Wista SP Lens Range

[Scott Rosenberg]

thanks for clearing that up, roberto. looks like the wist is not for me, as i can't use recessed boards and do enjoy shooting shorter than 75mm.

[Frank Petronio]

It's really the focal flange distance that matters, and different lens designs (even at the same focal length - say 75mm) can require different amounts of extension for infinity focus.

A good question might be, which 75mm (or wider) lenses have a larger flange distance, allowing more practical use on field cameras?

The SP is a good, lighter alternative to the Technika. The back movements are easier but the microswing is kind of goofy. The VX seems to be the same without the silly hardware.

[Scott Rosenberg]

thanks for the bit on the wista, frank. good point on the focal flange distances, too. i thought for comparable focal lengths, most modern lenses were within a mm or two of the cited focal length - i'll have to check that out for my lenses.

[David Karp]

Scott,

The Ebony camera website has a table that includes all the flange to focal length distances for Rodenstock, Fujinon, Nikon and Schneider lenses here: http://www.ebonycamera.com/articles/lenses.html

It looks like the 75s actually have a flange to focal length that exceeds their nominal focal length. In fact, the chart shows that they usually exceed 80mm! Never even thought about this issue at the short end, but often thought about it when thinking about long lenses.

Hope this helps.

[Ole Tjugen]

... for every job, there's a proper tool. ...

In 4x5", that's the Carbon Infinity. If you can find one.

[steve simmons]

I usually suggest that the bellows be longer than the longest lens that will be used by at least 25%. Otherwise you are limited to subjects at or close to infinity. Is it possible to use something shorter than 90mm w/o a bag bellows - yes, but not very convenient (the exception seems to be the Canham DLC)

Just my thoughts

steve simmons

[Bob Salomon]

"(the exception seems to be the Canham DLC)"

The exception would be the Master Technika 2000 whose bellows easily allows the use of the 35mm Apo Grandagon!

[steve simmons]

Thanks for the correction Bob

steve simmons

[Kirk Keyes]

"(the exception seems to be the Canham DLC)"

The exception would be the Master Technika 2000 whose bellows easily allows the use of the 35mm Apo Grandagon!

Scott - don't you have an MT 2000?

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Theoretically speaking, the Wista SP has a minimum extension of 51mm, and a maximum extension of 300mm.
About the bag bellows, you must be careful, because they have different models :
1&#176 The first bag bellows (#4541) allows 25mm to 150mm extension. But the Wista recessed lensboard #4544 can't be fitted on it.
2&#176 The bag bellows #4541 can be used with the wideangle lensboard #4544. This specific lensboard is inserted between the camera front standard and the bag bellows. Lenses from 65-75 focal length and shutter #0 can be mounted.
3&#176 You can also use the short track #4553 (100mm length) with the bag bellows and mount a 47mm lens on recessed lensboard.

About long lenses Wista has 3 extension rails :
- Telemacro rail #4576 (flange distance 450mm) with extension bellows #4542 (600mm)
- Telemacro rail #4577 (flange distance 550mm) which requires also the #4542 extension bellows.
- Telemacro rail #4578 (flange distance 800mm) which requires the extra long extension bellows #4543 (900mm)

IMO the stability of the camera/lens seems uncertain, and you would probably need a second tripod or a supporting arm (like the former Bogen product) to hold such an extension and weight.