Kowa 210/9 vs. Computar 210/9

**dh003i** · 7-Nov-2011, 09:11

I'm looking for an approximate replacement for my Nikkor-SW 90/4.5 on 8x10, 180mm. This is a vexing focal length if trying to find something affordable and not enormous.

Going to an angle a little bit less wide than 180mm on 8x10, there is 210, in which there appears to be a few choices. The ones I noticed are the Kowa 210/9 and Computar 210/9. These are actually a little bit of a nicer focal length for my typical usage here in Rochester, NY where there aren't a lot of wide-open vistas.

I see two interesting options that seem to be available, not enormous, and relatively affordable: the Kowa 210/9 and the Computar or Kyvytar 210/9. From what I've read, the Computar/Kyvytar seems to cover more (456 mm). Accounts of the Kowa's image circle range from 360mm to 380mm to "an honest 410mm" (Jim Galli). This last one is in line with Kerry Thalman's statement that while he was disappointed that the Kowa doesn't cover 11x14, it does definitely cover 10x12 (at least for contact printing), which requires 396mm.

I'm only concerned with coverage and performance for 8x10. I'd love to get the Computar, but can't find it anywhere (there are Computar Symmetrigons available, but they are different lenses than the plan Computar 210, with less coverage and won't even cover 8x10). Thus, that said, does anyone have experience with the Kowa 210/9 on 8x10 and if it gives adequate room for reasonable movements?

PS: I have a 120-SW/8 for ultra-wide, so I really don't need anything significantly wider than 180mm...I can just crop from the 120, it is sharp enough by all accounts.

**ic-racer** · 7-Nov-2011, 09:58

I don't own either but I thought they were the same. More info on 210mm lenses on 8x10 in a thread I started a while back: http://www.largeformatphotography.in...highlight=kowa

**Jason Greenberg Motamedi** · 7-Nov-2011, 10:32

I use a 210 Computar on 8x10, and it is a great lens for fieldwork. It barely covers 11x14 stopped down to f32 with the hood and internal spacer removed. Of course with 8x10 coverage is more than ample. My impression is that some of the Kowa lenses are not the same plasmat design and don't have the same coverage, so be careful if you buy one of these.

**dh003i** · 7-Nov-2011, 15:07

Thanks for the replies.

From my looking around on LF, I've also noticed that the coverage of the Kowa 210 and Computar 210 is different. Per Kerry Thalman's comments, the Computer 210 is a 6/4, while the Kowa 210 is a 6/6 design.

Unfortunately, it seems like I can't find a Computar for sale.

**Steve Hamley** · 7-Nov-2011, 16:08

Get your wallet out....

http://www.glennview.com/lens.htm

Cheers, Steve

**Peter De Smidt** · 7-Nov-2011, 18:07

There are some different versions of the 210 Kowa. Some will fit directly into a Copal shutter, and some won't. (I had one that wouldn't.) Both lenses should cover 8x10 just fine.

**redu** · 8-Nov-2011, 00:31

A Konica Hexanon GR-ii 210 9 would do the same job just perfectly. These are fantastic lenses. I have tested the 150mm one and it was better than the G Claron 150 9. Just yesterday a 210 9 hexanon gr-ii sold at ebay for $33.65. Damn.. missed it.

**Lynn Jones** · 14-Nov-2011, 14:41

Kowa Graphic f/9 and computar f/9 are identical, I worked for BBOI/B&j (Computar) as well as DO Industries (Kowa). They covered around 80 degrees or more and were superb lenses. They were avavailble in 150, 210, 240, 270, and 305. There was also a 360 but a very different lens for a different purpose. I still 2 or 3 of them.

Lynn