Friends,

I'm about to take the large format plunge by way of a medium format (6x9, 6x7) c amera system that comes with a Schneider Symmar 105mm f/5.6 lens (convertible to a 185mm f/12) and a Schneider 47mm f/8 Super Angulon lens as part of the deal.

There is plenty of information on this forum regarding classic and modern lenses for the 4x5 format, but precious little for 2x3. Would any of you experienced folks out there be kind enough to recommend three must-have, price-no-object (OK , OK, not too much more than $500 per lens) medium format (2x3) lenses, broken d own as follows: wide angle (for landscapes and architectural); normal (for all- around shooting and macro); and medium telephoto (for portraiture).

Also, since the camera that I am buying is modular, I would like to eventually m ove up to 4x5, so if any of the lenses recommended could serve double duty in bo th 2x3 and 4x5 (i.e., instead of keeping the 105mm Symmar I could trade it in fo r a 90mm wide angle which could then be my normal lens for 2x3 and my wide angle when I eventually move up to 4x5), then the more the merrier. (Is this asking for too much?) In any case, the emphasis should be on quality for the 2x3 forma t, even if it means having to buy more lenses that are more suitable for 4x5.

So the bottom line, I guess, is: what are the finest lenses that I can obtain f or 2x3 in the above three categories? The lenses may be classic or modern desig ns, quality should take precedence over weight (except in the happy circumstance where light weight and high quality coincide).

Please take into account that intend to shoot both black and white, and color sl ide.

Thanks immensely for any feedback.

Frank Diaz