Question about 450mm lenses for 5x7

[photographs42]

I use a 5x7 Linhof Technika. Does anyone out there have first hand experience with the Nikkor M 450 f/9 AND the Fujinon C 450 f/12.5. I have the specs but I am interested in differences in sharpness and whether the slower Fuji is a problem when focusing.
Jerome

[Eric Woodbury]

I have only used the Fuji. I think it is a wonderful lens and as sharp as any. It is not hard to focus. Probably easier to focus than my 72mm/5.6. With a 450mm lens, the light is impinging the ground glass at a near normal angle, making the ground glass very efficient.

The other thing about a 450mm is that by the time you stop down for a little depth of field, you are probably diffraction limited or certainly less than optimum f/#.

Fuji sure is lighter and smaller than the other.

[Ron Marshall]

I don't find it difficult to focus the Fuji 450 f12.5.

[Brian Vuillemenot]

Another very satisfied customer for the 450c Fuji, although I use it on 4x5, not 5x7. The Nikkor M has quite a few devoted followers also, and has the larger image circle of the two, although it comes in a Copal #3 shutter (vs. #1 for the Fuji), so 4x5 and 5x7 users may prefer the Fuji for this reason.

[photographs42]

Another very satisfied customer for the 450c Fuji, although I use it on 4x5, not 5x7. The Nikkor M has quite a few devoted followers also, and has the larger image circle of the two, although it comes in a Copal #3 shutter (vs. #1 for the Fuji), so 4x5 and 5x7 users may prefer the Fuji for this reason.

The chart for 5x7 lenses shows the Fuji image circle at 486mm and the Nikon at 440. Is that wrong?
Jerome

[evan clarke]

I like my Fuji for 5x7 and 8x10. All report that the Nikon is a little better, but twice the size. Mine is sharp and contrasty..EC

[Richard Wasserman]

I'm another happy 4x5 user of the Fuji. I am always pleased by how small and nice it is and find it very easy to focus. I expect it would be equally good on 5x7.

[Brian Vuillemenot]

The chart for 5x7 lenses shows the Fuji image circle at 486mm and the Nikon at 440. Is that wrong?
Jerome

Forum users report that published Nikkor image circle specifications are very conservative. The Nikkor-M 450 will cover up to 12X20, while the Fujinon-C 450 will cover up to 7X17. The same relationship holds true for the Nikkor-M 300 vs. the Fujinon-C 300. This is based on the experiences of several regular users of this forum, and image circle is a somewhat subjective topic when we consider the edge of the usable circle being less sharp. It depends on application- obviously, contact prints that are not going to be enlarged can get away with a slightly softer lens.

This is a moot point for 4X5 and 5X7 users though, since both of these lenses will provide more image circle than most people could ever use.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Although the Nikkor-M is in a Copal 3 shutter, it is a comparatively small lens. In addition, it is increadibly sharp open wide, massive coverage, very flare resistant, and produces a nice neutral bokeh (very important with a lens this long unless you will be stopping down past f64 all of the time).

[Ted Harris]

If size and weight make a difference to you then go for the Fuji. If they don't then get whichever you can get the best deal on. I use a 450M and my decisions when I bought it were based as much on price (it used to cost less in the used market) and the slightly brigher viewing as on anything else. I wasn't happy with the idea of a #3 shutter but considering all the other gear I lug around it didn't bother me all that much. I have been using the lens for several years and have been very impressed with its performance. It replaced a very late 480 Schneider Apo Artar that Steve Grimes mounted in an Alpax #5 shutter for me. The 450 outperforms the 480 in every way. Note too that my experience with the Apo Artar is not typical and mine was robably a lemon.

[Ron Marshall]

The Nikon is 640 grams vs 270 grams for the Fuji.

[John Kasaian]

The chart for 5x7 lenses shows the Fuji image circle at 486mm and the Nikon at 440. Is that wrong?
Jerome

Interesting, my 450mm Nikkor M will cover 12x20 with movements! The issue with the M, as others have mentioned is that they live in a copal #3. I've never owned or used a Fuji but for the purpose you're considering I'd think it the more logical choice over the M. YMMV of course.

[Hany Aziz]

Another vote for the Fujinon 450 C. Beautiful lens. I have used mine for 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10 and intend to use it when I start playing with a 7x17 camera. A great lens. The Nikkor 450 sounds very nice but if you are using it only for 5x7 the Fujinon makes more sense specially in view of size, as well as current availabilty. The Fujinon 450C covers up to 11x14 and 7x17.

Sincerely,

hany.

[Gary Smith]

I have both. Got Fuji when I recieved my 8x10, and found a really good deal on the Nikon. After playing around with both over the past couple of weeks. I find myself using the Nikon more than the Fuji, mainly because it is brighter. To my eyes they both seem to have about the same degree of sharpness. The size difference is substantial, and if its a concern go for the Fuji. If you want a slightly brighter lens, go for the Nikon. At some point, I will have to make a decision and sell one of mine. But, I am going to keep playing for a while.

Hope it helps.

Gary

[photographs42]

So…… It’s all good? Looks as if I can’t go wrong. Thanks everyone. I still don’t know which way to go, but I’m leaning toward the Fuji.
Jerome

[Ken Lee]

Another factor to consider is that the Fujinon takes 52mm filters, a modest size. You may already have some filters in that size. In fact, the Fujinon 240A takes the same filter size... nice.

According to http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF11x14in.html, the Nikkor takes a 67mm filter. It's not too huge, but something to consider.

I have the Fujinon and it has been great for 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. I also have the 240A. The fact that they both take the same sized filter, is a bonus.