Super Symmar HM

[Songyun]

How is the quality of this series?
How do Symmar HM lens compare to Apo-symmar-L, or Sironar-S or Sironar-W?
It seems that it has the same coverage as Sironar-W.

[Oren Grad]

The Super-Symmar HM series included the 120, 150 and 210 focal lengths, the Apo-Sironar-W series included 150, 210 and 300. In the 150 and 210 focal lengths, the Apo-Sironar-Ws are much smaller and lighter than the Super-Symmar HMs.

All are excellent lenses. However, the only reason to buy them, and to carry the extra size and weight, is if you need the extra coverage. Within their narrower coverage specifications, the Apo-Symmar L and Apo-Sironar-S will generally deliver slightly higher performance than their Super-Symmar HM and Apo-Sironar-W counterparts.

[Songyun]

Thanks Oren.

The Super-Symmar HM series included the 120, 150 and 210 focal lengths, the Apo-Sironar-W series included 150, 210 and 300. In the 150 and 210 focal lengths, the Apo-Sironar-Ws are much smaller and lighter than the Super-Symmar HMs.

All are excellent lenses. However, the only reason to buy them, and to carry the extra size and weight, is if you need the extra coverage. Within their narrower coverage specifications, the Apo-Symmar L and Apo-Sironar-S will generally deliver slightly higher performance than their Super-Symmar HM and Apo-Sironar-W counterparts.

[james zhou]

Songyun,

I have both the 150HM and 210 HM, and used to have the 210 Sironar W. The 210 HM has a much larger IC than the Sironar W even the two are rated the same. On 8x10, the former gives 5 cm of vertical shift, while the other gives about 2cm. The 150HM is also larger than the rated IC 290mm vs. 256mm. Hope this helps.

Jim

[Songyun]

Songyun,

I have both the 150HM and 210 HM, and used to have the 210 Sironar W. The 210 HM has a much larger IC than the Sironar W even the two are rated the same. On 8x10, the former gives 5 cm of vertical shift, while the other gives about 2cm. The 150HM is also larger than the rated IC 290mm vs. 256mm. Hope this helps.

Jim

Thanks, Jim.
I am shooting 4X5 now, so coverage is not an issue right now. But I might shoot 8X10 in the near future, by that time 210mm lens might be a lens that I will use on 8X10. I

[Jean-Marie Solichon]

I have been using the 120 HM for years. I shoot 2/3 of my pictures with it; at this focal length it really is unique. And yes, it is the only lens which I can see (slightly) sharper than others I have ever used.