All,
I just acquired my first view camera (in 4x5 format), a Sinar F2 (With standard and bag bellows). With that being said, I am now poor. Unfortunately my camera did not come with any lenses (although boards were included). My question is what focal length should I purchase first ? My thought process is to get a 150mm lens first, as it is the 'normal' lens - sound reasonable ?
I basically want to make sure that I get a lens that I will be able to use for a while, as it may be a while until my bank account has more black than red.
Thanks for all the help - I look forward to the board.
My first semi-fancy view camera was a Sinar F2 as well. The lens I used with it was a 180mm F/5.6 Nikkor-W. Typically, anything in the 150 - 180 range will be fine if you want a normal lens. It really just depends on what you want to do with your view camera. If you want to shoot landscape stuff, you'll need a wide-angle lens. You already have bag bellows, so that's a plus. If you just want to shoot portraiture, a 180 - 150 (or maybe even 210) lens will do.
Get yourself a Rodenstock Apo Sironar-S 150 mm- you can't go wrong with the best, and not too much more $ than the rest. Use just this lens until you are somewhat comfortable with the LF photo making process- at least one year.
Steve, Welcome to large format. I started this year with a Sinar F1, you should be happy with your F2. There are plenty of resources on this site concerning lens selection. This one is an Excell spreadsheet of the current 4x5 lens specifications.
Kerry Thalmann has a great site: www.thalmann.com/largeformat/
My first lens was a 180, since then I have gone 110, 75, finally 300.
I took my time, bought used and was able to get some great deals. I think I would be somewhat happier with 90, 135, 200, 300, but that is splitting hairs. Or, 90, 150, 240.
Consider weight if you plan to do much hiking, and what other focal lengths you eventually plan to aquire.
150mm is an excellent choice, as is 135mm. I presume that you'll be buying used -- consider a Symmar, which can also be converted to longer focal lengths by removing the front element and shooting at a small aperture. Be sure to get one with the shutter working properly, or plan to spend another $75 to have it cleaned and adjusted.
Hello and welcome to large format. Steve Simmons made a very good suggestion in his reponse.
In other formats, what focal length best serves your photographic vision?
I have a nice selection of lenses that I can use with 4x5; from 100mm WF Ektar to a 13"' Wollensak that is primarily used with my 8x10. The lenses I have most often used on my 4x5 is a 135mm WF Ektar and a 203mm 7.7 Ektar; a moderately wide and a long normal.
I forgot to mention sources for used equipment. Do a Google search on these. I have no affiliation with any of the following stores, but I have done business with all of them and have been satisfied with their service and the quality of their used lenses.
KEH camera brokers; Midwest Camera exchange, Badger Graphics.
In selecting a lens for a view camera, the most common mistake is to buy something that doesn't allow use of the movements. I keep seeing instances of view cameras for sale with a 135mm or even a 127mm f4.5 lens. No wonder the camera is for sale, the owner must have been totally frustrated.. In the 150mm range inadequate coverage could still be a hazard. If you run across something you are unsure about, ask here, you'll get a good response, probably almost immediately.
Many knowledgeable people recommend a lens in the 203 to 210mm range as a first lens for 4" X 5", but it is quite a personal matter. Steve's recommendation to get a book first is excellent advice. Books are much less expensive than lenses. If you care to send me your mailing address I will send you a booklet on selecting a view camera lens without charge. It isn't a substitute for one of the books Steve recommends, but it is intended to specifically address your question and you can't beat the price.
All,
First off, I must say that I am deeply appreciative of all of your help. Secondly, it is GREAT to come to a place where film is alive and well (Getting tired of seeing my old 35mm films dissapear from the shelves). I do mainly landscapes/Natural scenes - rairly if ever am I in a studio setting. I also enjoy shooting old steam engines, etc; so a wide variety of lenses are needed.
In 35mm format, I usually use a 20-35mm/35-70mm zoom, a 50mm prime, a 100mm macro, and a 70-200 for wildlife. Granted, I know that the wildlife shots will stay with the 35mm, but I think I would be well served by you suggestions of a 90/150/240 selection. Im actually thinking of purchasing the 90mm first, as I will be able to take advantage of the season and get some good snow landscape shots in before the spring hits.
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