4x5 Lenses

[Anthony Martinez]

I just bought a Shen Hao, and am trying to decide on a first lens for it. Right now I'm considering either the Schneider Xenar 150/5.6 or the Nikkor W 180/5.6.

Thoughts?

[Photogdude]

what are you planning to shoot?

[Anthony Martinez]

I really don't even know. I was compelled to make the purchase because I can enlarge up to 4x5 in my darkroom, yet I had no way to make 4x5" negatives. The "normal" focal lengths dominate my 35mm and 6x6cm shooting, so I figured I'd go that route here as well.

[KJ Smith]

Anything between 135-165, although a 180 would work.

Most folks recommend the 150 as a normal.

I started with a 135. (40mm in 35).

It is still my most used lens.

[Anthony Martinez]

135, 150, and 180mm lenses all seem to be available for very near the same price. Perhaps after finals some of you local LF folk can give me a crash-course in using a field camera?

[wclavey]

I agree with Kevin - - anything in that range is good to start with. I used a variety of weird lenses to begin (enlarger lenses, antique lenses, the 135mm lens from my Crown Graphic, copy lenses...) and finally settled on 2 lenses: 135mm and 210mm. I use them both quite a bit when I shoot 4x5. I have invested in a decent 210 (Rodenstock Sironar N) but I am still using a copy lens for my 135mm. Someday, I may replace it with something real.

I like the look of the 210mm on 4x5 - - even though it is slightly longer than normal, the 4x5 aspect ratio seems (to me) to benefit from that. If it were slightly more rectangular and not almost square, I would probably want something more in the 150-180mm range. The 135mm looks great on the 6x9 roll film back. I *really* like that combination. If I decide to continue using the roll film back, then that is what would drive me to get a real 135mm lens.

[KJ Smith]

The other thing to consider is where you go from there.

A typical 3 lens kit would be a 90,150,180.

I have a 75,135,210 and just recently added a 90.

The 6X17 back was the driving force for the 90, the 75 was to wide on 6X17.

[wclavey]

BTW, I subsequently added a 90mm after I had been shooting a few years. So my full set is a 90mm, 135mm & 210mmm - - very similar to Kevin's.

BTW, Anthony, if you decide to purchase something in the 135-150mm range to begin with and you want to try something a little longer, I have an antique Kodak Anastigmat 170mm in a newly overhauled shutter, already mounted on a lens board you can use on the Shen Hao, that you could try out for a while. I like the performance of this lens a lot but it is what I used as something close to 180mm that convinced me to go with the longer 210mm. I found that when using it, I always wanted something a bit longer and the 210mm fit the bill nicely.

[Photogdude]

i went through school with a 210 on my 4x5. if i remember correctly, if you have a 16" bellows and rail, that will make a 1:1 mag with a 210, or is it 12"? this was 20 years ago, so i might not remember correctly.

a 90 is great for lanscapes and architecture.

[Anthony Martinez]

Thanks guys, I'm going to give a 135/5.6 a shot. Should all arrive after my finals. Now I just need some film!

[venchka]

Would like to try the Nikkor 180? Perhaps this weekend?

Or have you bought a lens already? I also have 125mm & 250mm lenses on Linhof boards which I think fit the Shen Hao.

[Anthony Martinez]

Wayne,

I've ordered the 135 already, but I would like to try the Nikkor 180 at some point. Finals all week, the most crucial of which is in the morning. This weekend will be crazy with some bathroom remodeling and such, I probably won't be doing much else.

[venchka]

No worries. Sorry I was late with my offer. Holler when you are ready.

Wayne

[Anthony Martinez]

Any free time between Christmas and NYE? I've got the camera and everything now, and I think even loaded my film holders correctly. I'm not sure how I'm going to develop the film - tray development seems to be my real option at the moment.

[pcoursey]

Anthony
Look through the stuff you got from me. There should be a black Jobo tank with reels for 4X5. Merry Christmas.
Pat