lenses to cover 5x12

colrehogan said:

Would a 150 mm APO-Symmar cover?

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Diane,

As Clay stated, not even close. The 150mm APO Symmar is rated to cover 72 degrees for an image circle of 220mm. Most modern lenses have aggressive field stops that limit coverage to a few mm beyond the spec. So, you're going to be about 100mm short of covering 5x12. Even the 80 degree 150mm Super Symmar HM and 150mm APO-Sironar-W will fall far short of covering 5x12. To hit the corners of 5x12, a 150mm lens will need to cover 95+ degrees.

Kerry

Both the Shen Hao and recent Canham 5X12 cameras have been built to accept S&S backs. In fact, the first two Canham cameras were built for customers who first purchased the holders from S&S, and the Shen Hao was also built to accept S&S holders. S&S holders are based on Korona standard, and almost identical in specifications to Great Bassin holders, which are no longer produced.

Apparently Shen Hao made some kind of mistake in their back for the 5X12, and this was documented rather thorougly in a previous thread on apug, started by Clayton as I recall. Apparently the fix was not that complicated, but others will have to speak to that as I have not seen a Shen Hao 5X12.

Sandy

kthalmann said:

Diane,

As Clay stated, not even close. The 150mm APO Symmar is rated to cover 72 degrees for an image circle of 220mm. Most modern lenses have aggressive field stops that limit coverage to a few mm beyond the spec. So, you're going to be about 100mm short of covering 5x12. Even the 80 degree 150mm Super Symmar HM and 150mm APO-Sironar-W will fall far short of covering 5x12. To hit the corners of 5x12, a 150mm lens will need to cover 95+ degrees.

Kerry

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I have not yet bought a 5x12 although I am contemplating it. I'm thinking about the Shen Hao as I remember hearing from Keith at the View Camera conference last year that the lead time on one of his 5x12s was about a year because he was building them once a year at a specific time. I also can't find any information on his website (or anyone else's) about his 5x12, so I have no idea what the price would be, or if I could get it as a conversion kit for the wood field 5x7. Does anyone have an email address for him?

TheFlyingCamera said:

I have not yet bought a 5x12 although I am contemplating it. I'm thinking about the Shen Hao as I remember hearing from Keith at the View Camera conference last year that the lead time on one of his 5x12s was about a year because he was building them once a year at a specific time. I also can't find any information on his website (or anyone else's) about his 5x12, so I have no idea what the price would be, or if I could get it as a conversion kit for the wood field 5x7. Does anyone have an email address for him?

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Keith does not like to use email though he encourages you to call by phone. Very pleasant and extremely helphful gentleman. The 5x12 is also available as a conversion kit for the 5x7 Wood field. I believe the asking price for the custom made kit was $2500. I was lucky enough to get a used 4x10 including 2 holders from Jim in Midwest last year. Interesting format, but the 5x12 sounds more intriguing since 4x10 contacts are still too small. The 5x12 "feels" bigger by more than the simple dimensions imply, however my exposure to the format is limited. I have seen some of Michael Mutmansky work in the format and I have Tillman Crane's last book (Touchstones) but have yet to see the original prints. The 5x12 production run may have yet to happen therefore you may be able to order one yet and get it this year.

I stil shoot mostly 4x5 and 5x7 so for now I will hold off moreover witht the recent acquisition of an 8x10 enlarger I will now be able to enlarge 4x10.

Sincerey,

Hany.

5x12

I've seen Tillman Cranes photos in person and they are very nice. The format does lend itself well to traveling. Tillman shot well over 1200 exposures on his last sojourn to Ireland. But in reality I much prefer the 7x17 format. I'l stick with the old adage "that doing something is worth doing it well" ;and if I had to suffer it would definately be with a 7x17 camera.
Best, Peter

Clayton was kind enough to send me a couple of his 5x12 negatives, shot with his 159 f/9.5 Wollensak and a 210 mm G-Claron. I have both of these lenses and I wanted to see what the 512 negs would look like using these specific lenses.

Thanks Kerry, Clayton for your replies above.

The camera as a unit (not as an additional back) is closer to the price of an 8x10 Canham wood field. I am looking forward to getting my 5x12 soon.

TheFlyingCamera said:

I have not yet bought a 5x12 although I am contemplating it. I'm thinking about the Shen Hao as I remember hearing from Keith at the View Camera conference last year that the lead time on one of his 5x12s was about a year because he was building them once a year at a specific time. I also can't find any information on his website (or anyone else's) about his 5x12, so I have no idea what the price would be, or if I could get it as a conversion kit for the wood field 5x7. Does anyone have an email address for him?

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That's because he doesn't have it up there. Barry Wilkinson here has Keith's email since he's in the UK and has ordered a 5x12. There was a picture of the Shen Hao 5x12 on the Shen Hao site some time ago. I don't believe there was much of a description of the camera though.

well, my 159 Wolly f12.5 arrived in the mail yesterday. What a nice little lens. I can actually, amazingly enough, use it on my Calumet C-1, even a infinity. Granted, no movements to speak of, but still. Looking at the lens, it seems that the F12.5 is more of an imposed limitation upon the iris than an optical maximum, as when the aperture ring is set to F12.5, the diaphragm appears to be still half-closed. I'm curious as to the reason for restricting the aperture like that.

TheFlyingCamera said:

... I'm curious as to the reason for restricting the aperture like that.

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Focus shift and lens aberrations. Even at f:8 it would be impossible to focus.