BERLIN DAGOR series III 120mm f:6.8

Adrian Twiss

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #1

I have an opportunity to buy one of these at the right price. I would welcome any information (such as image circle) and views as to their performance.

Many thanks

 

Ian Grant

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #2

The coverage of Dagor's varies with aperture, so at f6.8 it doesn't cover 5x4 sharply, it covers well by f16 and will cover 7x5 at f45.

My own 12" f6.8 Dagor is a superb performer, extremely sharp, very tonal, but it has the advantage of being factory coated after WWII. It's really going to depend on the condition etc.

Ian

 

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Adrian Twiss

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #3

Ian

Thank you for this useful answer. I find that most of my photographs are taken between f16 and f22. There is a more modern Fujinon 125mm up for grabs as well so I may try for that first but the Dagor does seem to be a viable alternative. As to condition the photographs suggest that it is in very good condition.

Adrian

 

domaz

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #4

My 135mm Dagor seems to cover 4x5 just fine at 6.8. But at 120mm you are probably pushing it for sure.

 

Ian Grant

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #5

Coverage is deceptive a 120mm dagor wil give a good screen image on a 7x5 camera at full aperture f6.8, but it just isn't sharp in the corners.

These are the Goerz AM Optical figures, the Berlin Dagors were sometines slightly different focal lengths.

Ian

 

Fotoguy20d

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #6

I recently picked up (there was a url link here which no longer exists) - 125mm f6.8. It seems to hold true to the chart Ian posted - it'll illuminate (fairly evenly it would seem) a 4x5 wide open with a good amount of movement (so 5x7 seems possible) but softly. I haven't tried it converted yet but I've heard not to expect great things. I only use mine for B&W.

Dan

 

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Adrian Twiss

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• Jun 4, 2010

• #7

Dan

Would you care to comment on the contrast of the lens (pardon the appalling grammar)

Adrian

 

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Adrian Twiss

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• Jun 5, 2010

• #8

Well, I managed to win the auction on the Fuji. However, since the Dagor is at a very reasonable price I have decided to buy it as well. Non only does it seem very compact and portable but it may have a sufficiently different "look" from the Fuji to warranty. I should get my money back if it does not work out.