Are these good lenses?

[Bleirer]

Hi All,

Would these be good lenses as a first set for 4x5? Any way to tell who made them?

Caltar 210mm, Copal #1, f6.8, S/N 13071392, Caltar-S II Calumet 135mm, f5.6, Copal #0,

[Peter De Smidt]

Yes, they'd be fine, assuming their condition is ok. Calumet re-branded various lenses over the years from Ilex, Schneider and others. If you post some pictures of the lenses, someone here will know what they are.

[katabatic]

The 210 f6.8 will be a rebranded Rodenstock Geronar, a three-element lens that will cover 5x7, so you'll be able to use ample movements on 4x5. Opinions vary on how good the Geronar is, you can google it and see. I've owned one for a long time, and think it's a fine lens.

[DMS206]

the Caltar-S II is the same as a Schneider Symmar-S, also a good lens.

[IanG]

I have both lenses, excellent performers. I like my Caltar-S II 135mm (Symmar S) it's quite a small light weight lens as is the 210mm Geronar. At wider apertures the Geronars are excellent portrait lens and and very sharp overall at f22.

Ian

[Luis-F-S]

The 210 f6.8 will be a rebranded Rodenstock Geronar, a three-element lens that will cover 5x7, so you'll be able to use ample movements on 4x5. Opinions vary on how good the Geronar is, you can google it and see. I've owned one for a long time, and think it's a fine lens.

I have the 210 f/6.8 and it's fine. Just make sure it's in good shape in a late shutter. You can also do a 120 Super Angulon instead of the 135; better coverage. Remember that most lenses are better than most photographers.

[Bleirer]

Thanks to all for the replies.