Which lenses cover 8x20 despite specs to the contrary?

[Christopher Condit]

I've been doing my homework before a potential ULF purchase. I'm leaning towards 8x20 over 7x17, but am concerned over lens availability, especially new, wide angle, lenses. There appear to be a number of lenses with specs that indicate they cover 7x17 but not 8x20. However, I know that specs are often conservative, and particularly so if you are contact printing. Below are the lenses I have found in this category. Is anybody using any of these guys on 8x20 (or bigger) successfully?

Grandagon 200mm

Super Symmar XL 210mm

Super Angulon 210mm

Apo-Sironar W 300mm

G-Claron 355mm

Nikkor W 360mm

Apo-Symmar 360mm

TIA,

[sanking]

The lenses that I know for sure cover 8X20 are the SSXL 210 and the G-Claron 355. They cover 12X20 so both should give you a bit of room for movement.

All of the others will cover 7X17 and I think some of them may also cover 8X20 but I don't know this as a fact.

[Michael Jones]

Christopher:

I currrently use a 355 mm Symmar on 14x17, so it should cover either format. I know you are considering new, but there are some readily available older lenses that might work. I used a 210 Angulon and a 240mm GD Dagor on 11x14, so they should cover 7x17. The edges would be soft on 8x20. A bit longer, I also used a 16.5" RD Artar for both 7x17 and 8x20. Good luck.

Mike

[David Vickery]

I use a 12" Dagor(Berlin) and a 14" Dagor(American) on my 12x20 with wonderful results. I have not noticed any soft corners or other problems. I believe that some have used the 300/9.0(or 6.8 if in shutter?) Computar on their 12x20 or 8x20. I have a 270/9.0 Computar that I use on 11x14 and it probably has enough coverage for 7x17 and maybe even 8x20?? The Dagors and Computars and excellant values for the ULF users.