90mm lens recs? (for 4x5)

thomas_m · Jan 25, 2006

I've been having so much fun with the 4x5" SLR and old barrel lenses I bought from Jim G, I broke down and bought a view camera. My MF gear will likely be headed to Ebay soon...

With 6x7cm MF, my favorite focal length is 65mm so I thought I'd start with a 90mm as a first 4x5" lens for the view camera. I'd like to avoid breaking the bank. I'm more concerned about image quality and brightness for focusing in dim conditions than I am about extensive coverage for movements.

If it helps, I hope to follow this lens with a 60mm-ish and 120/150mm-ish later this year when the wallet recovers.

I'll be shooting almost exclusively B&W, Efke 25, Fomapan 100 & Tmax 400.

Thanks in advance,

Thomas

Early Riser · Jan 25, 2006

You can't go wrong with a 90mm 6.8 grandagon. There's a zillion of them on ebay, they're not too large and they're quite a bit brighter than the f8 90mm's out there. The f4.5 90mm Grandagon is much brighter and easier to focus but it's a big lens.

Richard Wasserman · Jan 25, 2006

I use a 90mm f/8 Super Angulon on 4x5 and like it a lot. I also had a 100mm Wide Field Ektar that was very good. Either of these or a Grandagon would be hard to go wrong with. You might also try a 90mm Angulon. If you do, try for a late one as Schneider's quality control improved over time. I use one of the last ones they made on an 8x10 Hobo and it's a terrific lens.

Richard Wasserman

bobfowler · Jan 25, 2006

I had a 90mm f/8 SA, but sold it after I bought my 90mm f/8 Ilex-Calumet Wide Field Caltar. I found the WF Caltar was better than the SA (but this could be just a sample variation).

roteague · Jan 25, 2006

My suggestion would be the Schneider Super-Symmar XL 80mm F4.5 - it is a stuningly sharp lens. It is small, light, and it is very easy to view the image on the ground glass.

rbarker · Jan 26, 2006

Originally, I had the "classic" 90mm f/8 Super Angulon, but had trouble focusing it in anything but strong sunlight due to the aperture. I went to the later 5.6 version Super Angulon XL, and was happier. They are, however, rather large and bulky for that focal length.

Then, along came the Super Symmar XL. I bought the 110mm length early on, and have only used my 90mm a couple of times since. The design is far more compact, has lots of coverage, and it's very sharp. The Super Symmars are, however, a bit pricey by comparison, but well worth the extra expense, I think. I haven't tried the 80mm SS XL, but it looks tempting.

photobum · Jan 26, 2006

I use a 6.8 Optar for carrying on my back and a 6.8 Grandagon for carrying in my van. A 90mm or wider anything and brightness is a oxymoron. A 60-ish is really dark. You learn to live with it. Or not.

jimgalli · Jan 26, 2006

Thomas, I have a 90mm f6.8 Caltar which is the Rodenstock Grandagon rebranded for Calumet. It's mint for all practical purposes. $385. Pics if interested.

roteague · Jan 26, 2006

rbarker said:
Then, along came the Super Symmar XL. I bought the 110mm length early on, and have only used my 90mm a couple of times since. The design is far more compact, has lots of coverage, and it's very sharp. The Super Symmars are, however, a bit pricey by comparison, but well worth the extra expense, I think. I haven't tried the 80mm SS XL, but it looks tempting.

It is a great lens, but now I want the 110mm.

I should point out for others, you may need to use a center filter with the 80mm - I use one all the time, since I shoot primarily transparencies. The filter is a bit pricey as well.

Frank Petronio · Jan 26, 2006

I've had several excellent 90/6.8 Grandagons ($400~$500) over the years but last year I tried a 90/4.5 (~$800), which is a big hunk of glass. But the photos were so smooth and even, the ground glass was so bright, and I could use large movements - in other words, you get what you pay for and it is worth the weight. The other lens to check out is the Schneider 110XL but I liked the wider 90 myself - and it is less expensive than the 110XL ($1200).

Donald Miller · Jan 26, 2006

I have a F8 90 SA. I use my 120 Apo Symmar a lot more then the 90. Probably just a personal preference thing.

Dave Wooten · Jan 27, 2006

Fugi f/8 90mm I also use in on 6 x 17

thomas_m · Jan 27, 2006

Thanks guys. You've given me lots to think about. Now I just need to see how much bank I've got before it breaks...

Best,

T.

90mm lens recs? (for 4x5)

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