135mm 4x5 Lens Recommendations - Moderate Budget

Evening folks,

When I was shooting 4x5 as a primary format my lens of choice was a 135 Sironar S. It is an exceptional optic.

I’m starting a new project on 4x5 and am curious if there are alntertaives to the Sironar, cost wise? I’m not sure I’m able to drop 1,000 bucks into the lens.

I know there are MTF charts but I’m interested in real world comparisons. I’m not working with architectural subjects so extreme movements are not necessary.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Less than 20% of my work is at infinity so closer work is where these pictures will find themselves.

I would suggest a Fujinon; I have come to think that Fujinons are an excellent value. The 135mm turns up regularly on auction. I bought mine from Badger Graphics.

I paid $650 for my APO-Sironar-S 5.6/135mm. It's an excellent lens.
IC (image circle) is 208mm @ infinity. The diagonal of 4x5 is 163mm.

If you want something for close work, the Nikon AM 5.6/120mm is a true macro lens.
The IC is 250mm @ 1:1, which easily covers 4x5. But it's only half of that @ infinity.

- Leigh

You just missed a Nikkor 135W FS right here on the forum.

I was tempted, but sat on my hands.

Fujinon W 135/5.6 is a great lens. Get a later one with lettering on the outside in a black copal.


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Fujinon 135 CM W - fantastic performance and value.

Ditto. Any of the Fujinons (W,NW,CMW). Every bit as good as German glass.

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Originally Posted by dodphotography

When I was shooting 4x5 as a primary format my lens of choice was a 135 Sironar S. It is an exceptional optic.

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It depends what you mean by this. If you really liked the way the Apo-Sironar-S draws, including focus transitions and OOF rendering, then get an (Apo-)Sironar-N / Sinaron-S / Caltar II-N. (Do NOT get a plain Sironar, which is the generation prior to the -N. It draws very differently, and that generation has lots of problems with element separation because of the cements used during that era.)

If you're just looking for a competent, affordable 135, pick any late-model 135 from Rodenstock, Schneider, Nikon or Fuji that you can find in good condition at an attractive price. If you don't like it, sell and try something different. In today's market you should find plenty to choose from.

The best deal on a Rodenstock would probably be a 135mm Caltar II-N. It is identical to the multicoated 135mm Rodenstock Sironar-N. The next best deal would usually be the multicoated Sironar-N. If you need an S, then you are in higher dollar territory.

I agree with the many of the others. The best price/performance ratio would probably be with a 135mm Fujinon NW, which will have lettering on the outside of the front barrel and be marked (for some unknown reason) "Fujinon W." I have a 125mm and 150mm in that series. Both are very nice.

If you want a larger image circle and don't care about single vs. multicoating, the 135mm Fujinon W would be a good choice. It will be marked "Fujinon W" on the front lens ring. This lens covers 5x7.

I own a Caltar II-N and it's a wonderful lens! I also own a bunch of Fujis--different series--and they are all good lenses, too. You really can't go wrong with any of the suggestions in this thread. That Caltar, though, is a heck of a bargain IMO.