Best lens for 4x5 & 8x10

[Curtis Nelson]

I'm in the process of building an 8x10 camera, and so I'm looking for a good, cheap lens at around 300mm that can also be used on my 4x5 system. Ideally, I'd like to pay less than $400. Does anyone have any good reccomendations? I'm looking for something with a shutter, so that rules out barrel lenses, right?

[Juergen Sattler]

Curtis, I use a Fujinon 300 C on both my 8x10 and 4x5 cameras. It is very small and light and sits in a Copal 1 shutter. It sells new for $699 - so it is out of your desired price range, but I would seriously consider it if I were you. It's a great little lens with very good coverage.

[Dan V]

Curtis, as a newbie I have to rely on the expertise of others and from what I've read, Juergen's correct that the Fujinon 300C is an excellent choice.

I bought (US$425) a like-new one from someone in Japan who may be able to get one for you too at a reduced price. Have just received this lens and haven't had time to test it yet, but it appears to be in excellent condition. Try this email address: luca17267@yahoo.it

[Alan Davenport]

Yes, it rules out barrel lenses -- the definition of a barrel lens is one without a shutter.

As for a single lens that can be used on both 8x10 and 4x5, keep in mind that a wide angle lens on 8x10 will often be normal or even slightly longer than normal on a 4x5. Other than that caveat, any lens that covers 8x10 will do fine on 4x5 as long as your 4x5 camera has enough bellows to focus it.

[Eric Woodbury]

Here's the same question over at the other place:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00C3zO&unified_p=1

My vote would be the Fuji 250 f/6.7

[brook]

Perhaps keep your eyes open for a 12" Commerical Ektar, an oldie but a goodie.

[John Layton]

And don't forget the 300mm G Claron. Great for both 4X5 and 8X10, and usually pretty inexpensive used.

[John Kasaian]

I'd go with a 240 G Claron unless you've got some long bellows extension on your 4x5, I'd want at least 18" or longer YMMV.

[Brian Ellis]

300mm Nikon M. Small, light, mine works fine with a 15 inch bellows. Price should be right around $400 used. I also have the 240mm G Claron, it would also work well, I believe I paid about $350 for it.

[Mark Sawyer]

I'll throw in a recommendation for the 215mm f/4.8 Acuton/Caltar. Not too heavy, covers 8x10 with a little bit of movement, very sharp right to the corners. Plus, you can pull the front lens cell and it converts to a 360mm, although I'd refrain from enlarging very much from a single-cell negative.

[ronald lamarsh]

I use a 240mm G-Claron in a copal#1 press.

[Scott Davis]

a single-cell negative? would you then say that significant enlargement would give you an amoebic print? :)