Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Schneider Xenar 150mm f/5.6 vs. Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f/6.3?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    1

    Schneider Xenar 150mm f/5.6 vs. Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f/6.3?

    Hi All,

    I am looking to get back into LF photography after a long (~10 year) break and have a lens question. My Toyo 45CF came with the Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f/6.3 lens and I remember it being ok but not stellar. I'm thinking about getting the Schneider Xenar 150mm f/5.6 as an "upgrade" but am wondering if it would truly be a step up or more of a lateral step. Can anyone shed any light? Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    SF Bay area, CA
    Posts
    18,338

    Re: Schneider Xenar 150mm f/5.6 vs. Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f/6.3?

    Sometimes lenses earned a cult status long ago which are quite anachronistic in the present, given the fact that quite a few modern options now exist in that focal length which might be even better, as well as cheaper on the used market. The Geronar itself was marketed as a "student grade" lens. And while a Xenar might be a modest upgrade, you might opt for something with a larger image circle for sake of more generous movements. Nearly all 150's tend to be a bargain at the
    moment, so it's hard to go wrong. But something of plasmat construction rather than tessar will give you a lot more wiggle
    room while still being quite compact in this focal length.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    8,470

    Re: Schneider Xenar 150mm f/5.6 vs. Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f/6.3?

    Rodenstock claims that the 150/6.3 Geronar covers 60 degrees. Schneider says that the 150/5.6 Xenar covers 60 degrees. No gain.

    To find out how much 150 mm lenses made by, in alphabetical order, Fujinon, Nikon, Schneider and Rodenstock cover, consult the manufacturers' catalogs. There's a link to a list of links to them in the first post in http://www.largeformatphotography.in...mainly)-lenses

    Then go looking for lenses offered on eBay, paying attention to condition and price including shipping. I think you'll find the various 150/5.6 Fujinons are the best buys.

Similar Threads

  1. Rodenstock Geronar 6.3/150mm MC vs old Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 150mm f4.5 lens
    By freddenacka in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 29-Nov-2013, 03:22
  2. Xenar 150mm 3,5? Why is it similar to my modern Rodenstock 150mm 5.6?
    By joshdaskew in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 35
    Last Post: 10-Apr-2009, 03:51

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •