That's the Tessar with this sample. For the most part, I've stopped buying cameras with Novars. They aren't bad lenses, but if you're going to buy a camera, I think it's worth the extra money to buy the Tessar.
I've taken this camera all over the place, although these days I use its bigger sibling, a prewar Super Ikonta C.
HOWEVER, I have quite a few Agfa 35mm cameras with Apotars (triplets), and some of them are very nice.
My experience with the Novar is that it's a decent lens but can be soft in the corners up to f/8. Beyond that, it seems to be sharp. The Novar was made by several different lens makers.
I have a Super Ikonta C with a Triotar, but it needs some work. Plus, I have to find out where I put it! But I'm curious to see how well it works at various distances. My experience with the Triotar is that it's a well-designed triplet with very good performance. But I haven't used it beyond 6x6.
What's always impressed me with this camera is the Tessar's resolving power. If you look at spot No. 4 and think about how far that is from the camera, it's amazing that you're able to count the number of portals on each side of the tower, although the shadow side is a bit difficult.
If I recall, this was shot at f/8. Remember that I thought I was shooting APX 100, so when compensating for the filter, I shot at 1/50 at f/8. Or possibly 1/100 at f/5.6. But I think it was 1/50 at f/8 on a monopod leaned up against another section of the wall.
And even though it looks like late afternoon, it was only 11:30 a.m.
The woman who was with me probably thought I was nutty hauling three cameras up the Wall. Yeah, I probably was.
* * *
NEW COMMENTS
Furthermore, look at the photo. And then think about the size of a 6x9 negative. Then look at each of the four sections and consider how small those are on the actual transparency.
I added an inset showing what is approximately the real size of a 6x9 negative.
Now, that's an impressive lens!