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fix_se
7-Aug-2007, 23:40
I am interested in buying a macro lens for 8x10". Perhaps a Macro-Sironar N 300 mm (I have enough bellows). However, I wonder if the lens also is ok to take portraits with? Or is there better options if I wan't a lens that I could use for both macro and portraits (perhaps two different and cheaper lenses)? I can't find a 300mm Macro-Sironar at ebay right now, does anyone know how much they usually costs in good condition? Are there any cheaper alternatives?

John Berry
8-Aug-2007, 00:33
At macro distances I can use mt 210 macro sironar.

Matus Kalisky
8-Aug-2007, 01:46
Well, I have seen one Macro Sironar N 300 sold for ~ $1100. I think that some process lenses like Claron or other should work, but they are usually only f/9. If you are only after macro work close to 1:1 than shorter (and usually cheaper lens) like would do. Anyhow Claron 210/9 stopped down should cover 8x10 at infinity. Fujinon A 240 might be also an interesting option.

Brian K
8-Aug-2007, 02:54
I own a 300mm Macro Sironar, it's a great lens for LF macro work. I have never used it for portrait work as it is optimized for either 3:1 or 1:3. However given that you are working 8x10 and that is not too far off from 1:3 for a waist up portrait, and the 8x10 is only going to get enlarged so much, I think it would do a good job. If you were to consider using it for full length portrait or for landscape work I would reconsider.

fix_se
8-Aug-2007, 03:05
Thank you for the information. It seems that the lens could be something for me. Is the any photographs taken with the lens on the web?

fix_se
8-Aug-2007, 05:39
And does anyone know if there are different versions of the Macro Sironar 300mm, for example N:s and non-N:s? If so, what is the differecne between the versions?

Bob Salomon
8-Aug-2007, 06:09
And does anyone know if there are different versions of the Macro Sironar 300mm, for example N:s and non-N:s? If so, what is the differecne between the versions?

Only one version each of the Macro Sironar 210 and the 300. They were replaced by the Apo Macro Sironar 120 and 180mm.

Bob Salomon
8-Aug-2007, 06:10
Sorry the correct name was the Macro Sironar N. There was no non-N version.

Bob Salomon
8-Aug-2007, 06:10
And does anyone know if there are different versions of the Macro Sironar 300mm, for example N:s and non-N:s? If so, what is the differecne between the versions?

Only one version each of the Macro Sironar N 210 and the 300. They were replaced by the Apo Macro Sironar 120 and 180mm.

fix_se
13-Aug-2007, 12:42
Thanks. How long must the bellows on a 8x10" camera be for using the Macro-Sironar for 1:3 and 3:1? I guess that t he lens is optimized for 8x10", but is it also possible to use the lens for 4x5"?

Dan Fromm
13-Aug-2007, 13:31
fix_se, extension from film plane to the lens' rear nodal point (= rear nodal plane, rear principal plane) = f*(1 + m)

So, 3:1 requires f * 4. With a 300 mm lens, 1200 mm extension from film plane to the lens' rear nodal point. The rear nodal point will be, approximately, in the diaphragm's plane.

Now do you understand why most of us use macro lenses that are shorter than the lenses we use for most purposes?

If a lens optimized for a format can be mounted and focused on a smaller format camera, it can be used on the smaller format camera. To give you an idea of what's possible, I can shoot a 480 Apo Ronar at 1:10 on my little 2x3 Speed Graphic. Yes, there's a trick involved.

fix_se
13-Aug-2007, 15:34
Thanks again!
As you could see I am a newbie ;)
How should I then calculate 1:3?
And is there any benefits of using a 300mm on 8x10" (besides perspective)?
Do you know if there are any samples of photographs taken with a Macro-Siranor 300mm on the Internet (I have searched for them but havn't found any)?

Renee Galang
13-Aug-2007, 23:38
have a look at my website www.rafflesialobata.org photo section, you'll see close-up of the Rafflesia flower using a macro sironar-n 210.

Dan Fromm
14-Aug-2007, 02:45
fix_se, 1:3 means 1/3. Do the rest of the arithmetic yourself.

Brian K
14-Aug-2007, 03:54
Thanks again!
As you could see I am a newbie ;)
How should I then calculate 1:3?
And is there any benefits of using a 300mm on 8x10" (besides perspective)?
Do you know if there are any samples of photographs taken with a Macro-Siranor 300mm on the Internet (I have searched for them but havn't found any)?

Here:

fix_se
14-Aug-2007, 14:25
Thanks - Beautiful shots!