Selecting a long lens for 5x7

[Ron Marshall]

I am looking for an older long lens (450mm to 1000mm) to cover 5x7. My budget is around $500.

Is there any such lens that will suit my budget?

I don't mind a barrel lens or one that is a bit heavy.

What should I look for on ebay?

[David A. Goldfarb]

A 500/5.5 Tele-Xenar in barrel might do it. I think I paid around $325 for mine a few years ago, maybe even less. I had SK Grimes make a tube for it so I could use it with the Komura Uni-Helical II on my Bronica S2A, but I think it covers 5x7". Check schneideroptics.com.

[Arne Croell]

Since barrel and heavy are ok for you, how about these (if you are an APUG subscriber):

www.apug.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=760&sort=1&cat=2&page=1

www.apug.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=759&sort=1&cat=2&page=1

Somewhat overkill for 5x7, as they cover much more, but they do fit your description.

[John Kasaian]

Look for a 19" APO Artar barrel lens. If you're concerned about the wieght, the later RD ones in an aluminium barrel are as light as butterfly kisses compared to the brass ones. You can probably find a good brassie for around $200 if you're patient.

[Jim Rhoades]

Don't overlook the convertible's. A Schneider 300 or 360 would convert to your requirements. Rodenstock made a nice one too. A Wollensak 13-20-25 covers a great range at a good price. Cookes are way overpriced because AA used one.

[Jim Galli]

Most of the bases already covered. 2 lenses I'm enjoying though are the Voigtlander APO Skopar series in 450mm and 600mm. Neither was over $200 and they are 5 element in 3 group Heliar design. Modern and single coated, the contrast is superb. RD Artar's are also a known entity. No one argues they are fine as frogs hair. A 485mm Repro Claron just finished on Ebay for $350 less than it was worth. Mine will stay safely in it's drawer for a while. That was a $650 lens.

[Hany Aziz]

Does it have to be old?

I love my Fujinon 450 f12.5 and it is tiny specially since it comes in a Copal 1 shutter. You might be able to find a used one in that price range moreover you then don't have to worry about putting it in a shutter.

Sincerely,

[Ron Marshall]

Hany, I agree, that is my dream lens. But hard to find used. I'll patiently watch ebay.

[Arne Croell]

I'll second Jims praise of the Apo-Skopars. Despite being an often overlooked lens, finding either the 450 or the 600mm under $200 might not always be possible, though. The one thing to watch out for is separation of the front and/or back group, a common ailment of these lenses. Often it is only a few mm in the periphery, and then does not affect performance. These can be good buys since the separation should lower the price considerably, but they are still perfectly good to use. Btw, the 450mm was also available in shutter, a Compound 4.