Nikkor 300m ƒ/9

[Shootar401]

I was just offered a Nikkon 300mm ƒ/9 lens for $500, it's in 9/10 condition, speeds seem accurate and everything looks good to go. The original box and caps are also included.

How is this lens compared to other 8x10 offerings? I like that it's small and takes 52mm filters which is a big plus for me. How it is performance wise and what aperture does it really shine at? Any do's and dont'ts with this lens?

Thanks

[tgtaylor]

It's a classic. You won't be disappointed with this lens. I try to shoot at f16-f22 range - more at f22.

Do's or dont's? Don't loose it.

Thomas

[karl french]

I loved the image quality but I like the bigger image circle of the Fujinon C 300 better.
Really the Nikkor M 300mm f9 just barely covers 8x10.

[vinny]

You're supposed to ask questions first:)
305 g claron is a better choice for 8x10. Generally cheaper too.

[Kirk Fry]

It is a killer 4x5 lens. I have had mine for over 30 years and is my number 2 lens. Not much movement on 8x10 but is does cover. Depending on how far you have to carry it, a 300 mm Symmar S is a great 8X10 lens. Given that folks don't seem to want to carry these anymore they are pretty cheap.

[Leigh]

The Nikkor M 300/9 has an image circle of 325mm, which exactly equals the diagonal of 8x10 film.
Image quality is outstanding, as one would expect from any apo lens.

I love it on 4x5, but prefer the Nikkor W 300/5.6 for 8x10, with its 420mm IC.

- Leigh

[Corran]

That's not a particular bargain price. Get it if you really want but know you aren't getting a steal or something. I think I bought mine for under $400.

It's a great multi-purpose lens. It even shines wide-open. While traditional wisdom is that it "barely covers 8x10," I've had no problem using it with a modicum of front rise on 8x10 without an issue. Other options are either much heavier or more expensive, so pick your poison. It's not what you need for architecture but for most landscape and other types of photography with little need for outrageous movements, it's more than enough.

[BradS]

That is a very fair price for an excellent lens. Despite the specs, it has very ample coverage for 8x10. Some have reported that it covers 7x17 well stopped down. I've had both the 300mm Nikkor-M and a 300mm Plasmat (Sironar-N) and while the big plasmat does offer more coverage, in practice it is just so big and heavy that it actually made me not want to take it out and use it. At one time I had the 300mm Fujinon-C too. it is nice alternative to the Nikkor-M but, I didn't see much difference in actual use.

I say go for it and never regret it.

[Andrew O'Neill]

Great lens. Sharp. I use mine often. People say it just covers 8x10 but I still have been able to get decent movements with mine. That price is a bit high for a used lens, though.

[Leigh]

That's not a particular bargain price. Get it if you really want but know you aren't getting a steal or something. I think I bought mine for under $400.
I paid $450 for mine in like-new condition with caps and box.

- Leigh

[BradS]

I paid $450 for mine in like-new condition with caps and box.

- Leigh

Prices for used LF gear have really come down lately. These used to command $525~$575 easy.

[Shootar401]

I picked it up today and now have to get to home depot to get some wood to make a lensboard for it. Hope to shoot it this weekend.

Thanks for the responses and advice!

[Leigh]

People say it just covers 8x10 but I still have been able to get decent movements with mine.
The diameter of the image circle in the product specifications is that portion of the circle of illumination that contains an image of at least the minimum quality defined in the manufacturer's standards.

It is not simply the diameter of the circle of illumination.

- Leigh

[Drew Wiley]

I really like the 300M on 4x5 and as a compact longish lens for 6x9, but doubt I'd ever use it on 8x10. The image circle is a bit cramped for that film size, at least for
my typical range of applications. Standards differ. With contact prints you get away with using more of the marginal periphery of the image circle than with enlarging.

[Shootar401]

I had an extra lensboard for my Speed that fit so I managed to shoot a sheet of 4x5 Foma 200. Really, Really impressed so far. Very sharp at f/22.

[jeroldharter]

I agree with Vinny re: the G-Claron 305 for 8x10. the Nikkor is better for 4x5 due to its small size. FYI, I plan to unload my 4x5 kit after the holidays and I will be selling a 300M... along with a bunch of nice things.