First lens, hows this...

[Mike V]

Hi guys,

I am looking to buy my first lens soon, just trying to find the right one.
Does anyone have any information on this one...



I know its image circle is 210mm stops down to 5.6
What do you think guys?

It has the silver ring front which suggests cumpar. correct?
i.e. not as reliable?

[Erik Larsen]

If the price is right it will be a fine performer I would think. It looks like a copal to me and should function fine. There are many choices in the 150 to 210 range with reasonable price. Pick from Schnieder, Nikon, Rodenstock or fuji and you'll have a good one for sure. Post an wanted ad in the for sale section and I'm sure someone will have what you need. good luck
Erik

[Mike V]

Thanks Erik, its for sale at £150.
Main uses will be architecture and landscapes.
Worth it?

[Erik Larsen]

If you're not in a hurry, I'd post a wanted add but if you need it now and have no choices it's not an unreasonable deal.
Erik

[Mike V]

If you're not in a hurry, I'd post a wanted add but if you need it now and have no choices it's not an unreasonable deal.
Erik

Not in a hurry. Might keep an eye on ebay, theres a couple of 90mm on there at the moment.

[Gene McCluney]

That 150mm is a good lens as a "normal" focal length lens for 4x5. I have one just like the one you show. It is tack sharp. I even use it on 5x7 as a moderate wide, but with little movement available. The 90mm you mention is a relative wide angle on 4x5. You should probably have both focal lengths (150mm & 90mm), plus a more "telephoto" one, such as a 210mm. Those 3 focal lengths would be a good "starter" set-up for 4x5.

[IanG]

It is a Copal shutter, the front of the lens looks as if it has a slight ding on the filter thread area, but it might be an artifact from the lighting. You'd need to check.

£150 isn't a bad price at all for a 150mm Symmar in the UK, if it's in good condition it's a good buy and certainly worth it.

Ian

[Mike V]

That 150mm is a good lens as a "normal" focal length lens for 4x5. I have one just like the one you show. It is tack sharp. I even use it on 5x7 as a moderate wide, but with little movement available. The 90mm you mention is a relative wide angle on 4x5. You should probably have both focal lengths (150mm & 90mm), plus a more "telephoto" one, such as a 210mm. Those 3 focal lengths would be a good "starter" set-up for 4x5.

Those are the three focal lengths I am after, being a broke student though I am slowly building up to them!

[lenser]

Mike,

While.this is a very fine lens, you mention that your main use will be architecture. If you are shooting exteriors with plenty of room to back up from the subject, or interiors where you do not need wide angles for the rooms, you should be fine.

However, as previously mentioned, you start to get into the wide angle range for 4x5 at about 90mm. In most of my architectural work, both interior and exterior, I think in terms of at least the 90mm and often a 75mm or even 58mm for extreme needs or extreme perspectives on the film.

This lens will do tighter shots and details quite well, but make your decisions based on application. It's a fine starter lens for a kit with fuller range as you can add more focal lengths.

Good luck.

Tim

[Mike V]

Can anyone comment on the lenses reliability. I get confused between copal and compur etc.

I want the shutter speeds to be accurate and for it to not need ALS