Nikkow-W 240mm or Symmar-S 240mm for 8x10?

[Pasto]

I'm considering either a Nikkor-W 240mm or a Symmar-S 240 as my first lens for 8x10. The focal length corresponds roughly to my favorite lens for 4x5 (90mm), and the cost of either is very reasonable. Neither seems to offer great scope for movements, however. Any experiences that could help with my decision?

PS I would consider alternative lenses if you can think of any.

Thanks!

 

[ic-racer]

PS I would consider alternative lenses if you can think of any.

Thanks!

Fujinon 250mm f6.7

 

[Barry S]

The 8x10 equivalent to a 90mm on 4x5 is 180mm--considerably shorter than a 240mm. That being said, I love the 240mm focal length on 8x10--it's a nice moderate wideangle. I have the 240mm Symmar-S and it's a pleasure to use--a big bright plasmat. The biggest drawback is the limited coverage that doesn't allow much movement. I think I'd look for a lens with more coverage.

 

[Pasto]

Thanks. Ic-racer, tell me more about the Fujinon 250mm f6.7, sharpness, contrast equivalent to more modern class?

 

[ic-racer]

contrast equivalent to more modern class?

I think that design is as modern as it gets. I think the Wide Field Kodak Ektar may be an older design than the Fuji and from what I can tell Schneider does not currently make a lens in that focal length. I don't think the 'single coating' on the lens would ever be an issue.

 

[Martin Aislabie]

I think that design is as modern as it gets. I think the Wide Field Kodak Ektar may be an older design than the Fuji and from what I can tell Schneider does not currently make a lens in that focal length. I don't think the 'single coating' on the lens would ever be an issue.

No Schneider don't - but Rodenstock do - https://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=229

Martin

 

[DREW WILEY]

Neither. The already-mentioned Fuji W 250/6.7 is an excellent choice; just don't confuse it with the smaller coverage newer 6.3 version. A couple other compact very high quality lenses in this range which will easily cover 8x10 are the Fuji 240A and G-Claron 250 and 270.

 

[CollinB]

The nikkor-w 240/5.6 has only a 295mm image circle and will not cover 8x10 properly.
The caltar II-N is the rodenstock sironar N and cover 350mm so there is room for some movement.

 

[ruilourosa]

The Nikkor W 240mm has got a 336mm image circle so it will cover easely the 8x10 format. I never used it personally but it should be a fine performer. I have the Nikkor -w 300mm and it is as good as it gets, course there are some more evolved plasmats like the apo-w with some more mm extra coverage but 420mm is more than enough...
I also got a SS Hm 210mm and its a nice (very nice) performer but it does not relate very well to the Symmar-s 240mm.

In 8x10 you cannot find many bad lenses, especially after coating.

Another thing, quality improvement in these tipe of photography comes more from good printing and good technique.
Both lenses you mention should give you stellar images, if you are a good photographer...

 

[John NYC]

Thanks. Ic-racer, tell me more about the Fujinon 250mm f6.7, sharpness, contrast equivalent to more modern class?

I just bought one of these and have only made two test shots with it, but it is fabulous from what I can tell so far. Sharp even in the corners.

 

[Leigh B]

The nikkor-w 240/5.6 has only a 295mm image circle and will not cover 8x10 properly.

Sorry to disagree. The image circle is 336mm, just a hair larger than 8x10 film.

I use my Nikkor-W 250/5.6 on my 8x10 with no issues, other than virtually no movements.

- Leigh

 

[CollinB]

Thank you both for the correction. I was looking @ the wrong table row.
http://www.graflex.org/lenses/lens-spec.html
336 is much better than 295.
With 336mm you can tilt a little or rise/fall just a little.
The Sironar N/Caltar II-N 240 with 350 is "just a little more" so is an improvement, but not a big one.
Still, that extra roughly half inch is a measurable improvement.