Opinions needed on 90 f5.6 Fuji SWD

Alexz · Oct 19, 2005

What do you say ?
I coudn't find specifications of that particular lens in order to evaluate how useful is can be on Shen-Hao 4x5 as a main wide angle lens.
Any ideas where can I find its spec online ?

Will be happy to hear user's opinions/reviews on this particular lens.

Alex

Paul Sorensen · Oct 19, 2005

Large format info has it on their lens list here: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenseslist.html. I have also found Kerry Thalmann's Unofficial Fujinon page to be interesting: http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/fujinon.htm.

I would assume that it would be a good choice for a 90mm. I have never used one, but I have a Fujinon lens and it is fantastic.

Nick Zentena · Oct 19, 2005

http://members.aol.com/subgallery/byseries.htm

Found this other website a few days back.

http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/lens_list.html

Between the two I think you'll find most/all the specs.

Alexz · Oct 19, 2005

Thanks, that helps.
But wow, has huge front size - 82mm. Might make adapting filter system a whole issue (and a pricey one) :-(. Also 80mm of rear element diameter also sounds quite large.
Not sure whether it can suit Shen-Hao 4x5 allowing ample movements...

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 19, 2005

Try the F8 90mm Fujinon. It is much smaller and lighter and is a fine performer. My LF (and MF) Fujinons are all outstanding lenses!

Alexz · Oct 19, 2005

Yes, I'm aware of such, but I suspect f/8 might pose a difficulties for focusing on GG.
Night and evening city scapes are one of my main interests, so I guess a bit brighter GG image will be asset for focusing. Am I wrong ?

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 19, 2005

I use f8 and f9 lenses all the time. On a tripod with a good GG (I use a Satinsnow) and a good dark cloth (I use a Blackjacket) I have no problems focusing at f8 (and smaller apertures).

BradS · Oct 19, 2005

It's all about the dark cloth. Get a decent one and you won't have any trouble focussing.

Dave Wooten · Oct 19, 2005

I use the fugi f 8 for 6 x 17 cm it covers nicely wide open

Paddy · Oct 19, 2005

I use a Fuji SW f/8 90mm (it's MC'd). Contrary to the above opinions, I'd say that the g.g. image is dreadfully dim. A fresnel definitely improves matters though. That being said,...it's still a mighty fine lens in the performance department. But if I'd known beforehand how feeble the image appears on the g.g., I would have saved my dinnars/rupees/rands for a much brighter f/5.6 lens.

grahamp · Oct 19, 2005

My 90mm Caltar HR f5.6 has a 77mm front filter and will permit substantial movements on my Wista. I'm not sure how the cameras compare in terms of movements, but shouldn't be wildly different. The Caltar HR lenses were made by Topcon, but if you are considering Fuji you are not fixated on the German offerings. I haven't seen many around, though.

It is a big lens - about twice the bulk of my 135mm 5.6 when in a lens wrap. But the image is bright B-) I have a 49mm to 77mm step up ring and just carry 77mm filters (generally yellow and green) and hood.

Nick Zentena · Oct 20, 2005

I just picked up the 105mm F/8 and to be honest it's much brighter then I expected.

Alexz · Oct 20, 2005

Thanks to all.
Still the picture about the particular Fuji lens (90mm/5.6 SWD) is very clear for me (in conjunction with Shen-Hao 4x5 in particular), it seems no one among members here uses or have had used one at all.
The issue is that this lens is priced suspisiously low for this kind of glass (just under 700 US$ in mint condition). Bearing in mind 90mm/6.8 lenses like Grandagon-N or Caltar II usually sell for about 600-700 US$, I would expect 90mm/5.6 multicoated lens (like SWD) would be priced higher. Am I wrong ?

Nick Zentena · Oct 20, 2005

Price depends on lots of things.

1) Condition
2) Age
3) Even the shutter it's in
4) Fashion
5) Who the seller is.

Brand new the lens is $1300. If it's an older lens in a Seiko shutter then $700 isn't that cheap.

For comparison I paid $260 for the 105mm in a Seiko shutter. The only issue is the filter threads are mangled.

Alexz · Oct 20, 2005

Well, it available for instance from MPEX in 9+ condition apparently in its regular shutter (Copal 0 or 1 ?) for 695 $ (albeit they don't mention what shutter it is in).
What bothers me a bit is that front size of 82mm which sounds huge, rear element of 80mm also quite larger then other, non f/5.6 90mm lenses and possibility of necessity of center filter. The front and rear sizes may limit movements freedom on certain field cameras (hence I asked about this lens on Shen-Hao 4x5), and if the is considerable light fall-off towards the edges, center filter may burn deep hole in my pocket...
No one owns here this lens though, go figure...

Nick Zentena · Oct 20, 2005

82mm isn't small but it isn't huge. It's an issue if you're a big filter user but you can find used 82mm filters for much less then new. I don't know if you'll have any problems with fitting the lens on to the 4x5 camera. It would fit my 5x7 just fine but it's got a bigger front opening.

Most people want the smaller slower lenses. They're lighter,smaller filters and over all cheaper. The Nikon F/8 has good coverage and is relatively small. That makes the faster lenses relatively rarer. The Fuji's are even less common. IIRC Fuji hasn't had a US distributor in quite a while for it's LF lenses. That means they tend to be sold to people that have searched them out.

What are you shooting? For B&W I doubt many are using centre filters on 90mm lenses.

Ask MPEX how old it is. He'll tell you.

Alexz · Oct 20, 2005

Yes, thanks, will drop an email to Jim.
No, I don't shoot B&W at all (shame on me), neither familiar with wet darkroom.
I mostly do transparancies and seldom negs for portraits.

Don't know, but perhaps Grandagon-N 90mm/6.8 is the best compromise between bulk and fast aperture, right ?

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 20, 2005

Alexz said:
...Don't know, but perhaps Grandagon-N 90mm/6.8 is the best compromise between bulk and fast aperture, right ?

The Rodenstock Grandagons are great lenses, but I would buy the f8 rather than the f6.8. The difference is less than an f stop. Neither lens will focus easily if you do not have a good dark cloth.

My personal 90mm is a Nikon f8 - an outstanding lens - light and compact.

Alexz · Oct 20, 2005

OK, Tom, sounds compelling.
For instance, MPEX (as well as KEH) have several available:
Nikkor 90mm f8 SW (I guess the one you have) in 9+ cond. for 595 $
Fuji 90mm f8 SW also in 9+ cond for 595 $
Caltar-W II 90mm f8 in 9 cond for 299 $
Super Angulon 90mm f8 in 9+ for 675 $

KEH offers several:
the same Caltar as above in Excellent cond. for 415 $
the same Fuji as above in Exc+ for 449 $ (or similar in Exc cond. for 415 $)
same Nikkor as above in Exc cond. for 616 $ (or in Like New Minus for 665 $ or Excl+ for 645 $)

What do you think about this Caltar-W II ? so far seems to be best bet price-wise (from MPEX) and what would be the best choice given their condition is nearly similar ?

Nick Zentena · Oct 20, 2005

http://largeformatphotography.info/lfforum/topic/499093.html

The Caltar is supposed to be an older Super Angulon.

So different name on the front but same lens design. Depending on age I guess the main difference will be in the coatings.

Alexz · Oct 20, 2005

Oh, thanks, the thread your link points to clarifies.
Caltar 90mm/6.8 is Grandagon-N, however f8 version is actually old Super Angulon.
I guess, in such case I would prefer either Grandagon-N based on other brand Fuji, Nikon)

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 20, 2005

My lens is indeed the Nikon SW 90mm f8.

Rodenstock/Caltar Grandagon-N, Fuji and Nikon are all excellent lenses. I would go for the best price combined with best condition of the glass and shutter.

Alexz · Oct 20, 2005

Yes, but now it turns out that Caltar f8 is actually either Super Angulon or few other options (see link above by Nick).
Given other choices, I would pass on it in favor others (either Nikon or Fuji). Otherwise
either Grandagon-N f6.8 or similar Caltar (which is the same Grandagon-N in this case).

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 20, 2005

I agree, that's why I wrote "Rodenstock/Caltar Grandagon-N" (which is the f6.8 Rodenstock lens).

Nick Zentena · Oct 20, 2005

Alex you were willing to consider a Super Angulon at $675. The only possible differences are likely to be the coatings and maybe the shutter. But for the price difference you can almost buy a brand new shutter and have the lens mounted.

If it was me I'd consider the Caltar at that price. If OTOH price isn't an issue then the Nikon F/8 is an obvious winner to me. A little more coverage then the competion and I think it's smaller to. OTOH if you want faster the F/4.5 Nikon would be my choice. F/6.8 just isn't much different then F/8.

Opinions needed on 90 f5.6 Fuji SWD

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