18x24 wide lens (cheap)

[xya]

after years of mf and 4x5 with an old linhof technikardan I did the first jump: I bought an old russian 18x24 wooden camera and an industar 300mm lens (no shutter). I want to use it with harman direct paper for outdoor stills on wasteland and decaying buildings. I did this in 4x5 but the images are too small. I don't have a real budget, it's just testing if it works and get some better material later.

but I would love to have a wide angle lens. a shutter wouldn't be necessary but would be a nice option for later use with film. it should cover 300mm at least, a bit more for some movements would be nice. it could be an old lens and I'm able to do some diy. what are your ideas for a cheap lens? thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Reinhold]

If you're comfortable using a lens without a shutter, take a look at meniscus lenses.
They can be very soft and "old world pictorial" or, when stopped down, have the (sorta) sharp look of uncoated pre-war optics of 1900~1930's. They just might suit your style and subject matter.

Some examples:
http://re-inventedphotoequip.com/Site/Photos.html
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Reinhold
www.re-inventedPhotoEquip.com

 

[xya]

thank you, reinhold, for your answer. these lenses you make are nice and very cheap lenses. as there weren't any answers here, I posted the subject to another forum http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?102936-cheap-18x24-wide-lens . meanwhile I bought a Wollensak EXWA 6 1/2 f/12,5 without shutter for a mere 75$ on etsy.