I need some help, please.

[Wilcoxson David L.]

Hello all, this is my first post to APUG and I hope to get some advise. I own a Wisner 4X5 Technical and right now my only lens is a Schneider 210 Apo-Symmer L. I like this kit very much but I'm wanting to aquire a wider lens. My problem is, I don't really know how wide I can go without having to use a bag bellows, and what lenses will give me a reasonably wide view (90-110mm) and still allow some movements. Also, if I do eventually opt for the bag bellows, do other manufacturers make ones that will fit the Wisner without doing much if any surgery? I also need to know where to get lens boards to fit. I've tried to contact Wisner, but it seems to be an exercise in futility. I thank you in advance for any help you can give me. Happy shooting!
Dave

 

[Ole]

Wisner's website says 90mm, while the reviewers on http://www.largeformatphotography.info/wisner.html say that anything shorter than 135mm is difficult.

Most 150mm lenses will give plenty of movements and be significantly wider than the 210mm you're using. 135mm lenses too, although there are many with a somewhat tighter coverage.
Moving down to 120mm-ish there's the 110mm Schneider Super-Symmar and any number of superwide 120mm lenses. I use an old 120mm Angulon myself (or a 121mm Leitmeyr equivalent) - most of the more modern 120mm's (like Super-Angulon) are serious overkill for 4x5", with enough coverage for 8x10"!

90mm wide angle lenses are plentiful, and most have plenty of coverage. But your camera will use up the movements just to focus a 90mm lens at infinity, so the exess coverage can't really be used...

 

[Wilcoxson David L.]

Ole, thank you for your reply. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I've been out of pocket for a few days. I'm thinking I might get ahold of Richard Ritter in Vermont about a bag bellows and lensboard. I understand he can custom make them. I also think I'm settled on the Schneider 110mm Super Symmar. It looks like a dandy lens. Thanks again and happy shooting!
Dave