12x20 lenses

[tim810]

I am almost finished putting together a 12x20 conversion to my cambo 8x10. Everything is fine except for the lense. Since the only way I am able to purchase lenses is online (ebay, Quality camera, etc...), and have a limited supply of money (student). Basically I don't want to pay for a lense and find out that it does not have eanough coverage. I tend to gravitate to wide angle, but not so much that my subjects become distorted. My favorite lense on my 8x10 is the 240caltar f5.6. There is just alot of versitility with this lense. Versitility is another important aspect of a lense I feel is important, because I don't want to have more than one lense. The last thing is afordability (not cheep I only want to purchase it once). I need a lense mounted in a shutter and in good working order (no costly repairs). I am a student that wishes he could afford the new Schneider FINE ART 6g lense, but I cant. Five to seven hundred is about my limit. One thousand if I really find somthing wonderfull.
Thank you
Tim

[Dave Wooten]

1. 355 G Claron in Copal 3 shutter

2. 450 M nikor or the 450 fugi C

[sanking]

Best bargain lenses in shutter.

360mm f/5.6 Symmar Convertible for wide angle.

450mm Nikkor-M for semi-wide angle.

Many good apo lenses in barrel if you can live without a shutter.

Sandy King

[Songyun]

Nikkor M has IC 440mm, how does it cover 1220?

[sanking]

Nikkor M has IC 440mm, how does it cover 1220?

Circle of illumination is much larger than 440mm. Stopped down to f/45 or or more, typical of ULF work, the circle of useful illumination is large enough to even cover 20X24.

Most ULF photographers are familiar with the covering ability of 450mm Nikkor M.

Bear in mind that most ULF work will not be enlarged more than 2X-3X. Coverage data for lenses normally assumes magnification of at least 6X - 8X.

Sandy King

[tim810]

I am thinking that the 360 Symmar will be most useable. I am curious as to the movements I would be able to use. Also, Does anyone know where I could find one??

[sanking]

I am thinking that the 360 Symmar will be most useable. I am curious as to the movements I would be able to use. Also, Does anyone know where I could find one??

360 Symmar just covers, with very little movement.

For movements, best bet is 450mm Nikkor. You will have several inches with this lens.

Look on ebay. Both the 360mm Symmar convertible and Nikkor-M come up often.

Sandy King

[Songyun]

Does 360A cover?

[tim810]

Is the 360 Symmar S the same as the convertible??
I found one on KEH.com

[sanking]

Is the 360 Symmar S the same as the convertible??
I found one on KEH.com

The Symmar-S is not the same as Symmar convertible. The Symmar-S is a newer design, but does not cover quite as much as the older convertible lens.

Sandy King