Nikkor, Schneider or Rodenstock.

[Mr. Oddy Lekagul]

I am very new to LF photography. I recently bought a used Linhof Master V Camera and am starting to buy lenses. My question: which lense are "better " Nikkor, Schneider and Rodenstock. How would you rate thee three brands? In Thailand, we generally consider Schneider lenses to be sharper? Is that true? Should you buy all lenses from one brand- can you tell the difference?

Thank you, oddy78@hotmail.com

[shaman]

All three are excellent and I doubt you will see any differences, however each maker has certain "gems" in their line-up (the Rodenstock Apo Grandagons or the Schneider XL 110 come to mind), thus you need to be more specific when comparing these three lens makers.

[Mark Windom]

All 3 manufacturers you mention make great lenses and I doubt you would be able to pick out on a light table which images were shot with which lens make.

I shoot both Nikkors and Schneiders and base by purchasing decision on such factors as cost, image circle, weight, and filter size. It has been claimed that Japanese glass is warmer than German glass and this may be true but the difference isn't great enough to base your entire purchasing decision on this alone.

A agree with Andreas re: the Schnieder 110XL and would highly recommend this as one of your choices.

[Trevor Crone]

I can only agree what has already been said especially re.the Schneider 110XL,if I was only allowed one lens for 4x5 this would be it. If you intend to shoot in 6x9cm.format and like wide angle work then Rodenstock' s 55 Apo Grandagon is a super lens(it also covers 4x5). Regards,Trevor.

[Bob Salomon]

"I am very new to LF photography. I recently bought a used Linhof Master V Camera "

I hope you checked and verified what camera you bought.

But you did not buy a Master V Linhof Technika.

There never was a Master V.

The V was replaced by the Master Technika in 1976.

If you want to know exactly what you bought post the serial number which should be on the accessory shoe if you have either the V or the Master Technikas.

[David_892]

If you can afford it, go for the Schneider 110mm XL, However, don't discount second hand lenses such as the Kodak Ektar 203mm ans such like, as depending on what you shoot you may be able to get away with older lenses - e.g. fine art stuff, or portraits where a soflet image may be preferable. However, try Nikon lenses if you like landscapes - I think Joe Cornish uses them.

[Shootar401]

I use all Nikkor lenses, but that's just because I started with a Nikkor and just kept buying them to have some commonality with the system. But Any of the name brand lenses will work great (Schniedier, Rodenstock, Fuji, Nikkor) You'd be hard pressed to tell them apart side by side.

[Bob Salomon]

I use all Nikkor lenses, but that's just because I started with a Nikkor and just kept buying them to have some commonality with the system. But Any of the name brand lenses will work great (Schniedier, Rodenstock, Fuji, Nikkor) You'd be hard pressed to tell them apart side by side.

Good to know but you're answer is more then 15 years too late!

[Kevin Crisp]

Today is the day long dead threads come back to life. Be afraid.

[djdister]

Well even if the thread is 15 years old (or more), discussing the relative merits of Nikkor, Schneider or Rodenstock lenses hasn't changed one bit...

[Peter Lewin]

But what has changed in 15 years is that those companies are no longer making large format lenses, they are manufacturing "digital lenses" designed to be used with medium-format digital backs. So for the majority of us, availability on the used market, and condition, are at least as important as any differences between manufacturers. FWIW, my own lens collection is a mix: Schneider (80XL, 120, 210), Rodenstock (150), Fuji (300).

[Bob Salomon]

But what has changed in 15 years is that those companies are no longer making large format lenses, they are manufacturing "digital lenses" designed to be used with medium-format digital backs. So for the majority of us, availability on the used market, and condition, are at least as important as any differences between manufacturers. FWIW, my own lens collection is a mix: Schneider (80XL, 120, 210), Rodenstock (150), Fuji (300).

Rodenstock still does make some of the Apo Sironar-S lenses.

[xkaes]

And don't forget about FUJINON lenses. Details are at www.subclub.org/fujinon/index.htm