4x5 lens selection

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

I am in the market for a 150mm lens for my 4x5 Crown Graphic. To utilise full movement of camera's limited movement I need 210mm IC lens. Don't want to spend $ks yet so after a long research it came down to the following 3:

1) Nikkor W 150mm f5.6 (IC = 210mm)
2) Rodenstock Sironar N 150mm f5.6 (IC 208mm)
3) Schneider Symmar S 150mm F5.6 (IC = 210mm)

I don't think there isn't much between them but just in case, is there one better than others or one to avoid?
thanks

Monito · Jul 2, 2011

"IC" is a new term for me in this context. What does it mean?

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

sironar n is the best, but ive seem some real nice nikors as well.
same here about the term IC??

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

Sorry, IC = Image Circle.
I heard Nikkor's little brother, 135mm is not that good but no one talks about 150mm.

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

i have a nikor 135. is was much cheaper then the sinaron but after using both 135's for years, i can rarely tell them apart buy looking at negs\scans\prints. nikor is the price preformance.

another really nice option of you are in to the semi wide 135mm is a Fujinon EBC 125mm f5.6.
one of the sharper lenses out there, and is pretty cheap as well. f you get one make sure you get one with the later shutters (usually means a later lens as well). the image circle is as big as it is on the nikor 135mm or bigger (i think its better then 200mm but i am not sure).

Ian Grant · Jul 2, 2011

I use a 150mm Sironar N and it's an excellent lens, but I also have a Caltar 135mm, a re-branded Symmar and athat's optically as good but obviously a smaller IC.

There's nothing to choose between any of the 3 you've listed, get which ever's the best bargain.

Ian

Jesper · Jul 2, 2011

If you can use 165 instead of 150 there is the old, cheap and small Angulon 165/6.8 (IC=300) or if you don't mind the extra weight (a lot of extra weight) you could try the Super Angulon 165/8 (IC=395).

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

i agree with ian 100%.

Ian Grant · Jul 2, 2011

Jesper said:
If you can use 165 instead of 150 there is the old, cheap and small Angulon 165/6.8 (IC=300) or if you don't mind the extra weight (a lot of extra weight) you could try the Super Angulon 165/8 (IC=395).

There's no way a 165mm Super Angulon will fit a Crown Graphic

Believe me I have both and the SA is a very heavy and also large beast, great on a sturdy 10x8 camera,

Ian

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FUJI-FUJINON-W-125mm-f-5-6-SEIKO-No-0-BARGAIN-/280701146800?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item415b1796b0#ht_500wt_922

yes its single coating but for the price!!!! worth every penny!

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

and a few multi coated options:
check item number 120744265298 and also 250841246121 on the auction site.

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

Thanks, yeah I did not expect much difference between them.
Angulon 165/6.8 sounds good but Super-Angulon is a bit high on price.
Oh, btw, if there are any good lenses in FL ranging 135-180mm I am all ears.
I'd like to spend around $400.

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

krifartida thanks.
Checked those Fujinons and they look good. Very interested in 150mm but the seller only ship to Japan and USA. I can't even ask the seller.
I had Fujinon in mind but since Fuji is not known for lens manufacturer (for me) I left out. I might have another look.

Jesper · Jul 2, 2011

Sorry Ian, but I missed the Crown Graphic part.
I have both the A165 and SA165 but you have to be rather obsessed with coverage to try it on a 4x5 (it's excellent on 8x10 though).

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

Fujinon EBC are considered to be some of the best lenses out there, the coating technology is by far the best.
they come up every now and again on ebay. i would keep an eye pealed for them.

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

Who makes Fujinon lenses?
I doubt Fuji has lens plant.

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

Fuji Japan used to make the LF lenses, in the same plant they now make "hasselblad" lenses for the H series and Xpan cameras. in japan the hasselblad H and Xpan are sold under the Fuji brand. needless to say they are good, if they can carry the hasselblad name, but they are very very very good on their own accord.
Fuji's main industry is semi conductors, chemicals and Cathode technology.

A Sabai · Jul 2, 2011

I have had good results with my Fuji lenses and I would think any of the 150's mentioned would equally as well.

ic-racer · Jul 2, 2011

eSPhotos said:
I doubt Fuji has lens plant.

Is this a troll? Or a knowledgable question? The lenses were made by Fujinon Inc. which in 2010 was absorbed into Fujifilm Corporation, from which it originated. The lens division is now called Fujifilm - Optical Devices Division.

Anyway, if you like Fuji lenses here is an inside look at the lens manufacturing plant. Very impressive:

Dead Link Removed

Pupfish · Jul 2, 2011

The Caltar IIN series are the very same lenses as the Rodenstock APO Sironar N and Grandagon N, just engraved differently and sold by Calumet. Calumet is a large educational supplier and a large fraction of Caltar IINs that come up on the used market have seen minimal use. Brand name recognition being what it is the Caltars are real bargains in the used marketplace. The 210mm f/5.6 ones (301mm IC) routinely sell for less than $200 in pristine condition on eBay. Mine is exquisite--as is my 135mm Caltar IIN.

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

ic-racer said:
Is this a troll? Or a knowledgable question? The lenses were made by Fujinon Inc. which in 2010 was absorbed into Fujifilm Corporation, from which it originated. The lens division is now called Fujifilm - Optical Devices Division.

Anyway, if you like Fuji lenses here is an inside look at the lens manufacturing plant. Very impressive:

Dead Link Removed

Coming from small formats, Fujinon lenses are new to me.
There are many OEMs who make lenses for others so the question.
Thanks for the link.

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

Pupfish said:
The Caltar IIN series are the very same lenses as the Rodenstock APO Sironar N and Grandagon N, just engraved differently and sold by Calumet. Calumet is a large educational supplier and a large fraction of Caltar IINs that come up on the used market have seen minimal use. Brand name recognition being what it is the Caltars are real bargains in the used marketplace. The 210mm f/5.6 ones (301mm IC) routinely sell for less than $200 in pristine condition on eBay. Mine is exquisite--as is my 135mm Caltar IIN.

Yes, I noticed very attractive prices and also was wondering who made them. Good to know.

ic-racer · Jul 2, 2011

eSPhotos said:
Coming from small formats, Fujinon lenses are new to me.
There are many OEMs who make lenses for others so the question.
Thanks for the link.

The large format Fujinon lenses are one of the the best secrets in LF photography. They made some very fantastic lenses and they almost always sell for much less than German large format lenses on the used market. Not only that, they are one of the few CURRENT manufacturers of large format lenses for those that want to buy NEW.

ChuckP · Jul 3, 2011

I like my 150 Nikon. Make sure that the Sironar's and Symmar's are the multicoated versions. Some early versions might not be. As people say they are pretty much the same in performance so get the one in best condition. Probably the best 150 is the Sironar S. If you can afford it go that route. Don't forget it may cost more but also has better resale value if you need to sell.

eSPhotos · Jul 21, 2011

I had to revive this thread to thank you guys for helping me selecting lenses.
I ended up getting a Sironar-N 210mm and a Fujinon W 150mm MC.
Now I think I need a 90mm and a new camera or 2 or 3 ...

4x5 lens selection

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