Expierence with Rodenstock Geronar 210mm f6.8 MC?

[Tom Mangan]

I am currently looking to purhcase a 210mm for my 4X5 system. I currently own a schneider 150mm f5.6 MC and I am very happy with it. I dont have allot of money to spend on a new lens so i am looking for a good substitute. I keep coming accr oss the Rodenstock 210mm f6.8 Geronar Multicoated lens. I shoot mostly landscape s and like the fact that this lens is both multicoated and realtivley fast. I al so like the fact that it seems that I can pick one up used for about $250. My qu estion is does anyone have expierence with this lens?. How is the quality, sharp ness and contrasts?. Is it well suited for landscape photography?.I have no expe ierence with Rodenstock lenses either so how is there quality overall?. Thanks i n advance. Tom.

[Brian Yarvin]

Ah! A lens I own!

In fact, I'm editing some landscapes I shot with it the other day...

I find this lens to be a great lens for landscapes and portraits, but not very useful for anything else. The lens is very sharp and has great contrast. (old timers might say too much contrast)

The only bad luck I had with this lens is when I tried to use it for macro work - but I still haven't figured out if that was me or the lens.

I love the fact that I can fold up a Graphic or a Toyo Field Camera with this lens on it - it makes it very easy to carry.

Brian in Queens, NY

[Ron_673]

The Rodenstock Geronar 210 is a very decent lens and should serve you well for general landscape images. I have seen this lens used for $300-$350 but have never seen a clean example for $250. Sounds like a great price if it is in good shape. Another lens to consider if you are on a budget is the Schneider Xenar 210/f6.1. It is of similar vintage and has similar performance to the Rodenstock Genonar but I think it may be slightly better made and may cost a little bit more. Good luck!

[Ron Shaw]

The Geronar's are 3 element lenses, which is why they are cheaper. The 3 element design gives less coverage than a lens with more elements, but at 210mm it should have enough for 4x5. They have a good reputation when used within thier limits. I have read that Calumet still sells a version of this lens as an entry level lens for the Cadet.

[Bob Salomon]

We have just re-introduced the 210 and 150mm Geronars with the new $1170.00 Linhof Kardan M View camera. You can order the Geronars from any camera store in the U.S. as we are currently shipping them.

[TAN K H]

I own the 210mm Geronar. It's a good lens used within its specs. If you're keen, I can send you a JPEG of the theoretical MTF with this lens and specs (scans of the old Rodenstock catalog). Email if keen.

FWIW, for $300-350 used, I'd really rather try to get a used Schneider Xenar f6.1. It has probably better corrections due to the Tessar design. The modern Xenars (of which the 210/6.1; the other being the 150mm/5.6) are outstanding performers.