Considering 4x5 kit, sanity check

[Paul Sorensen]

I had a Super Angulon 90mm F/8 and it was a little tough to focus, but it worked out fine for me. Having good ground glass or a fresnel lens on the ground glass definitely helps. Sometimes the original ground glass that comes with these cameras is not the brightest. The faster wide angle lenses are easier top focus, and a lot harder to carry and more expensive to buy. For field work, I would personally trade the brightness for the weight and cost of the faster wide angle lenses.

Have fun!

Paul

 

[Laurent]

I found the Tachihara's GG to be very good (and had a chance to compare it to other camera's like Toyo 45A, Technika, etc.., and it was in the best ones...)

I still agree that a 90/8 SA was a pain to focus though, and so was a 75/8 SA. The Fujinon 75/5.6 is WAAAAYYY easier on this regard.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Hi ! I don't know weather you have made your purchase yet, but never the less. I think for outdoor work the camera body would be an ideal and the 150/5.6 would be perfect. The three remaining lenses are too slow and not too easy to focus.

Yes the other lens are slower and can be more difficult to focus. But they are certainly usable. On the plus side the slower lens are smaller and lighter than f5.6 in equivalent focal lengths with is an advantage for field work. I use an 90mm F8 Super Angulon and a 150mm F9 G-Claron and this includes night photography. In most cases there is something bright enough to focus on and if not I carry two Mini Maglites which I use for focusing aids. The darkcloth you use also make a difference, it is important that the darkcloth fit well around the camera and blocks out all the light.


You own the lenses so I would encourage you to try them out, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Roger