Don't 'ya just hate generic 'which lens...' for my 4x5 questions???

Michael Nelson · Aug 30, 2011

Purchased my first 4x5 (Toyo) in the early '90's with 4 Fujinon lens, (that I could afford at the time): 65, 90, 150 & 210 All W or WS lens.

I use the 150 & 210 most of the time.

I've started shooting again with the 4x5 and want to replace my 150 & 210 with an upgrade. (doesn't have to be a direct 150 = 150 replacement. It could be a 180 or 240, etc)

Here comes the dreaded question: Which lens/model should I consider that would be a noticeable improvement/upgrade?

Of course, price is an issue.

Mostly color negative and B&W films.

Any help/information would be appreciated...

Michael/Atlanta

Ole · Aug 30, 2011

The answer is simple: NONE.

A few lenses will show a noticeable difference, but none will be a noticeable improvement.

vpwphoto · Aug 30, 2011

With long exposures of large format an upgrade in a more solid camera and/or more solid tripod will be "noticable" anytime a breeze is present.

As far as I know those Fuji lenses are not trash.

My 30 year old 55mm Micro Nikkor (under $125) is the best Nikkor lens I have ever used bar none..

Barry S · Aug 30, 2011

The Fujinons are excellent lenses, so unless they're giving you problems or you feel like you need another focal length or more coverage--I think you're set. Buy film!

Roger Cole · Aug 30, 2011

Agree. Modern lenses on 4x5 are better than the film holders allow.

Christopher Walrath · Aug 30, 2011

I agree with the tripod suggestion. I'm kicking it old school with an Ektar and Portra/Telek pre-lenses on an old press camera and couldn't be happier.

papagene · Aug 30, 2011

I agree with the others... Fuji lenses are excellent. Get a sturdier tripod (if necessary) or buy film, paper and chems. Unless of course you are tempted by all those funky old lenses!

eddie · Aug 30, 2011

If you haven't used the 4x5 in over a decade, (you didn't say how long it's been) I'd hold off on a new lens. You may find that your style, or subject matter, has changed. Once you put 50-60 sheets through it, you'll know what you need/want.

Richard S. (rich815) · Aug 31, 2011

If price was NOT an issue then you could buy the "very best" and have fun trying to see if it made any real difference. Since you said price is then just go out shooting instead and use those great Fuji's you already have.

Willie Jan · Aug 31, 2011

I did an double in length for the lenses.
I have a 75 / 150 / 240 / 360T

With these babies i can generally spoken do everything i want.

jeffreyg · Aug 31, 2011

I agree keep the lenses you have and if you are itching to buy something consider a Fujinon 300mm f8 tele. I'm very pleased with mine it's light weight and rather compact.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

Michael Nelson · Aug 31, 2011

Hey Everyone,

THANKS for all the replies!

Yes, I've been using the 4x5 constantly since purchase.

Yes, my four Fujinon lens are in perfect condition.

The reason for this post was my wonderings (gear lust) if my Fujinons' that cost hundreds of dollars each were 'less than' the current R or S that cost thousands of dollars each...

I do hope all of you are correct with your comments on the quality of the Fujinons I have been satisfied with them, however, you never know if a better product is available and sensibly, worth it...

Again, THANKS for your comments!

lxdude · Sep 1, 2011

Michael Nelson said:
The reason for this post was my wonderings (gear lust) if my Fujinons' that cost hundreds of dollars each were 'less than' the current R or S that cost thousands of dollars each...

I do hope all of you are correct with your comments on the quality of the Fujinons I have been satisfied with them, however, you never know if a better product is available and sensibly, worth it...

Fuji has long had a great reputation for their lenses. But if you want to satisfy your curiosity, to see if you're missing out on something which would be important to you, rent an R or S lens and see for yourself if they are better for you. I think that will put your mind at rest.
I think you will be satisfied with what you have, especially with cost being a consideration.

Athiril · Sep 1, 2011

I wouldn't replace any of those lenses.

I would however try and pick up a 360mm for portraiture if you're into portraiture.

Roger Cole · Sep 1, 2011

Heck, my most used lens is my single coated Kodak 203 Ektar.

Pupfish · Sep 1, 2011

Buy used. Many all of the LF Rodenstocks and Schneiders that once were selling are selling for thousands, are now flooding the market and selling used in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars, even mint examples. You could try most any but the small-sensor digitally optimized ones used for far less than you might originally have had in mind. Even if you were to pay a little too much, you could still probably flip the ones you don't like and the difference in buy/sell price would amount to chump change.

There's never been a bigger bonanza in fine film photo gear than the past couple of years.

That all said, other than the character of the coatings and the subtle ways they differ in rendering color and contrast, I don't expect that there would be much difference between your Fujis and the other brands in terms of imaging capability.

Mainecoonmaniac · Sep 1, 2011

Old and funk is good

papagene said:
I agree with the others... Fuji lenses are excellent. Get a sturdier tripod (if necessary) or buy film, paper and chems. Unless of course you are tempted by all those funky old lenses!

Mmmmmm.....Petzval

Don't 'ya just hate generic 'which lens...' for my 4x5 questions???

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