I'm wanting a 210mm or a 240mm lens for my 4x5 camera. Is there a web site that I could go to to explain the differences between the differnt lens availlable? What would some of you guys recomend. Maybe someone might have one for sale also. Thanks, James O. Kenney
Start with this one, i.e., http://www.largeformatphotography.info/
and there's http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/
John Hennessy
In deciding whether to get the 210 or the 240, you might think about what lens you use most often in 35mm or whatever other format you're now using and think about getting the equivalent. The 210 is about 70mm and the 240 80mm in 35 terms.
John S's point is a good one. But there is also the matter of coverage. Many of the 240's have a wide enough image circle to cover an 8x10 with room to spare. Many 210's, especially of the Tessar design, manage 5x7 with just a bit to spare. If James needs a lot of movement; that would be a good reason to go with a 240. I have both the Fujinon 210 and 240. There is a fairly substantial difference.
There are some exceptions. A Fujinon 210W throws a nice image circle, as does a Symmar. I've never used Rodenstock lenses, so perhaps someone familiar with these lenses could throw something into the ring.
As noted, the lens comparison charts linked from the home page of this site (there's a back link at the top of the message index) provide much useful information about the specs for specific lenses. And, while comparisons to focal lengths most used by you on smaller formats is a good place to start, you may also find that these comparisons don't always match up due to the differences in aspect ratios.
A pinch of forward thinking also helps. If, for example, an 8x10 is a possibility in your future, you might lean toward something like a 240mm G-Claron, which covers 8x10 with some room to spare, rather than just a 210mm that will cover 4x5 well. Then, it becomes a matter of balancing between patience and availability.
It might also help if we knew what focal lengths you already use.
My other format is 35mm of which I shoot always from 70mm to 300mm. I don't think I will get larger than 4x5. I have used a 210mm so I am thinking probably a 240 mm or 250mm is what I want. But that is not my problem. There are so many brands to choose from it makes it hard to know whick one to choose. I use strictly Cannon equiptment, so that makes it real simple. But now I have to pick from Nikkors, Schneider, fuji, Rodenstock Sironar-n or -s and so on and so on. Is this a little more clear? Thanks for the help. James
Consider coverage, weight, size, filter size, and price. There is a nice table of lenses for 4x5 here where you can compare many lenses. Some people pay attention to the rendition of out-of-focus areas, called bokeh - and have strong preferences in that regard.
One thing to think about is that among the modern general-purpose plasmat lens types from all of the major manufacturers - Nikon, Fuji, Rodenstock and Schneider - 210 is the longest focal length that comes in a #1 shutter. The 240s come in a #3, so in addition to the glass being a bit larger, the shutter adds substantially to the size and weight. In particular, while a 210 in Copal #1 is a comfortable fit on even the most lightweight, compact wooden 4x5 field camera, a 240 in Copal #3 is big and heavy enough to be badly mismatched to many of the popular, affordable 4x5 wooden field cameras, which is where many users start their explorations in LF.
Strictly in terms of basic, objectively-measured optical performance, a late-model 210 or 240 from any of the four major vendors will provide very high quality and way more than enough room for movement on 4x5. The differences come if you have very specialized requirements or tastes.
I much prefer the Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-N and -S lenses myself, could live with a Schneider Apo-Symmar if I had to, and strongly dislike the Nikkors and Fujinons. But this is based on certain subtleties of optical character - balance between contrast and resolution, out-of-focus rendering - for which I developed particular preferences after years of tinkering with many different brands and types of lenses. If you don't already have those preferences and just want to get started with a lens that will give you a crisp, contrasty image on film, you won't go wrong with the mainline plasmat types from any of the big four - the latest versions are Nikkor W, Fujinon CMW, Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S, and Schneider Apo-Symmar L.
In 240mm, we have the f/5.6 Copal 3's and the f/9 Copal 1's. Several of each. But there is another choice. What about the Dagor 9.5-inch f/6.8 with a Compur 2 shutter? Close to the speed of the f/5.6 240mm lenses and close to the size and weight of the f/9 240mm lenses. And it even covers 8x10.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks