Thank you both for your responses.
Jack--At what working distance were you using the Rodenstock Ronar 480, as I've heard that this lens has been optimized for (macro) 1:1 copy work?
Also, if you were using it as a moderate/long lens for general photography what kind enlargements have you been able to make from images made by this lens, did they turn to mush at certain size?
Thank you,
C.
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First off, it is my understanding there are at least two versions of APO Ronars. The ones in a factory barrel mount were optimised for copy work at 1:1 while those factory mounted in a shutter were optimised for 1:5 or 1:10 and are thus better as taking lenses. My lens is a factory mount and is very sharp -- stunningly so and I have never run into "mush" at any size. It is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever shot with on any format, period.
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On the topic of reproduction ratios and optimal performance, I also shoot with G-Clarons and they are all optimised for 1:1. Nor were they ever available multi-coated, only single and perhaps non-coated. Anyway, when stopped down to f22 they are just as sharp at infinity as any comparable focal Plasmat, and especially with 8x10, performance is quite excellent. Centers may not be quite as crisp at infinity, but edges are excellent, so sort of a trade-off. The biggest issue I've run into with them is their being single-coated and thus a bit more flare prone if shooting toward the sun.
The big advantage to copy lens designs is they are significantly smaller than a comparable focal Plasmat and still offer large coverage. Moreover, most copy lenses can be adjusted for slightly better infinity performance by separating the elements slightly -- like 1/2 to 1mm. However, while this increases center resolution it generally reduces edge performance by a similar degree. Most copy lenses show better edge performance than a Plasmat to begin with, so a trade-off of sorts any way you look at it. I use my lenses at whatever their standard spacing is and have not had any issues.
Okay, probably way more than you wanted to know -- sorry for being so long-winded