount I had budgeted.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    9,487

    Lens Comparison

    FWIW I bet you could easily find a late model version for $100 less on eBay... from a reputable seller no less (and no, not me).

  9. #9
    Dave Karp
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    2,960

    Lens Comparison

    Jeff,

    According to the comparison chart (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF4x5in.html), the Caltar (= to Rodenstock APO Sironar-N) has a slightly larger image circle (only by 4mm, if that matters). I don't have a 150, but do have lenses from both Nikon and Rodenstock. I doubt you would ever regret buying one over the other, so I might make my choice in this case based on price.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    78

    Lens Comparison

    I use a 1970's vintage 150mm f/5.6 Schneider Symmar. A super lens, probably not up to the specs of the more modern lenses, however, the images are still superb and more than adequate for anything most of us will ever do. Small, light weight, 49mm filters.

Similar Threads

  1. Lens Comparison
    By Bob Phipps in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 4-Nov-2005, 17:11
  2. comparison of hp4+ vs bergger 200
    By david o'connor in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 7-Apr-2001, 22:15
  3. Lens performace comparison Nikkor 210 W vs. Symmar-S
    By Tom Reymolds in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 8-Dec-2000, 19:31
  4. MF lens comparison to LF lens
    By mario abba in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 12-Jul-2000, 18:17
  5. 120mm lens comparison
    By Colwyn Griffith in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 4-Mar-1999, 09:20

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •