[Asking for advices] The very first 150 mm lens to buy

[tundra]

My 150mm Schenieder is 1/3 stop too fast up to 1/30th.

I have tested literally dozens of leaf shutters using a simple digital timer. This isn't a perfect measurement because the speed at the edges of a larger shutter is faster than in the center (the center stays open relatively longer) but it's a good first order approximation.

Based on this, I have found that almost all shutters, even older ones, tend to be OK - say, within 1/2 stop or so - up to around 1/125 unless they are extremely grimy or defective. The speeds above this tend to be slow, particularly with shutter age as the mechanism gets dirty and gums up somewhat with time. A CLA typically fixes this.

[BrianShaw]

My 150mm Schenieder is 1/3 stop too fast up to 1/30th.

Within factory specification. This is a testament to the shutter quality when a shutter is kept serviced.

[jnantz]

Hello,

I've decided to start large format photography with a Sinar F2 4x5 (for landscapes, portraits, and objects in various situations). My very first lens will probably be a 150 mm. But I'm looking for advices, on the model and buying tips (I live in Europe).

For now, I have two lenses in mind:

- Schneider Apo-Symmar 150 mm
- Rodenstock Apo Sironar N 150 mm

Here are my questions:
- How to decide between these two?
- Any interesting alternatives?
- Schneideritis "scares" me, is it possible to avoid it?
- Is it relevant to check the serial number of the lens and why exactly?
- What should I be checking for if I buy online, let's say on eBay?

Thank you very much for your help!

Wanisun
What lens did you end up getting ?
just make sure when you buy the used lens that you put aside some money to get the shutter clean/adjusted/lubricated.

[Drew Wiley]

Almost all Copal shutters are way off at the highest speed (typically 1/500th). It's the commonly used lower speeds you need to pay attention to, and the critical factor isn't the exact speed itself, but the plus/minus consistency of each speed. I cut my teeth on large format fussy chrome film, and half a stop off would be equivalent to a train wreck in that application. Shutters need to be tested, and their real speeds, and variation of any given speed, recorded. I have a Calumet electronic shutter tester good for that purpose. None of my present shutters have any of the common speeds off even a third of a stop - more like within a sixth or better at all but the highest speeds with every one of them. Antique shutters might be more problematic.

[Wanisun]

I haven't taken the plunge and bought a lens yet. Nevertheless, I wanted to thank you all for the quality of your messages and advice. It's a real pleasure to read this forum!

[Tin Can]

You are cautious

Good

Perhaps winter is coming where you are

I use Packard Shutters as often

Made since 1895, and still in biz

https://packardshutter.com/

I have a few, not for sale

I love 1895 Technology

Restoring this now for big glass

Also a 1895 Cycle Camera

10X10 Hole 5 inch by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

I haven't taken the plunge and bought a lens yet. Nevertheless, I wanted to thank you all for the quality of your messages and advice. It's a real pleasure to read this forum!