Previously discussed beyond nauseam...
See post# 34 on this current discussion.
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...mm-f8-SW/page4
"Rodenstock, Schneider were the LF view camera lens brands back in the days when sheet film color transparencies were THE high quality image production method. Nikkor was trying to gain_expand their photographic market share as Nikon-Nikkor had already held a good share of the 35mm film camera market, Nikon wanted more by expanding into the LF view camera market. What did happen, Rodenstock, Schneider remained the preferred lens brands as they worked excellent. Nikon was not much different optically, they did not have the marketing (much as they tried), brand recognition and long standing reputation among LF view camera users from that time (keep in mind, majority of 4x5 images from that time were made using monorail, in studio, high expectations images-work produced on color transparency film). Fujinon did not market in ways like Nikon or had the brand recognition as Schneider or Rodenstock.
~All four were essentially much the same, it came down to cost, lens availability and a long list of other factors_not image quality differences as if there were any significant image quality differences, there would be about zero possibility for any LF view camera lens brand to sell any significant numbers of lenses.
Fast forward to the here and now of what remains of the LF view camera world. Monorails have been over run by lightweight field folders, small light weight lenses and all related are in high demand commanding a market value premium, alternative image making processes have grown lots. Folks new to LF view camera today often have a history with 35mm film or digital as their points of reference and image making history. This history of Foto hardware is often carried over into their first steps into making-crafting LF view camera sheet film images. Reality, none of this should carried over into LF view camera image making without careful consideration due to the significant differences in hardware and often image making techniques."
Bottom line, pick any 210mm f5.6 in a proven GOOD, Reliable shutter (likely Copal) from Schneider, Fujinon, Rodenstock, Nikon-Nikkor and move on to image making.
Know this APO Sironar, APO Symmar stuff is NOT gonna make THAT much difference in the film image.. Been there done these. Know and understand higher contrast is NOT always a better lens. As for sharpness, the great LF view camera lens equalizer is f22.
Sinaron, Caltar (later versions) are re-branded Rodenstock. In the case of Sinaron, these are reported to be checked then distributed in the Sinar sales network_much identical to the "box stock" Rodenstock offering.
FYI, fave LF view camera lenses are from 1950's designed and produced by Kodak single coated, in barrel, zero fancy marketing hype yet produces images like this:
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...n-a-LF-wedding
Bernice
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