Fujinon W f6.5 360mm vs Nikkor W f6.5 360mm

[Sweep]

I am finally getting round to researching a second lens for my 10x8 to compliment my Apo-Symmar 240mm and think I will get a 360mm. I am considering the Nikkor W and Fujinon W as they have a smaller front barrel than the Schneider and Rodenstock offerings so will still work with the Lee 100 filter system
Looking at those for sale on Ebay I seem to find that the Nikkors come at a premium of around 30% over the Fujis and wondered why this might be and whether it was justified. The Nikkors being around £600 and the Fujis £460.The only thing I can see id that the Fuji carries the silver shutter speed ring whilst the Nikkors the later (?) black one.

Amy guidance would be appreciated.

...Sweep

[Luis-F-S]

14" plasmats are beasts why not look at a G-Claron or a 12" Dagor?

[Leigh]

The Nikon W 360/6.5 (which I have) has a slightly larger image circle (494mm) than the Fujinon CM-W 360/6.5 (485mm). The Fujinon lens is slightly smaller, although both are in Copal 3 shutters.

Since the diagonal of 8x10 film is only 325mm, either lens gives you lots of movements.

The IC of the APO-Symmar 240mm is only 352mm, so a big difference.

- Leigh

[Sweep]

Hi Luis, I guess I am only looking at what is commonly available. As far as the focal length is concerned I am leaning towards a 360mm as it seems far enough away from the 240mm to make a difference without becoming extreme.

Hi Leigh, So lots of movement on either lens. Just checking the charts and the Fuji has a smaller filter thread compared to the Nikon (86 to 95mm) and is also considerably lighter by 245grams (8.6oz). I do like the black shutter speed dial though i'm not sure if its worth the extra £150 just to have both my lens look the same.

...Sweep

[xkaes]

I do like the black shutter speed dial though i'm not sure if its worth the extra £150 just to have both my lens look the same.

Some like blondes, some like brunettes. In the end.....?

[Luis-F-S]

I have all 4 and use my 12" Dagor most over 91/2 and 14" lenses

[David Karp]

Silver ring shutters are just fine.

[Ari]

Performance-wise, you'd be hard-pressed to see a difference between the Fuji and Nikon.
Having owned more Fuji lenses than Nikons, I can say the Fujis are excellent lenses, and despite the price difference, are at least the equal of Nikons.

[David Karp]

I agree with Ari. I have several Fujinon lenses, from 125mm to 450mm, including some in the single coated W series and the multicoated NW series (which is labeled "W" on the outside of the lens barrel for some unknown reason). All are excellent lenses. I would save the money and avoid the extra bulk of the Nikon by buying the Fuji if it were me.

[Vaughn]

I am using an older Fuji W 360/6.3 (inside lettering if it makes a difference) for 8x10 and 11x14 (carefully and closed down significantly). I do not believe there is a great bit of difference between mine and the more recent CM-W as far as design and coverage.

It is a fine lens for 8x10 with no worries of running out of image circle. I appreciate the f6.3 when working under the redwoods (my other Fuji Ws are 300/5.6 and 250/6.7). Not a light-weight, by any means!