View Full Version : Choices in lightweight 125mm lenses.
Is the Fuji CMW 125mm f5.6 the only lightweight choice in that focal length?
Ron Marshall
1-Jul-2007, 20:45
See Kerry Thalmann's list:
http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/wide.htm
The old Kodak 127mm Ektar is about as light weight as they come. It's a pretty good performers and they're are a lot easier to find and a darn sight less expensive.
does it have to be 125? Schneiders 120L might not be cheap (and I have not seen one used) but it has decent coverage for a 120 (190mm) and I would image is super sharp. Might be worth considering as 5mm difference on 5x4 is neither here nor there. This of course opens up the possibility of a 120 APO symmar too.
Ole Tjugen
2-Jul-2007, 00:34
... or even an elderly 120mm f:6.8 Angulon - they don't get much lighter than that!
Matus Kalisky
2-Jul-2007, 01:07
Once you mention Fuji CMW 125 I will try to comment on it as I use one. Apart from being sharp and great and having good coverage (full rise on my Tachihara) and so on - keep in mind it takes 67mm filters and - as I have experienced - standard (non SLIM) filters will cause some vignetting. I was originally also considering Apo Symmar 120 L (which is supposed to cover more than stated 189mm) but couldn't get one reasonalbly priced and than the Fuji appeared on eBay. I do not have regrets.
Matus
Nick_3536
2-Jul-2007, 03:12
New? The older Fuji lenses W or NW might both be a touch lighter. They take smaller filters.
Chuck Pere
2-Jul-2007, 04:14
If 120 is Ok the Osaka/Congo 120 is very small. Good coverage around 220mm. I use mine on 5x7 with no problems straight on. Multicoated and modern copal shutter. Cheap also.
Gene McCluney
2-Jul-2007, 13:08
A Dagor would be very small and light, depending on what shutter it was mounted on. The 127mm Ektar is a nice lens, you might notice some sharpness fall-off towards the edge on 4x5, as it was really designed for 3x4.
So in modern lenses it seems the Fuji is the only one (unless willing to go to 135mm or 110mm).
I'll keep my eye for something used.
ps: Ideally I would find a shutter for my 120mm Dagor Serie III.
If 120 is Ok the Osaka/Congo 120 is very small. Good coverage around 220mm. I use mine on 5x7 with no problems straight on. Multicoated and modern copal shutter. Cheap also.
I am not familiar with Osaka Congo. What's their story?
Chuck Pere
3-Jul-2007, 05:09
Osaka info at:
http://www.bromwellmarketing.com/index.htm
Congo website: http://www.cosmonet.org/congo/spec_e.htm
My understanding is that they are the same lenses. They have a reputation for variable quality compared to the bigger companies. As I only have used one I can't say anything. I will say that mine gets the job done for me. I paid about $220 used with a lensboard. Not sure what they sell for today. A Nikon 120 SW or similar wide angle would be better but I don't want to carry one. A 110 XL would be much better but expensive. I suppose the smart thing is to invest in the 110 as it will probably hold a good resale value.
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