Tele for 8x10 camera... what are my choices?

[bobbysandstrom]

I'm using a Tachihara with 22 inches of bellows (bummer cause I'd like to buy a 600) Any recommendations for a tele lens that isn't real heavy?

Thanks

 

[rbarker]

Long focal lengths is the one real shortfall of the double-extension Tachi (I have one, too). To go beyond about 450mm (with some room for closer-than-infinity focus), the only option is a true tele design, like the Nikkor Ts, etc. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of image circle. The Nikkor 800T, for example, appears to have an image circle of only 200mm - not nearly enough to cover 8x10 when focused at infinity. The flange focal distance of the 800T is about 527mm, meaning it would just work with 22" of bellows, but not fill the frame with sharp image. [edit, added] The 800T is supposed to weigh in at 56.4 ounces - not exactly light-weight.

At the close end of the spectrum, I've mounted my Nikkor 360T on my 8x10 Tachi double-extension, racked the bellows out for close to 1:1, and it appears to cover OK. I haven't done actual test negs to check real coverage and corner-to-corner sharpness, however.

 

[df cardwell]

The Tachihara really isn't a Tele camera. A second tripod under the lens, some clamps and rods to lock things up, and sandbags for the tripod. Whew. Swinging a tilting a Tele is no fun, either.

Look for a C-1 Calumet for this adventure.

 

[Andrew Forrester]

Long focal lengths is the one real shortfall of the double-extension Tachi (I have one, too). To go beyond about 450mm (with some room for closer-than-infinity focus), the only option is a true tele design, like the Nikkor Ts, etc. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of image circle. The Nikkor 800T, for example, appears to have an image circle of only 200mm - not nearly enough to cover 8x10 when focused at infinity. The flange focal distance of the 800T is about 527mm, meaning it would just work with 22" of bellows, but not fill the frame with sharp image. [edit, added] The 800T is supposed to weigh in at 56.4 ounces - not exactly light-weight.

At the close end of the spectrum, I've mounted my Nikkor 360T on my 8x10 Tachi double-extension, racked the bellows out for close to 1:1, and it appears to cover OK. I haven't done actual test negs to check real coverage and corner-to-corner sharpness, however.

I came across a buy it now bargain on eBay & I have a 600/800 Nikkor T waiting to be picked up from my local Post Office tomorrow. When I get it home I will put it on my Wista I will confirm the exact bellows extension for the 600 & 800.

 

[Tom Duffy]

Long focal lengths is the one real shortfall of the double-extension Tachi (I have one, too). To go beyond about 450mm (with some room for closer-than-infinity focus), the only option is a true tele design, like the Nikkor Ts, etc. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of image circle. The Nikkor 800T, for example, appears to have an image circle of only 200mm - not nearly enough to cover 8x10 when focused at infinity. The flange focal distance of the 800T is about 527mm, meaning it would just work with 22" of bellows, but not fill the frame with sharp image. [edit, added] The 800T is supposed to weigh in at 56.4 ounces - not exactly light-weight.

At the close end of the spectrum, I've mounted my Nikkor 360T on my 8x10 Tachi double-extension, racked the bellows out for close to 1:1, and it appears to cover OK. I haven't done actual test negs to check real coverage and corner-to-corner sharpness, however.

I think the image circle on the Nikon 800 is closer to 310mm. I use the 600 version at infinity on my 8x10 (no movements) without a problem.

 

[Andrew Forrester]

I came across a buy it now bargain on eBay & I have a 600/800 Nikkor T waiting to be picked up from my local Post Office tomorrow. When I get it home I will put it on my Wista I will confirm the exact bellows extension for the 600 & 800.

I have collected my brute of a lens & I have popped it onto my Wista. The 600mm combination requires less than 16" bellows extension to focus on infinity & the 800mm combination around 21"

I had previously read that the 1200mm combination covers 20x12, so I attached the 800mm combination to my 14x17 camera & I think it may well cover the format when stopped down to f45.

 

[rbarker]

I think the image circle on the Nikon 800 is closer to 310mm. I use the 600 version at infinity on my 8x10 (no movements) without a problem.

Thanks for that info, Tom, and to Andrew for taking measurements. I was quoting the (very limited) published specs, which are probably on the conservative side.

Sounds like your experience is similar to what Andrew is seeing. Covering 8x10 with the 600T, even with no movements, makes it interesting - especially if only contact prints are being made. The only 600mm-ish lens I have at the moment is a 610mm/f9 APO Nikkor, which is a bit less convenient.