Opinions needed on 90 f5.6 Fuji SWD

[Alexz]

Thanks, well, decisions, decision...
Now that I think about it, considering the fact that I'm have zero of practical exprience with LF (albeit gaining lots of theoretical knowledge ), perhaps the better approach would be getting used to LF recieving my brand new Shen-Hao and spending some time and gaining an experience with just a single lens I already own, i.e. 150mm Fujinon.
The perhaps I'll have much clearer view of what need most and how to approach that.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

I have an older Super Angulon f/8 that I bought because it was cheap (super cheap!) even though it has coating issues. I find that it is bright enough for my needs and think that an f/8 might be a good compromise. It is about a stop dimmer than 5.6, more like a half stop dimmer than f/6.8, which isn't all that bad. Considering the extra weight, expense, and filter issues, it's not so bad.

 

[jperkinson]

Alex, I'm in the same boat you are. I'm looking for a 90mm lens for my 4x5.

I also shoot at night, and the f8 scares me. I have a blackjacket, and it's sometimes difficult to focus properly at night even at f5.6. I'm beginning to think I need a Maxwell screen to help with this.

I've pretty much decided I'll end up going with the Fuji SW or a Caltar, the faster glass is bulky and expensive and with the money I save I might be able to get another screen.

JP

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

To re-stir the pot, I have a 90 f6.8 Rodenstock on a Shen-Hao. It is a fantastic combo (I also happen to have a Keith Canham gg w/ fresnel in place of the factory gg). I found mine on Ebay like new with original box for $450 +/- . I would prefer the 6.8 to the f8 for the brightness but more importantly the additional coverage. With the exception of the Nikon 90 f8, all the f8 90mm lenses currently out there have significantly smaller image circles than the 6.8s and 5.6's/4.5's. If you're going to be hiking with the lens, and carrying more than one or two other lenses with you, I'd suggest the 6.8 or the f8 Nikon as best bets.

If you go with the Fuji 4.5, I don't know if the 80mm rear element on that fuji will fit through the front standard or not - would be a bit of a tight squeeze. You might have to remove the rear element, mount the lensboard, then re-attach the element from inside the bellows. As to filters, you can always get a Lee gelatin filter holder which will accomodate up to 87mm diameter lenses I believe. Maybe even 92mm. The Lee gelatin filters are excellent, and inexpensive. They make one filter holder which goes on using a big rubber band, and costs about $20.

 

[Donsta]

I used to own a Fujinon SWD 90mm. I sold it. I have owned several 90mms - f8 Nikkor, f5.6 Nikkor, f5.6 Fujinon, Schneider f8, Scheider f5.6 XL etc. I still have the 90mm f8 Nikkor. The f5.6 Scheider XL was possibly a slightly better performer, but a very inconvenient lens to own due to filter size issues and the size of the rear element. The Fujinon was the not my favorite lens - yes, it was a stop brighter than the f8s, but performance never blew me away (and I have some other Fujinons which are stellar). It was also a big heavy lens. Unless you're shooting interiors, I'd stick with an f8 version (nikkor would be my preference for the huge image circle and excellent performance) and a good darkcloth.

 

[Alexz]

Thank you all again, points are taken.