Graphic View II, new to LF, Lens question

[dbonamo]

Hi

Well I not exactly new to LF, however I only have shot a total of 3 4x5 in my life, all Polaroid’s. About 9 years ago, I wanted to get into LF, I found a great deal on a Graphic View II, no film holders but had a Polaroid adapter and some film. I played around with it and like it. Well to make a long story short, I was laid off very shortly after that and my photography plans came to a halt. I ended up selling the camera.

Fast forward to now:

Yesterday I was browsing eBay and came a across another GV II, no lens (lens board however) or viewing hood. However the tripod adapter and Graflok Back is included. Well I ended up winning it. The camera looks to be in excellent shape.

Now to the question, I will need to located a lens/shutter and would like some recommendations on what to look for. What should I avoid when I start my search for a lens. My primary use for the camera would be landscapes and may some still life.

Thanks

 

[Nick Zentena]

Any reasonable 150mm to 210mm would be a good choice. Relatively cheap. That includes the modern ones.

 

[nemo999]

Standard lens is of course 150 mm, good choice for landscape if you don't prefer a semi-wide 135. Among 135s, a Nikkor or Schneider Symmar has bigger coverage and will allow some movement (tilt front is the most important movement for landscape). Older 135s like Schneider Xenar or Graflex Raptar just cover 4x5" without movements. For studio work, a 210 is ideal - almost any brand will cover 4x5" with quite pronounced movements. 150 mm lens comes back into its own for studio work when it comes to close-ups - you can easily get 1:1 images and larger with a "standard" bellows and rail (usually 450 mm).

 

[John Kasaian]

The lens shared by both my GVII and 5x7 Speeder (both cameras use the same size lens board) is a 203mm Ektar. You can find them in good shutters for under $200 if you're a good hunter. Performance wise it's like a baby artar. I think Wollensak made a similar lens, more rare but usually a bit cheaper. It might be worth looking out for one. Another lens I have is a 162mm Wollensak Velostigmat. These are usually found at cheaper prices than the newer, coated Wollensak Raptars but I like the uncoated version. I've seen them go for about $100 in good shape.

 

[dbonamo]

Thanks all, this will giving me a starting point on what to look for.

David