Would a 300 F5.6 Fujinon W Copal lens be a good choice for my 1894 8x10?

learning_jd · Nov 13, 2011

Since I toasted the original shutter/diaphram on this camera, I would like to get a replacement. Currently the camera is just sitting until I get another lens.

I do know that a lens should provide enough film coverage, I want a shutter with it, and so on but I am not sure if this 300 F5.6 Fujinon W Copal is a good choice. I'm thinking "normal" focal length. I've yet to think far enough in the future to consider a 8x10 "lens suite". I'm approaching this large format on a somewhat budget.

I purchased material to make a couple of lens boards.

It looks challenging to put a compendium shade on the old Empire so having filters that could screw on the front of the would be sweet.

Jon

paul_c5x4 · Nov 13, 2011

I have a Fujinon 300mm C that I use with 5x4. The only lens I have of that length, but I like it enough to splash out on some of the other lenses. I would say get it (if the price is reasonable). If you don't find it to your liking, you'd be unlikely to lose anything should you sell it.

ic-racer · Nov 13, 2011

It is kind of a big heavy lens for an old camera but it is doable. I had to add an extra bolt and thumbscrew to hold the lensboard in place, as my Century had the tendency to tip forward on the tripod and spit the lens onto the ground.

cdholden · Nov 13, 2011

It also depends on what look you're going for. If you want sharp photos in that focal length, that's a fine lens to use.
If you want the look of a period lens from the era of the camera, you'll need to find an older lens. Not just sharpness, but contrast may be considered due to older lenses lacking coating while the modern lenses are usually multicoated.

learning_jd · Nov 14, 2011

ic-racer - beautiful camera! I see what you mean by a big lens! My Empire looks very close to your Century. The Empire has a rear bed that screws on and lets me move the rear standard back along it. With the front standard on the front bed/track it seems I should be able to keep the center of gravity over the tripod. Good idea on the extra lens board security too. Thanks for the post!

Jon

learning_jd · Nov 14, 2011

cdholden - I hear what you are saying. I still have the complete Voigtlander Collinear Series III 7 7/8 in lens (front and rear part) that came with the camera but as mentioned, the shutter assembly it was mounted to is shot. I don't know how to get that assembly replaced or if I can find a more modern shutter that the Voigtlander could mount in. I have no idea what the lens thread size is! At first blush, seems silly to spend a ton of money to try to get that old shutter rebuilt - but then again, I have not idea what that would cost, if it's smart, if I should spend those $$ towards a more modern lens, etc. (I know only enough to be somewhat dangerous)

Actually, I think it would be great to use the old lens for the reasons you mention. But the lack of a working shutter for it is my problem. Plus I believe I would like to have a longer focal length lens anyway. Then I've only taken 1 negative with it so I don't rightly know what I should to do.

Jon

desertrat · Nov 14, 2011

There are lots of people shooting antique RR lenses with homemade waterhouse stops and lens cap exposures. If the shutter and diaphragm are completely wasted, you can remove them and install homemade stops made of black paper or thin aluminum painted black. It won't be exactly convenient, because you'll have to unscrew one cell every time you change the stop, but it can be done. I bought an ancient Staeble lens in an Ibso pneumatic shutter that had diaphragm blades that were completely destroyed. I was able to get the shutter working again to some extent, and removed all the diaphragm blades. I made some stops out of black paper with little tabs folded up along the outer rim to keep the stops from sliding sideways into the circular slot where the diaphragm mechanism was.

You can have a lot of fun with something like this, even though it won't be very easy to use.

Vaughn · Nov 14, 2011

That is my main lens for my 8x10. Sort of on the wide side of normal. I like the f/5.6 in the dim light of the redwood forest. It has been a fine lens.

Another choice for a modern lens would be the Fuji 250/6.7. A little wider, enough coverage, good shutter, and significantly smaller.

learning_jd · Nov 15, 2011

desertrat - Sounds like my shutter is similar to that one you had in that it does work, somewhat... the B setting at least! Interesting idea to make a bunch of stops... I'm going to ponder on that. Thanks.

learning_jd · Nov 15, 2011

Vaughn, thanks for also mentioning the 250/6.7. From my test (and only) shot (temporary) using my 4x5 lens and got major vignetting, I'm concerned in getting a replacement lens for the 8x10 that has full film coverage. I also saw a Nikkor-W 300/5.6 that looks good (but also seems on the large size). These things are not cheap either. (I know, relative term...)

jp80874 · Nov 15, 2011

If you use the 300 F5.6 Fujinon W Copal you will have 420mm coverage at f22 at infinity. This means 25% more coverage than minimum requirement for 8x10 or room for lots of movement for perspective control without vignetting.

John Powers

Vaughn · Nov 15, 2011

The Fuji 250 f/6.7 has an image circle of 398mm -- just to compare it with the Fuji W 300mm.

Just be aware that the more recent Fuji 250 f/6.3 only has an image circle of 312mm.

Vaughn

EASmithV · Nov 16, 2011

I have one. I love it. Sharp as a tack.

Would a 300 F5.6 Fujinon W Copal lens be a good choice for my 1894 8x10?

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