JML or NUARC 6.5" f8 process camera lens

[Lockwod]

Does anyone have any experience or information about the JML or NUARC 6.5" f8 process camera lens - thinking of buying and using on a 8x10 - will it cover and what kind of quality should you expect from it?

I have seen ads suggesting it will cover 8x10 at infinity and people seem to think the 8" version is good - I have looked across the forums with no real joy, so any practical information or feedback would be great

Sorry to add there is also a JML Process Lens 6" F8 version, also supposed to just cover 8x10 at infinity

[Liquid Artist]

No, but I use my JML 8 1/4 f8 lens on my 8x10 regularly.

191875
The vignetting was done in the darkroom, not because of the lens.
F22

191876
Again f22

Both photos were pretty much still wet out of the darkroom, and just shot with my Blackberry's camera.

[Dan Fromm]

Hmm. Process lenses are typically narrow angle. A 6.5" lens that covers 8x10 without movements has to cover 85 degrees. 6.5"/8 JML lenses aren't particularly rare and aren't expensive used. We all look for inexpensive lenses with high coverage. There's no indication -- I'm ready for the news that they are -- that they're used on 8x10. Conclusion: won't work.

But since I'm often mistaken, OP buy it, try it and report.

Liquid Artist, your example shots appear to have been taken at near distances, where coverage is greater than at infinity. How's your JML do at infinity?

[Liquid Artist]

If I remember correctly I used it for this photo.
It was a smoky day so I was impressed to see any trees in the distance.
191881
I haven't had any issues with it at Infinity other than softer corners.
I would question the 6 1/4 having full coverage, but then again since they are so cheap I wouldn't hesitate trying it.
The chances are you will pay more for the film than the lens.

[Lockwod]

Thanks for replies so far - the 6.5" lenses are supposed to be wide angle design, so may be feasible that they can cover 8x10 at infinity - it only needs appx a 90 degree angle? Those on-line now are too expensive once shipping and Import tax to the UK are added to risk if they don't cover, but does anyone here have experience of trying one of these lenses?

[Dan Fromm]

OP, there are no modern 90 degree process lenses. None.

Once upon a time Zeiss sold f/18 Ser. V Protars with focal lengths >= 39 cm for reproduction (that's what process lenses are for) with the claim that they covered nearly 90 degrees.

All kidding aside, people have looked for and dreamed about inexpensive wide angle lenses for larger formats for quite a long time. Credible reports of dreams come true, unrepeatable market anomalies excepted, are as rare as unicorns.