Schneider 210mm f/6.1 lens.

[Keith Tapscott.]

Does anyone here use one of these lenses? I am thinking of buying one to replace my 150mm Xenar f/4.5.

[IanG]

While I don't have the Xenar 210mm f6.1 I do have a Tessar 210mm f4.5 (uncoated) and a coatred Congo/Osaka 210mm f6.3 both cover Half plate and 7x5. I also have a late Xenar 150mm f5.6 which is probably the best Tessar type lens made and the 210mm f6.1 and the 300mm f5.6 were part of the same design series. (https://www.schneideroptics.com/pdfs/photo/Xenar_data.pdf)

The slower Tessar (and type) designs are the sharpest and have the best coverage, the 210 f6.1 will have significantly more coverage than your current older 150mm f4.5 and because of the longer FL will be better at the corners and edges with 5x4.

I do use my Tessar & type lenses but carry and use a 210mm lens alongside a 150mm or sometimes 135mm rather than as a replacement, sometimes 210mm is a little too long a FL for 5x4. I presume f6.1 was the fastest 210mm Tessar type design that would fit in a Copal #1 shutter, the Copal #3 shutter is quite large in comparison and Schneider were selling these last Xenars emphasising their small size and weight, ideal for back-packing. My 210 f4.5 Tessar is in a Compound 3, the Congo/Osaka f6.3 in a Copal #1.

Ian

[plaubel]

I owned the Xenar 4,5/210mm (Compound) and the Xenar 6,1/210mm (Copal).

Comparing both, the 6,1 is small and lightweight; it has the look of a modern lens.

Nothing to say against the 6,1; for some daytrips, I missed mine sometimes, but I have sold it and I kept only the 4,5, because I love the charactere of the older Xenars.

If you don't like the "quality" of the old 150mm Xenar, the 210/6,1 may be a better choice.
If you like the 150mm, you may add with a 4,5/210 mm.

Ritchie

[IanG]

The difference in weight and size is significant, the f6.1 in a Copal #1 is 375g, the f4.6 550g in a Compound #3 it would be heavier in a Copal #3.

Ian

[Keith Tapscott.]

Thanks Ian and Ritchie. My 150mm Xenar is a good lens and folds away neatly on my MPP mark 8 without having to remove it from the camera. It doesn't allow for much movement though with rise, fall and shifts.

I am considering the 210 Xenar f6.1 because it will provide greater coverage of the image circle and (fingers crossed) also allow me to fold the camera without having to detach the lens. I also would appreciate the longer focal length.

T

[neil poulsen]

This focal length is frequently recommended as being a little longer than normal (150mm for 4x5), thereby placing a little more distance between a subject and the photographer for less effects due to distortion.

By and large, they are one of the least expensive LF lenses. They also have excellent coverage and can cover 5x7 with movements.

Personally, I like having both a 180mm & a 250mm, so I don't have one of these lenses. On the other hand, if I shot 5x7, this focal length would be a nice step up from a 165mm sw.

[Carsten Wolff]

The 210 f6.3 Komura is another excellent Tessar type (its not the same lens as the Congo) and a personal 5x7 favourite.

[David Karp]

And while you are looking, if you find a 210mm f/6.1 Caltar Pro, that is the same lens as the Xenar rebranded for Calumet.

[Keith Tapscott.]

And while you are looking, if you find a 210mm f/6.1 Caltar Pro, that is the same lens as the Xenar rebranded for Calumet.Thanks for this. The Komura 6.3 may also be considered. Which ever lens I buy, it must be small enough to fold away without detaching from the camera.

[IanG]

Thanks for this. The Komura 6.3 may also be considered. Which ever lens I buy, it must be small enough to fold away without detaching from the camera.

You need to ask someone with a similar MPP. My 210mm f6.3 Congo/Osaka is much shorter than the 135mm f5,6 Symmar currently on my Super Graphic, the only real size difference is the diameter of the shutter. My 150mm f4.5 Carl Zeiss (Linhof) Tessar in a #1 Compur shutter is another lens larger than the 210mm f6.1 Xenar, all these lenses will old away on a Super Graphic and Speed Graphic.

Of course the 150mm Linhof Tessar folds away on a Linhof and the MPP's are based on a MkIII Linhof, the MPP MkVII weere also sold with 150mm Symmars 5mm longer overall lenght compared to a 210mm f6.1 Xenar, and the 150mm f4.5 Xenar ina Compur #1.

Ian