Good choice for a 5x7 wide angle?

[Fred L]

thanks. not sure how I missed this

[Jarvman]

It looks like it sold, but compared with US Ebay offerings right now, it sounded fine. They often sell for less here, and also often sell for more, so. . . .

It was me who bought it before having second thoughts!

[mdarnton]

Ah! Don't worry; be happy. I'm sure you'll love it.

[William Whitaker]

My 5x7 basic kit includes a 7" f/6.8 Dagor. It's the "long side of the format" which is my favorite perspective (35mm on 135, 60mm on 2 1/4, 250mm on 8x10, etc.). Expanded kit includes a 121 Super Angulon, a 90mm f/4.5 Nikkor-SW and a 75mm f/4.5 Sinaron-W. All cover well, but the last two are awkward to use.

[John Layton]

Of the three wides I currently use for 5x7 (90 Grandagon, 120 S.A., 150 G-Claron)...it would be the middle of these three - the 120 - that I'd choose if it were just one. And while the 120 S.A. is getting a bit dated...I just find it so versatile in its combination of characteristics and nice coverage. And truly such a sweet-spot for me that I think a 110 XL might even be just a bit "off" - even though its angle of view and perhaps better spacing with the 150 might prompt me to eliminate the 90 for this format, also saving net space and weight...not to mention the need for 82mm filters and step-up rings! (hmmm....maybe I should re-think this. Oh yeah...no way I can afford a 110 anytime soon - so problem solved!)

[Randy]

As has been mentioned, the 115mm f6.8 Gradnagon. I use one for 5X7 and it seems to perform well. Mine is the Caltar version - in nice condition they seem to go for about $400 +-.

[mdarnton]

My 5x7 basic kit includes. . .

Naming a basic kit is an interesting idea. I thought about mine and realized that it steps through all of the common 35mm equivalents from 21mm up to 60mm but doesn't go past that, which is exactly how I work in 35mm. I also have lenses that would work on 5x7 that I've never mounted up for that camera because, as with 35mm, I never use them. And as with 35mm, when I put on a lens it's because of my mindset at that moment, not the subject matter.

[William Whitaker]

Naming a basic kit is an interesting idea. I thought about mine and realized that it steps through all of the common 35mm equivalents from 21mm up to 60mm but doesn't go past that, which is exactly how I work in 35mm. I also have lenses that would work on 5x7 that I've never mounted up for that camera because, as with 35mm, I never use them. And as with 35mm, when I put on a lens it's because of my mindset at that moment, not the subject matter.

Actually, my core, basic 5x7 kit consists of 3 Dagors: the 7", an 8 1/4" and a 9 1/2". That shows how I see and puts the 7" in perspective (no pun intended). That kit is small and lightweight and is gives me enough variety to be interesting. I prefer to match my vision to the lens rather than vice versa. In most cases, anyway...

[Bernice Loui]

Basic lenses for 5x7 or 13x18cm most of the time>

*115mm Grandagon or 110mm SAXL.

*165mm Angulon or 150mm SAXL (BIG is significant negative to lug around)

*8 1/2" Kodak Commercial Ektar or 8 1/4" Dagor - in barrel

*12" Kodak Commercial Ektar or 12" Dagor or 300mm Xenar (also BIG) - in barrel

*19" or 16 1/2" Goerz Artar in barrel


These are most often used. The others lenses appears when needed for known speciality image making needs. Sinar shutter on 5x7 Sinar Norma, bag or standard bellows has few if any camera limitations allowing most any lens to be used in most every image making condition.

Bernice