Modest wide for 8X10...?

[Randy]

I am looking for some suggestions for what to look at in the way of a modest wide angle for 8x10. I don't need a lot of coverage since I don't do any front movements, just rear tilt if any. I have been looking for a Fujinon 180mm, the old one with the printing inside the front of the lens barrell, or the Fujinon 210mm of the same vintage. I have a 240mm Caltar II S but would like something around 180mm-210mm.

Thoughts?
(edit) - the less expensive, the better

[Jan Pedersen]

A coated 210 Dagor. Far better than the Fuji. Yes, i did at one time have the Fuji but it failed to impress at close to infinity.
The 210 G-Claron is also good if you don't need any movements, covers about the same as the Dagor.

[Leigh]

My database of modern lenses shows no 180mm options that cover 8x10.
Please note that my database is not comprehensive, is particularly short in Schneider lenses, and it has no older lenses.

It only shows a couple of 210mm options:
The Fujinon W 210/5.6 and the Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-W 210/5.6 both have 352mm ICs. The Rodenstock is quite rare.

Some others that come close but would afford minimal or no movements at all:
Rodenstock: Sironar-N 210/5.6 (301); Apo-Sironar-N and Apo-Sironar-S 210/5.6 (316)
Fujinon: CM-W 210/5.6 (309mm IC)
Schneider: Apo-Symmar MC 210/5.6 (305)

But 210mm is awfully close in coverage to your 240mm; hardly worth spending the money and carrying it around.

I would suggest the Nikkor SW 150/5.6. Its huge 400mm IC allows large movements, even if you don't need them now.
It's small, in a Copal 1 shutter, and it's inexpensive. KEH has several of them in stock.

KEH also has the 180mm Fujinon that you mentioned, but it's the later multi-coated version with printing on the outside.

- Leigh

[MIke Sherck]

I use the older Fujinon 210 and like it very much: sharp and contrasty throughout its aperture range and at all distances. With 352mm of coverage, you have room for useful movements and it's not too terribly expensive. It's also a reasonable size and weight. There really isn't anything I know of to dislike about it.

Mike

[Steve Hamley]

I have a 180mm Fuji-W (the early one), and it will illuminate 8x10, and probably cover straight on. Fuji was pretty accurate in their coverage statements, so 305mm for the early W leaves you about 5mm short according to the literature. However, actually measuring 8x10 "usable" image area (not counting film rail area) is somewhat less, indeed about 305mm. I think you can count on a few more mm of coverage especially if contact printing. The early 210mm Fujinon-W would be a better choice if the focal length difference doesn't matter. The 210mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S will also cover with no movements.

An 8-1/4" Dagor (at least most of them) will also cover, but keep in mind you will need to be stopped down to f:32 or f:45 to maintain a usable image off center - again unless contact printing when you can get away with a lot.

A 190mm WF Ektar should also cover straight on.

Although outside your stated focal lengths, the 150mm Schneider Super Symmar XL and the 165mm WA Dagor would also be choices.

Cheers, Steve

[benrains]

My vote is for the early Fujinon-W 210/5.6 which I find covers 8x10 well enough. On the wider side, the Schneider Super-Angulon 165/8 will do it with room to spare. For older lenses you might consider the Schneider Angulon 165/6.8 or a Wollensak 8x10 Series III 159/9.5 or 8x10 EX.W.A. Series IIIa 159/12.5.

[largeformatguy]

This lens is slightly shorter than the range you indicated but the 165mm Angulon is a wonderful lens and has enormous coverage. It easily covers 8x10 with lots of movements. Pre-war models are more scarce but cheaper that the later coated ones. I have one in a dial set compur and it is very light also.

Another consideration is the 210mm Angulon. These are more expensive than the 165mm and are harder to find. Both of these lenses are much cheaper than the newer Wide Angles.

Alan

[mat4226]

Probably starting to sound familiar, but the older Fujinon-W 210 is the way to go. Good coverage stopped down, just don't go silly with movements. It's also the cheapest lens I've purchased to date, they're a heck of deal for what you get.

[Hugo Zhang]

Zeiss-Dagor 18cm f/9 covers 810 with some movement and it is very sharp. My favorite 810 wide lens.

[mdm]

Would an 8 1/4 Dagor cover 8x10 with 30mm rise? I am making a box camera and took a flyer on 30mm rise when I drilled the board. Hoping its OK, if not I will live with the vignette.

I can answer my own question, yes it seems to cover fine with 30mm rise.