Good lens for 16x20 camera?

[S_Patton]

I just started work on my 16x20 build and the missus asked if I was going to order one of the schneider xl lenses.
At the rate I'm able to save up, that could be a LONG while...
So, does anybody here have any recommendations for a couple of good lenses that can cover a 16x20?

Steve​

 

[Dave Wooten]

nikor 750

 

[Hugo Zhang]

30" and 35" Artars. Protar VII 590mm and 690mm. Protar V 270mm and 320mm. Dagors 16 1/2 and up.

 

[sanking]

Any of the process lenses 30" and more will cover 16X20. That includes Artars, Ronars, Apo-Tessars, Nikkors, etc . If you shop carefully you should be able to find one in barrel at a reasonable cost. I use a 30" Red Dot Artar with 20X24 and it covers nicely.

Protars and Dagors that cover 16X20 are highly sought and very pricey. A 24" Dagor will set you back almost as much as the 550 Schneider XXL, which is in fact a Dagor, though much better than the old ones. And I don't think you will find a 24" Dagor in a shutter, other than Packard. If you can find a Series V 590mm or 690mm get ready to mortgage the farm.

Sandy King

 

[jimgalli]

UnProven since I only have a diminutive 14X17, but I think the single elements from the Cooke Convertible would work. My old post WWII one almost covers 14X17 combined, just missing the corners, and the singles cover nicely. That would give you a superb lens for your smaller formats, and perhaps a 19" and 26 1/2" for the 16X20. I had one for sale for a long time and it never sold, so I just put it in the 14X17 kit.

I have a Gundlach Rapid Rectigraphic (I think) 17X20 convertible. It's like 24" combined with 40" and 55" singles. I'd sell it if you were interested. Great big barrel lens.

 

[RobertP]

You may want to look for 17x20 Versar. Or a 14 1/2" and 18" Verito would work nice. I know the rear half of 14 1/2" will cover 12x20 and probably 16x20. The rear half of a 14 1/2" is a 24" lens and the rear half of an 18" verito is a 30" lens and should cover 16x20 with no problem.