[LargeFormat] Geronar 90/8.0

[Michael Briggs]

On 20-Mar-2004 Sunil Manga wrote:
> Hi List,
> plan to buy a RODENSTOCK 90/8.0 GERONAR.
> How does it compare with the equivalent from SCHNEIDER the SA 90/8.0??

The Geronar series are economy lenses.  As far as I know, the 90 mm f8
Geronar-WA wasn't offered for long.   It is a 4 optical elements in 4 groups
lens, probably similar to the Kodak Wide-Field Ektars.  Rodenstock specified the
coverage as 85 degrees / 170 mm diameter.

The Schneider 90 f8 Super-Angulon is made with 6 optical elements in 4 groups,
and Schneider specs the coverage as 100 degrees / 187 mm diameter.

I assume you intend the lens for 4x5.  Since the diagonal of 4x5 is about 150
mm, the difference between 170 mm and 187 mm is fairly significant.  The
Super-Angulon will support larger amounts of movement such as front rise.  It
depends on your intended use of the lens and price.  If you don't use much
camera movements and the price is good, the Geronar-WA could be an excellent
choice.  If the price is similar to prices for used Super-Angulons, I would
recommend a Super-Angulon instead.

My memory is that the Geronar-WA has an unusual mechanical design that needs a
lensboard for a #3 shutter even though the lens is in a #1 shutter.

--Michael