A lens question for 7x17 users

Martin Frank said:

Hi All-I mostly use an 11x14 series V protar (270mm focal length I believe) and occasionally a 420mm Fuji L but sometimes wish for a longer lens so was wondering if fellow 7x17 users think that a 19 3/4" Kodak copying ektanon might offer more "pull" than my 16 1/2" lens or might not provide much of a difference at all. Or should I splurge for a 24" lens?
Thanks-Marty

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In a search for 11x14 lenses, I found a 19" Metro-Scienar in barrel that covers 11x14 handily, tops out at f/64, is not heavy, and was cheap (well under 200 bucks shipped on the evilBay). The ~17% jump in focal length from your 16" would be like going from a 50mm to a 58mm in 35mm, a perceptible shift but not a huge jump on 11x14, maybe more apparent on the 7x17.

If your camera has enough bellows draw, I'd look for a 24" lens. If it turns out to be too long, you can sell it. Most manufacturers made a copy lens in that focal length, so one shouldn't be too hard to find.