A 210mm Symmar S is a good choice. It is able to cover 5x7, in 4x5 it gives you tons of coverage/movement.
If I had to choose just one lens for 4x5, that would be the one.
A 210mm Symmar S is a good choice. It is able to cover 5x7, in 4x5 it gives you tons of coverage/movement.
If I had to choose just one lens for 4x5, that would be the one.
The Ektar 203mm f7.7 is inexpensive, covers 5x7 and is small, light & VERY sharp the European issue had a better shutter but hard to find.
+1
I own the same lens.
Of course I don't think you could go wrong with a 210mm f/5.6 lens from Rodenstock, Nikkor, Fujinon or Caltar either.
For me, the 210mm plasmats (i.e., the f/5.6 lenses for the most part) are just too big and bulky. I hike and backpack a lot and need a lightweight kit.
Dormeus
They are bigger and heavier than the lenses Dormeus mentions. They are also excellent performers, bright on the ground glass, offer a large image circle, and are very inexpensive. You should be able to find a Nikkor (my current choice in this focal lenght), Fujinon, Rodenstock or Schneider 210mm f5.6 in a modern, all black Copal shutter for between $200 and $250 USD or so if you are patient. If I could only have one lens this would be the one.
If you are not put off by the size (generally 67mm filter thread) I would not hesitate to buy one made by any of the main 4 manufacturers.
+1
I own the same lens.
Of course I don't think you could go wrong with a 210mm f/5.6 lens from Rodenstock, Nikkor, Fujinon or Caltar either.
How do you find the Fuji 210mm L lens for 4x5 coverage? How does it stack up to the 203mm Ektar for image quality? Just curious? JohnWFor me, the 210mm plasmats (i.e., the f/5.6 lenses for the most part) are just too big and bulky. I hike and backpack a lot and need a lightweight kit.
For that reason, my current lenses in that focal length are the Ektar 203mm (one of my favorites) and a Fujinon L 210mm. This latter is a Tessar design and a bit less heavy and compact than the plasmats. Another lightweight choice would be the Nikkor M 200mm if you can find one of them. They are rather rare.
When looking for an Ektar, be sure the glass is good; the coating on these is not as hard as later coatings and many are scratched/cloudy due to mishandling. As for the Supramatic shutter that the U.S. Ektars come in: Mine has been more than serviceable for 30+ years and has only had one CLA. If you plan on using it with flash, be aware that the flash connection is not modern and you'll have to come up with an adapter cord or improvise.
If weight and size are not an issue, you'll likely find that one of the plasmats from one of the big four will serve you excellently.
Best,
Dormeus
How do you find the Fuji 210mm L lens for 4x5 coverage? How does it stack up to the 203mm Ektar for image quality? Just curious? JohnW
Another option would be an 8 1/4" Commercial Ektar. A Tessar-type, considered by many to be one of the finest portrait lenses of its period (post-WW II). It's an f6.3 maximum, so it's a nice compromise between the plasmats and the 203 Ektar. Brighter, faster, but not huge. I want to say the 8 1/4" is in an Ilex #3 shutter, but I could be wrong about the size. It too will require a bi-post adapter to use flash.
You are correct about the 8 1/4" being in an Ilex #3.
I own a 14" Commercial Ektar in an Ilex #5 which I use on my 8x10. It's my favorite portrait lens.
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