What new lenses are suggested for hand-held available light photography with ran gefinder coupled lenses for a 4X5 Linhof Master Technika? More specifically whi ch lenses perform well at (heaven forbid) large apertures (f8-16)? A 2 lens out fit would be very versatile (120mm & 210mm) vs. a 90/135/210 combo.
After studying the MTF curves for various Schneider lenses (available online at www.schneideroptics.com) I no longer feel that the 110mm super symmar XL lens is a good choice for hand-held available light photography. The performance at f22 is indeed impressive but wide open it is not. The performance of the super-symmar HM 5.6/120mm and especially the apo-symmar 5.6/120mm are far better wide open, so I assume that they would also be better at f8, f11, etc. The super symmar HM 120mm has a much larger image circle (180mm at f5.6, 210mm at f22) tha n the apo-symmar 120mm (148mm at f5.6, 179mm at f22). The MTF curves for the 12 0mm apo-symmar are very impressive wide open, and at 200 grams I assume that thi s lens could be left on the camera when folded? The size of the image circle co uld be a problem... What do you think? Perhaps a 120mm and 210mm lens combo would be better (i.e. more versatile and portable) than a 90/135/210 or 75/135/210 combo?
I do not yet have the MTF curves for the Rodenstock 75/90/135/210 lenses but I assume they compare well to Schneider.
I have seen resolution tests for the above lenses on the internet, but there is more to lens quality and sharpness that just resolution...
I would be interested to hear your thoughts.
Regards from Toronto,
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