Lens for Landscape - Bronica GS-1

Toffle · Jul 15, 2007

Hi folks;
I am really enjoying my "new" GS-1, which I got from KEH. (Very good service, by the way.) I love the detail in the negatives, though for the time being I'm not taking full advantage of the 6X7 format. (my enlarger maxes out at 6X6)

I'm wondering what the preferred lens is for landscape work? I've been shooting some landscapes with prominent foreground details. I have the normal 100mm lens, which does a pretty good job. Is there another lens in this category that would do a better job?

Another question: (I think I already know the answer to this one.) Is there any interchangeability with the Bronica PS and PE lenses? The PG seem to be the scarcest of the bunch.

Peter Black · Jul 15, 2007

Toffle said:
Hi folks;

Another question: (I think I already know the answer to this one.) Is there any interchangeability with the Bronica PS and PE lenses? The PG seem to be the scarcest of the bunch.

I'm afraid to say that there isn't any interchangeability between these lenses. I recall writing to one of the photo mags on this point some years ago on the grounds that the PE lenses have to cover the 6cm side of 645, so they should be able to cover 6x6, but I'm afraid I didn't get any answer. If anyone knows any more about why this should be the case, I'd welcome an answer, but don't want to hijack the thread!

wildbill · Jul 15, 2007

I'm wondering what the preferred lens is for landscape work? I've been shooting some landscapes with prominent foreground details. I have the normal 100mm lens, which does a pretty good job. Is there another lens in this category that would do a better job?

Only you can answer that question. Where you shoot and the types of landscapes you shoot may dictate what works for your vision. That said, my favorite lens for 67 is the 55mm.

Nick Zentena · Jul 15, 2007

Lens are like shoes. We all need ones that fit us.

Maybe try using a viewing frame? Cut a piece of cardboard out. In the middle make a 6x7 hole. Tie a piece of string to the cardboard with knots at the various distances equal to the focal lengths. Hold the cardboard up while looking. The knot that looks best is the focal length you might want.

Roger Hicks · Jul 15, 2007

wildbill said:
I'm wondering what the preferred lens is for landscape work? I've been shooting some landscapes with prominent foreground details. I have the normal 100mm lens, which does a pretty good job. Is there another lens in this category that would do a better job?

Only you can answer that question. Where you shoot and the types of landscapes you shoot may dictate what works for your vision. That said, my favorite lens for 67 is the 55mm.

Seconded. Many of my favourite landscapes on 35mm have been taken with 200mm, which might equate to 360, 400 or even 500mm on 6x7cm, and I quite like my 300/9 Nikkor on 6x12cm. I have almost no use for wide-angle landscapes. But that's just me...

Cheers,

Roger

Tom Hoskinson · Jul 15, 2007

My most often used landscape lenses for both 6x7 and 6x9 are 90mm, 65mm, 55mm and 47mm. I also like my (Doctor Optics) 150mm for 6x7 and 6x9 landscape work.

f/stopblues · Jul 15, 2007

I don't do a ton of landscape, but when I do I usually end up with my 150mm on the GS-1. I "see" with a short tele, but it's such a personal choice that its hard to make any real suggestion.

I also got my GS-1 from KEH and bought the 150mm and 65mm at the same time. I didn't have any thought as to their use other than having a nice spread between focal lengths. The individual lenses then just worked themselves out as to what they were mostly used for.

jd callow · Jul 15, 2007

I can't advise because I don't shoot landscapes, but I have the 65,150 and 250 PG lenses and was about to put them on ebay. If any of these interest you let me know. I have other GS-1 bits as well. Sorry if this is a bit of a spam. I was literally prepping the images for ebay when I saw this thread.

Toffle · Jul 15, 2007

I've been kind of spoiled (ruined, some might say) by having had a pretty decent zoom on the end of my N80 the last couple of years. I really do appreciate a good prime lens, but have too often found myself in the situation where "zoom with your feet" just doesn't work. Jumping into the GS-1 with its "like it or lump it" lens choice (especially when your only choice is the one lens that came with the camera) is both a wake up call and a liberation of sorts. I enjoy the challenge, but until I find the the lens (or set of lenses) that is the best fit for my needs, I can see that I am due for some frustration as well.

Still reading with the greatest of interest,

Lens for Landscape - Bronica GS-1

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