Nikon 105 for 4 by 5?

[Brad Rippe]

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone use a Nikon 105 for 4 by 5? I have an opportunity to purchase a nice used one. Or, does anyone have a recommendation for a lens in that focal length for 4 by 5?
I'm especially interested in small, sharp, light for backpacking.
Thanks,
-Brad

[Ron Marshall]

It has an image circle of 155m so it covers but without any movements at all, not even tilt. It is really meant for smaller formats.

See Kerry Thalmann's website for extensive info on light lenses.

[Nick_3536]

The 105mm Fuji SW F/8 will easily cover 4x5. 5x7 for that matter. It's in a #0 shutter but it's a big filter so it's not tiny.

[Brian Vuillemenot]

Go for a Fuji 105 CMW. Some call it the "poor mans SS XL 110" because of it's sharpness and affordability.

[Robert A. Zeichner]

It has an image circle of 155m so it covers but without any movements at all, not even tilt. It is really meant for smaller formats.

While it is true that 155mm (at f 22 with this lens) barely covers 4x5, you would be free to tilt to your hearts content at the rear of the camera. You can swing the rear as well. When you do either of these types of movements at the rear of the camera, you are actually reducing the size of the target (film) by foreshortening it relative to the cone of light projected by the lens. What you will not be able to do is any tilting or swinging at the front of the camera or any shifting, rise or fall, front or rear.

One exception might be if doing close up work, where extending the lens further away from the film will have the effect of enlarging the image circle.