what 65mm lens for 4x5?

socaljc · May 3, 2010

After getting a Nikon 90mm f/4.5 and a Schneider 47mm, I think I need a 65mm for my 4x5.

Any recommendation? I heard the Schneider 65mm is great in terms of sharpness. But how about Fuji, Nikon, or the Rodenstock Grandagon-N 65mm f/4.5 (Caltar 65mm II-N)?

I like the modern multi-coated model btw.

Any feedback would be good...

SocalJC

Ian Grant · May 3, 2010

I use a Schneider 65mm f8 but the f5.6 has better coverage, but given a choice I'd now buy the65mm f4.5 Grandagon , the MC on the Rodenstock lenses is superb.

The pre-Multi coating Super Angulons are actually well coated, and I use a 75mm f8 on my 6x17 camera and it has no tendency to flare at all even when shooting into harsh sunlight, and my 65mm and 165mm (in my 10x8) are equally as good.

I may well get another 75mm purely because coverage is better than the 65mm and it's slightly more versatile.

Ian

darinwc · May 3, 2010

At f8, the wide-angle lenses get VERY hard to focus the corners. This makes movements strenuous.
The faster f5.6 and f4.5 are well worth the extra money if you can afford it.

Pinholemaster · May 3, 2010

All the modern multi-coated glass is great. Schneider, Nikon, Fuji or Rodenstock will suit you. For shooting color I like the idea of keeping all my modern glass within one manufacturer, so if you have Nikon, try to stick with Nikon.Of course I haven't followed that rule 100% due to cost and availability.

darinwc · May 3, 2010

/agree with above

Sparky · May 3, 2010

i agree with darwin re: the darker slower lenses. Far too little attention is paid to the ergonomics of the process. An image that's easier to see is a better photograph, in my opinion.

65mm tends to be very extreme however - not super useful for a lot of situations. I had a 58mm XL for extreme architectural situations where nothing else would work.... but I looked at it as a necessary evil. I thought it had too much contrast though- as strange a comment as that sounds. It was hard getting good prints out of it since it was 'hotter' than my grandagons.

Sparky · May 3, 2010

i also highly recommend a reflex viewer for the above reasons too... even though they aren't 'cool'... the way I look at it is ... hey! whatever helps you see what you're shooting better...!

removed account4 · May 3, 2010

get the newer, faster SA and its center filter.
i also use it in architectural situations, it not only
works great on a rail camera ( recessed board! )
but it is great on a speed graphic ...

the only down side is you have to be a waif to use it,
since anyone bigger will surly be in the photograph.

john

what 65mm lens for 4x5?

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