Caltar
Caltar Large Format Lenses
When looking for a large format lens, names can get pretty confusing at times. Often you'll see what appears to be a couple of different brands listed on the same lens. This is because one manufacture will often times produce lenses under different names and the reseller will list both the actual manufacturer and the name under which it was sold. This is the case with Caltar lenses which are really Rodenstock lenses produced for and sold by Calumet Photographic.
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 Calumet Caltar Type S 210mm f/5.6 Lens - 4x5 (Good)  US $425.00
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 Rodenstock Caltar II-N 5,6/210mm MC Lens. Ex. Working. US $249.99
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 Caltar II N 90mm F6.8 Rodenstock Grandagon Lens Mint- US $399.00
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 CALTAR 11-N 300mm COPAL 3 LENS BY RODENSTOCK 8X10 LOOK US $599.99
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 ilex calumet caltar 375mm Lens 14 3/4" INCHES LENS US $499.00
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 Rodenstock 75mm f4.5 Caltar II-N Lens Wisner board caps US $500.00
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 90mm CALTAR II N View camera lens US $500.00
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 90mm Caltar HR Multicoated view camera lens US $300.00
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Caltar lenses tend to be a great value. Here's why:
Even though Rodenstock makes them, Caltar large format lenses are actually available in a wider variety of focal lengths than Rodenstock's lenses and can be had at a signifigantly lower price point. These lenses are in just about every way, save for the name, identical to their Rodenstock counterparts and have an exceptional reputation, particularly the current line. Look for these lenses new or used/second hand as they are often available at really great prices considering their quality.
Note:
Earlier Caltar models were actaully manufactured by Schneider (again not a bad thing). Just be aware of this and don't get confused if you see a lens described as "Schneider - Caltar" or "Caltar - Schneider"
The current line of Caltars and their Rodenstock equivalents:
Caltar II-N is the same as Rodenstock's APO-Sironar-N or Grandagon-N series
Caltar II-E is the same as Rodenstock's Geronar series.
