Rodenstock vs. Schneider?

[Ken Grooms]

Thanks for your detailed answer, Jack - and thanks for not berating a newbie!
All the best,
Ken
P.S. Awesome galleries, BTW!

[Jack Flesher]

You are welcome Ken -- And welcome to the wonderful world of Large Format!

[Greg Lockrey]

Jack is one of the better contributers on several forums that I frequent

[neil poulsen]

I like the Schneiders for their wide-angles. I think this is where Schneider does very well. Plus, Schneider needs to be given credit for their experimentation. Look at the Fine Art XXL's, or the Schneider Dagors. Does Rodenstock have something to compare? Not to say that Rodenstock isn't, but I've always thought of Scheider as a "classy" organization.

I think both have their strengths. Rodenstock apparently does well with longer lenses.

Personally, I had a Rodenstock, and I sent it back. I thought the contrast was excessive. I've always appreciated the "luminosity" of the Schneider lenses. But, where I saw Rodenstock's contrast as a negative, others would see this as a strong positive and would prefer Rodenstocks for that reason.

[Ken Grooms]

I just got a cheap lens recommendation from Tim Sharkey - the Schneider G-Claron 210 f/9 - I told him I was interested in shooting moderately close (flowers ) and wanted something under $400. Although he specializes in 8x10 lenses, he sent me a lot of detailed information on a number of 4x5 lenses. He gets the Nice guy Award of the Day: .

Does anyone second Tim's 210 G-Claron suggestion?
Ken

[Jack Flesher]

Does anyone second Tim's 210 G-Claron suggestion?

The 210 G-Claron is a fine lens and performs especially well in the close ranges under 1:10. Its only real negative is it does tend to flare if pointed toward a bright light source.

Cheers,

[Frank Petronio]

Buying from Tim is wise because he will clean and adjust the shutter so it is working up to spec. The 210/9 is fine although a popular, classic 150-210 lens with a f/5.6 aperture will be brighter on the ground glass, making it easier to focus. They are the most popular lenses, so the prices are moderate. Look for a Rodenstock Sironar or a Schneider Symmar or Fujinon W, etc. They've been making them forever so get a late one on a good shutter.

[Ken Lee]

I need a 75-85mm (35mm equivalent) "portrait" lens to shoot leaves on a table top. Does that mean 250mm on a 4x5? Can I achieve this with a 210mm and bellows? Thanks. Here's the shot I want to take to start with:
Ken

Why do you need a 4x5 negative/slide ?