Do I really need a second lens for 8x10

[Pawlowski6132]

I use two: 450mm and 150mm. The latter for close-up work.

[Harold_4074]

Leigh is right, of course. And it is also possible to use an extension lensboard or a telephoto design.

But a glance at the Chamonix website showed that the 8x10 has a maximum bellows extension of 680mm. Ignoring the various offsets and mounting options, a 1:1 image (about as tight a headshot as I would ever want!) will dictate a 340 mm lens (and focusing will be a lot of fun, both because of the shallow depth of field and the fact that at 1:1 you have to move the camera, not just the lens...)

I went through this exact exercise some years back when I acquired an 8x10 Cambo Legend. I already owned a 360 at the time, and naively thought that a 480 would give me both a larger image and better perspective.

For really tight headshots contact-printed from 8x10 negatives, it is probably going to be hard to beat an 11x14 camera with a reducing back.

[Bruce Watson]

My question is am I missing out by only having one lens for my 8x10 its the Kowa Graphic 360mm.........I love that lens

You only *need* new equipment if you can't do what you need to get done using your existing equipment. Note that *need* is not the same thing as *want*.

So... are there pictures you can't make because you don't have a different lens? No? Then you don't need another lens.

[ndwgolf]

Hi Neil,

This question poses two questions...
1 - What subject matter do you expect to shoot?
2 - How do you plan to produce prints from your 8x10 negatives?

If you have an 8x10 enlarger, the number of required focal lengths is reduced.

I'm a fanatic about getting exactly the image I want on the film, no more, no less. Consequently I have about 20 different lenses for my 4x5 camera. Disregarding a couple of macro lenses, these are all different focal lengths.

The wide assortment is much easier than schlepping the camera/tripod all over the place to get the framing I want.

I do not have the same luxury with the 8x10.
There are far fewer suitable lenses, and bellows length can be a limiting factor.

- Leigh

1/. I enjoy shooting landscape and pretty models
2/. I currently scan my 8x10 negs and print from a digital printer and also make contract prints. With my 4x5 negs I will be wet printing those in my darkroom (I do not own a 8x10 enlarger)

Neil

[ndwgolf]

You only *need* new equipment if you can't do what you need to get done using your existing equipment. Note that *need* is not the same thing as *want*.

So... are there pictures you can't make because you don't have a different lens? No? Then you don't need another lens.

That's exactly what I am thinking hence the initial question??

Neil

[ndwgolf]

Has anyone tried the Nikor 600mm T ED lens on a 8x10............I'm not even sure if its a 8x10 lens but there are a few for sale on eBay for around a grand..........theirs also a bunch of old brass lenses on ebay (Soft Focus lenses) that look very old and are really expensive

Neil

[xkaes]

But a glance at the Chamonix website showed that the 8x10 has a maximum bellows extension of 680mm. Ignoring the various offsets and mounting options, a 1:1 image (about as tight a headshot as I would ever want!) will dictate a 340 mm lens

The Fujinon C 600mm only needs 573mm of extension with an IC of 620mm. Their 450mm lenses offer ICs from 490-520mm with flange focal lengths from 425-445mm. There are many other similar lenses, so plenty to choose from with a 680mm bellows. But if you REALLY want to get close, a shorter lens might fill the bill -- even one designed for 4x5 at infinity that does not cover 8x10 at infinity.

[ndwgolf]

But if you REALLY want to get close, a shorter lens might fill the bill -- even one designed for 4x5 at infinity that does not cover 8x10 at infinity.

Please can you try and help me understand that statement ?

Neil

[Jac@stafford.net]

You only *need* new equipment if you can't do what you need to get done using your existing equipment. Note that *need* is not the same thing as *want*.

So... are there pictures you can't make because you don't have a different lens? No? Then you don't need another lens.

Excellent, thanks. And perhaps someone can guide the OP through the use of convertible lenses. I know about them, had one but never used it (broken shutter - canned it) and I don't comment upon what I have not applied.

So - a convertible lens?
.

[Alan9940]

The Fujinon C 600mm only needs 573mm of extension with an IC of 620mm.

A beautiful lens that I'd love to have for my 8x10, but they don't appear very often and when they do...better be prepared to max out the credit card. Two are currently for sale on the 'bay: $3,880 and $4,900! A bit rich for this photographer's blood.