Portrait Lens for 2x3 Century Graphic

[2Bugles]

I currently have a 105 4.5 Xenar on my Century Graphic and was wondering if a longer lens might be nice for portraits. Any opinions are appreciated.
Paul

 

[Dan Fromm]

I've got some nice portraits with my 2x3 Speed and a 105. But if you want a longer lens, why not?

FWIW, the longest non-tele lens that will work comfortably on a Century (I have one too) is probably around 180 mm. I know people who use 203/7.7 Ektars and 203/7.5 Raptars on their Centuries, but they aren't all that happy with running the front standard nearly all the way out. In "original issue" lenses, the 203/5.6 and 250/5.6 Wollensak tele lenses (Tele Raptar on Wolly dress, Tele Optar in Graflex) both are comfortable fits on the camera.

In other words, there are many lenses out there to choose among. If you want a longer lens, why not?

 

[ChuckP]

I like my 180 Tele-Arton. Fits nicely on the Century board.

 

[2Bugles]

Thanks Dan, I was worried that there were limited options for 2x3 cameras but I guess I'm wrong about that. ChuckP, I'm looking at a Xenar 180 Tele so your post makes we want to go-for-it.
Paul

 

[Nathan Smith]

I've used a 127mm Ektar on my Busch 2x3, mostly because I already had it laying around, and it worked very nicely. 135mm's are quite common and cheap, lot's of 'em are from old 9x12 folders often as 13.5cm.

For that matter, there are lots of old Rapid Rectilinears and Meniscus lenses on old Kodaks - CHEAP - try the larger types 1A, 2A (173mm?) and 3A (170mm) - they may give a nice soft image for your portraits, especially wide open.

Nathan