165mm lens recommendations for 4X5

**John Layton** · 16-Dec-2005, 11:59

Hmmm..... maybe a little shakeup would be a good thing! But its really interesting how the paradigms can shift when fantastic new products - like Schneider's 110, are introduced. And yes, I'm thinking of this very combo - 80/110/150/210/305/450 as where I'd ultimately like to settle with 4X5. Seems like lots of glass, and yet within this combo are several very useful sub-combos. I know that the 110 and 210 would always be with me, just as the 120 and 210 are now, and with the compactness of many current 150's I'd likely always have this along as well. The 305 would be next, and an 80 and 450 would be more "need specific" lenses.

But I'm so enamoured of the 90 and 120 focal lengths, that I may instead just opt. to pick up a 150, then maybe a 450 and a 65, and live with this (65/90/120/150/210/305/450) for awhile. But wait - that's one lens in addition to the already expanded selection mentioned above! I think the term "slippery slope" pretty much says it! Too much thinking here - watch out.....I'm reaching for my Holga!

**Dan Fromm** · 16-Dec-2005, 12:11

John, if you can find one, the 160/5.6 Pro Raptar isn't bad. Essentially a Symmar-S, but made in Rochester.

**Sal Santamaura** · 16-Dec-2005, 12:24

If you're patient, and can go with 158mm instead of 165mm, Barbara Lowry says you'll be able to buy a modern multicoated version of the Cooke Series VIIb. Will probably require waiting a couple of years though.

**John Layton** · 16-Dec-2005, 13:52

Sal - this looks intriguing! And to add to the upcoming Cooke set the 80 and 110 XL's - could be worth the wait! Of course, Cooke glass is just wonderful - I'd probably get spoiled by this and then wish that they'd come out with their own wides for 4X5! Barbara - you reading this?

**Brad Rippe** · 16-Dec-2005, 17:37

John,

I agree with Steve, get a 150 Sironar-S, not that much different from a 165. If you are replacing your 120, check out the
125 Fujinon CM-W. I recently purchased one to replace my 120 Nikkor SW, and it is a great lens. As Dave points out, it does take 67mm filters, but I think it takes 52mm filters on the rear element. It's light and really sharp and a lot less expensive than the Schneider 110.

I now use my 120 for super wide on 8 by 10, but I'll use it on 4 by 5 if I need greater coverage. So far, the Fuji is perfect. I would like a 150 Sironar-S as well. Kerry pointed out it might be a little tight on the lens spacing, but I think it would work for me.

I'd also like to try a 240 Fuji, but it might be a bit close to my 200 Nikkor-M. That would be great for 8 by 10 though.

-Brad