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View Full Version : Decent 4x5 150 mm lens for around $350?



jamesB
4-Jun-2016, 09:27
The lens for my Calumet CC400 took a good knock while in the care airport baggage handlers (even wrapped in layers of clothing) a while back, and the shutter speeds have been badly off ever since. The lens itself was made somewhere between the 1920's and 1930s, the shutter some time in the 50s. I'd be interested in fixing it, if the shutter speed range and f/stop range wasn't as bad as it is, and it had a working flash sync port and the lens was coated.

Lacking all of these things, I'm looking for a better replacement lens for somewhere in the $350 range. Ideally around 150 mm, f/5.6 to f/64, with a modern flash sync connector.

Any recommendations as far as specific models go (that are available on eBay)?

Camera in question is below:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5127/5314986725_753c921afa_z.jpg

Jac@stafford.net
4-Jun-2016, 09:44
[...] I'm looking for a better replacement lens for somewhere in the $350 range. Ideally around 150 mm, f/5.6 to f/64, with a modern flash sync connector.

'Bay advanced search is your friend. Example here (http://www.ebay.com/sch/Lenses/3323/i.html?Camera+Type=Large%2520Format&_from=R40&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=1&_udhi=350&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo&_sabdhi&_samilow&_samihi&_sadis=15&_stpos=55987&_sop=15&_dmd=1&_ipg=100&_nkw=150mm&_dcat=3323&rt=nc&Camera%2520Type=Large%2520Format).

Vaughn
4-Jun-2016, 09:49
Tons of them of better price than that!

The Caltar IIN 150/5.6 is one of the best buys for a modern MC lens -- in a Copal 0 shutter.

Saw several FujiW 150/5.6 on ebay with buy-now prices of half your budget (from Japanese stores, which folks seem to have good luck with).

Alan Gales
4-Jun-2016, 10:08
I bought a Fujinon single coated 150mm lens not long ago for just over $150.00 including shipping from Japan.

You can pick up a real nice modern multicoated Rodenstock, Schneider, Fujinon, Nikkor or Caltar in Copal shutter for less than your budget. All will be sharp and contrasty and give a similar look so let price and condition be your guide over brand name.

Welcome to the forum!

EdSawyer
4-Jun-2016, 12:03
Apo symmar 150/5.6 is the "best" in that price range I'd say, or possibly fuji NSW 150/5.6.

David Karp
4-Jun-2016, 13:52
I have both a 150mm Rodenstock Sironar-N (same as Caltar II-N) and a Fujinon NW (with lettering on the outside of the barrel, which means multicoating). I heartily second Vaughn's recommendations. You should be able to get either one of these in a newer all black Copal shutter for way under your budget.

David Lobato
4-Jun-2016, 15:15
Welcome to the forum. There are numerous 150mm lenses available from Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikon, Fuji, Caltar in your price range. Any in excellent condition or better would work well. The typical f5.6 lenses have a Copal #0 shutter which will probably require a different size hole from your current lens board.

Lachlan 717
4-Jun-2016, 15:20
150mm f4.5 Xenars are cheap and plentiful. They offer a less "clinical" image than the more modern MC Plasmats; more in line with what you've currently got.

Otherwise, +1 for the Fujinons.

Bill_1856
4-Jun-2016, 16:34
Don't forget the Kodak Ektar 152mm. Still world-class.