Newbie question

[ajankelo]

I just picked up a Wisner 4x5 technical. I am wondering what lens to pick up on a limited budget. In other words, what is the best bang for my buck say around $200? Is that even possible? I would like to get something right away to start shooting and then save up later for a more advanced lens.

Thanks,

Ari

[IanG]

Ari, look for a 150mm Tessar, or a Paragon, both should cost you less than $200 and are good performers.

You might be lucky and find an early Symmar or Sironar, for that price.

Ian

[IanG]

Ari, I should have also said the 135mm Tessar, another option is a Xenar. You could try posting a wanted add on this forum.

I use a 135mm Tessar on a Crown Graphic and it's almost as good as my modern Sironar's

Ian

[MIke Sherck]

If you're willing to shop on E-bay, for $200 or less you can get a very nice Fuji 150mm f/6.3, and I've recenly seen 210mm lenses go for that as well. You ought to be able to get a Caltar 90mm, or perhaps a Schneider Angulon or (preferably) maybe even an older super-Angulon. Patience, but good deals do come along fairly regularly it seems.

Mike

[Eric Rose]

I had a Rodenstock 150mm Geronar that was a great lens. Tack sharp when stopped down and enough movement capability. They come up fairly often and are inexpensive. I sold it to obtain a newer whizbang super zappem state of the art 150mm and quite frankly can't tell the difference in the prints.

[steve simmons]

Since you are new to lf may I suggest some reading

the archives on this forum
one of these books

Using the View Camera, User's Guide to the View Camera, or Large format Nature Photography

I can't tell where you live but come to foto3 if you can

www.foto3-2008.info

and you will meet a lot of other lf photographers and see a lot of equipment

also, the Free Articles section of the View Camera web site

www.viewcamera.com


As for a first lens, well here is my usual advice

take your favorite 35mm lens and multiply it's focal length by 3 to get the 4x5 equivilent.


steve simmons


good luck.

[Gordon Moat]

Another recommendation for a Geronar. You might also look for Congo or Yamasaki lenses, though be warned that quality control has been variable on some of these. Another option is Calumet or Caltar branded large format lenses, many of which are Rodenstock. Don't limit yourself to EBAY either, you can also check KEH (http://www.keh.com) in Atlanta, and MPEX (http://www.mpex.com), who sometimes have some good deals, and a return policy.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography (http://www.gordonmoat.com)

[seawolf66]

PM Sent :

[Steve Barber]

I just picked up a Wisner 4x5 technical. I am wondering what lens to pick up on a limited budget. In other words, what is the best bang for my buck say around $200? Is that even possible? I would like to get something right away to start shooting and then save up later for a more advanced lens.

Thanks,

Ari


Here is a 135mm f5.6 Caltar-N being offered on eBay. Another sold for 182.50 on the 28th. That is really good value for the money. You might get a more common 150mm for a little less. I would prefer the 135mm, but either would make an excellent candidate for your requirements.

I have both that I use in a Wisner 4x5 Technical. Both can be reversed and left in the camera when you close it and, no, I have no connection with the one being offered and I make no claims regarding it, specifically.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Caltar-II-N-f-5-6-135mm-Lens_W0QQitemZ300195537884QQihZ020QQcategoryZ30076QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem