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View Full Version : Choices in lightweight 125mm lenses.



Rider
1-Jul-2007, 19:52
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

BradS
1-Jul-2007, 23:57
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.

turtle
2-Jul-2007, 00:21
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.

Rider
2-Jul-2007, 17:54
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.

Rider
2-Jul-2007, 17:58
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.