Dear Jeffrey,
we simply discuss, and that's why this forum is here, isn't it?
Hi Thierry:
I don't want to get into a lens debate but the Schnieders have larger image circle in general especially the 35xl and 47xl (which is huge for digital).
Yes BUT: the Schneider lenses HAVE TO BE stopped down, otherwise they have some serious sharpness problems at the edge, not so the Rodenstock.
And as said, like said many times by myself and others (rainer_v, for example): the Rodenstock shifting ways (understand image circle) are given VERY conservatively. In fact the image circle is MUCH bigger than what is indicated in the documentations. And what I said, is that you can go about 50% more than what is indicated.
If the new 40HR has the same circle as the 23 (based on what you said, I have not looked it up) ...
I can't remember having said or written that: did I? If so, then I should take it back, since I honestly don't know the 40 HR, and never had it in my hands, so far.
... then I would be disappointed to have only 8-10mm shift before it starts to vignette in a vertical composition.
You have more than this, at least 13 to 15mm, IF the 40 HR has the same image circle (see above).
The HR will likely be sharper edge to edge and hold sharpness better when shifted due to the retro-focal design however. The Digitars do loose some sharpness at extreme shifts much the way standard 4x5 lenses would.
Definitively so, and from full open aperture.
Thanks and cheers too,
Thierry