4x5 Lens Recommendation?

maxbloom · Mar 18, 2008

I'm looking for a solid, yet affordable portrait lens...probably something in the 180mm-210mm range. I have a number of options but am generally unfamiliar with them and have no way to test most of them before I buy. So far I'm looking at the following:

180 F5.6 Fujinon
180 F5.6 Nikkor
180 F5.6 Symmar-S MC
210 F5.6 Fujinon-L
210 F5.6 Fujinon-W (what's the difference between this lens and the above?)
210 F5.6 Caltar-N II
210 F5.6 Nikkor-W
210 F5.6 Sironar-N MC
210 F5.6 Symmar-S MC

The Caltars and Symmars are available locally...the other's I'd have to order. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be much appreciated.

jgjbowen · Mar 18, 2008

Max,

I would think that a 180 would be a little short for a portrait lens. I would probably grab something between 210 and maybe 300 for 4x5 portraits. Just my opinion.

I have seen many, many lovely portraits shot with a 210 Symmar-S. I really can't comment on the other lenses.

I'm sure you will get feedback supporting every single one of these lenses......

maxbloom · Mar 18, 2008

If that's the case something like a 240mm might be a happy medium.

Thanks for the input.

mattk · Mar 18, 2008

I am in the process of working on this question as well. I picked up a old Optar 135mm that I used as a portrait lens just to test it--I like having some more environment in the shot~I guess it depends on if it will be mostly head and shoulder shot or more environmental. My next test will be a 210mm Caltar pro, my sons Kindergarten class is interested in seeing an "old time" camera in action (7 kids and they will trip the shutter for each other and get a contact print to take home). I'll let you know what I think of the 210. I also attached a portrait of my daughter with the 135.

Matt

Pinholemaster · Mar 18, 2008

I have a 210 mm Caltar. Never hurt me. May be someday I should replace it with a 'named' camera manufacturer, but in the meantime it works great. Right up there with my Nikkors, Fujinons, Rodenstocks and Schneiders. I won't compare it to my Cooke VXa from the 8x10 system. Grin.

HerrBremerhaven · Mar 18, 2008

Last year I looked into getting a Fujinon 180mm to add to my 135mm for my usual 4x5 set-up. After looking at several auctions, and KEH, I gave MPEX a call. Seemed they had one in stock. Then another call confirmed that the Fujinon they had was not what I might want, though they offered me a Nikkor-W 180mm f5.6. I took them up on the offer, and after trying out this lens on a few shots, I was very happy at the recommendation. Basically, if you can find a good example, I think you would be very pleased using one.

One note, if by portrait you mean tight head shot, then a 180mm puts you very close to your subject. Even a 210mm would be quite close. If you only want to do head shots, then a 300mm might make more sense, and give you a more comfortable working distance. On the other hand, if you are doing more open portraits, or closer to full body, then a 180mm provides a nice amount of coverage and field of view at a comfortable working distance. You might also want to add the small Nikkor-M 200mm to your list, though they are not easy to find at good prices.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

mikez · Mar 18, 2008

I would go with the 210 F5.6 Nikkor-W, but only because my two lenses for 4x5 that I own are a Nikkor W 150mm (5.6) and SW 90mm (F4.5), honestly you would be best off buying a lens with a warranty or buying from someone who would let you test the lens. To test, I would expose a wall at zero position with the lens wide open, half stopped down, and stopped down completely.

David H. Bebbington · Mar 18, 2008

Specifically for portraits, an interesting and affordable lens is the older f4.5 Xenar, either 210 or 240 mm according to taste. Very sharp closed down 3 or 4 stops, not so clinical if used wider open.

Regards,

David

BradS · Mar 19, 2008

Oddly enough, all of the lenses you've listed are pretty much the same except for the 210mm Fujinon-L which, because it is a 4/3 design (like the Xenar mentioned by David B. above) would be my choice for portraits - if I were strictly restricted to choose from the list you've offered.

However, if the restriction were lifted, I'd choose the lens I always reach for when doing portraits of individuals (as opposed to groups) on 4x5, the 210mm Geronar. THe 210mm Xenar is also an excellent suggestion and would in fact be my second choice.

Nick Zentena · Mar 19, 2008

maxbloom said:
210 F5.6 Fujinon-L
210 F5.6 Fujinon-W (what's the difference between this lens and the above?)

Different design. The L is a Tessar type. If that's a first generation W it's a plasmat. Later types have been modified. All W Fuji's cover more then L series. The first W 210mm actually more then covers 8x10.

Other then that how expensive is the Caltar? They often are cheaper then the others but are no different then the makers lenses [Rodenstock or Scheinder]

vet173 · Mar 19, 2008

How about a 203 7.7 ektar. So sweet it will give you cavitys

doc4x5 · Mar 22, 2008

I have the Fuji W 210, vintage 1982, and it is an impressive lens both in its quality and coverage. I use it for 4x5 and have never run out of coverage. While I have not tested it, it likely covers 8x10.

Eric

jmcd · Mar 27, 2008

I will second the 203 Ektar. The images from this lens stand apart, with a smooth, sharp look.

4x5 Lens Recommendation?

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