Nikkor 120/8 SW vs. Schneider 110XL for 4X10/8X10

[audioexcels]

I have read a lot about the difficulty w/the view when using the F8 Nikkor 120. With the Schneider lens, you gain two stops of light and when using a CF, gain in that respect as well.

1) For those that have shot with both of these lenses on the 8X10 or 4X10 formats, does the Schneider show a significant amount more brightness and ability for one to compose easier? Has anyone actually gone over to the Schneider for the reason of having difficulty composing with the 120SW, but not the Schneider 110XL?

2) What would be the "primary" reason to use the Schneider 110XL over the Nikkor 120/8?

3) Does anyone happen to know the "real" IC at infinity F22 of both of these lenses? Obviously the Schneider with 288 IC is way underrated if it can cover 8X10. Likewise, I have heard the Nikkor lenses are underrated also. I'm curious which has the greater amount of coverage though it doesn't really matter so much on 8X10 since both suffer to be able to do movements, where on 4X10, they would both do just fine for movements.


Thanks!

[akalai]

I seem to remember reading somewhere (sorry can't provide a link) that Nikkor large format lenses image circle is measured at f16 and not f22 as are Schneider lenses.

Perhaps someone out there could corroborate this small piece of information... or let me know if I am completely wrong. But if true it's another factor to consider in your choice.

[audioexcels]

I seem to remember reading somewhere (sorry can't provide a link) that Nikkor large format lenses image circle is measured at f16 and not f22 as are Schneider lenses.

Perhaps someone out there could corroborate this small piece of information... or let me know if I am completely wrong. But if true it's another factor to consider in your choice.

I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

[akalai]

I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

Easily confirmed (or not) if you can find someone with the Nikkor f8 120mm who is willing to mount it and measure the image circle at f16 (and f22) and see if it matches your quoted figures. Good luck!

[Ed Richards]

I do not see how 5.6 v. 8 is two stops, rather than one.

> I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

Why is that a problem? It is a real wide angle lens with a modern design. The SS 110 does 288 and it is 10mm shorter and not a pure wide angle design.

[audioexcels]

I do not see how 5.6 v. 8 is two stops, rather than one.

> I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

Why is that a problem? It is a real wide angle lens with a modern design. The SS 110 does 288 and it is 10mm shorter and not a pure wide angle design.

You are right with the stop...my dead brain tonight. If the IC is 312mm at F16, that would be great.

I'm most concerned with how the lens looks when composing on the GG vs. the Schneider 110XL.

I am very interested in why one would choose the 110XL over the 120SW aside from the 10mm's difference in focal length.

Thanks Ed.

[Jan Pedersen]

You would need a dial caliper to see the difference beteween a 110 and a 120!


jan

[Brad Rippe]

The 110 uses 67mm filters, the Nikkor 120 uses 77mm. For some inexplicable reason, I sold my 120 last year and really miss it. It's hard to explain, but that is a really nice lens. The photographs I made with that lens have some kind of presence tha doesn't seem to happen often. I'm sure the 110 is very nice as well, but that 120 has a certain quality I can't describe.
I replaced it with a Schneider Apo-L 120, also a nice lens, smaller, and I'm still trying to get the feeling of that little lens.
Someday I will again own that Nikkor 120.
-Brad

[Brad Rippe]

Audio, Sorry, I just realized you were asking about 8 by 10. I was referring to 4 by 5.
-B

[audioexcels]

Audio, Sorry, I just realized you were asking about 8 by 10. I was referring to 4 by 5.
-B

It's still excellent subjective experience since I would be shooting on different formats from 8X10-on down to even 4X5 (possibly), though 5X8, 4X10, or WP will be my reduction back.

[audioexcels]

You would need a dial caliper to see the difference beteween a 110 and a 120!


jan

Thanks Jan...so this is a mute point, then, regarding F5.6 vs. F8 with shorter focal lengths like this on the 8X10 GG?

[Nick_3536]

I seem to remember reading somewhere (sorry can't provide a link) that Nikkor large format lenses image circle is measured at f16 and not f22 as are Schneider lenses.


The faster Nikons are quoted at F/16. The F/8 wides are quoted at F/22 IIRC. I don't know if I've still got the booklets or not but I think I'm remembering right.

[audioexcels]

The faster Nikons are quoted at F/16. The F/8 wides are quoted at F/22 IIRC. I don't know if I've still got the booklets or not but I think I'm remembering right.

Hey Nick,

I have actually found a few threads that state the F8's such as the 120SW and the 150SW acheive their rated IC at F16.

[Nick_3536]

I'd rather trust Nikon then random threads.

http://www.europe-nikon.com/product/it_IT/products/broad/435/specifications.html


http://www.europe-nikon.com/product/it_IT/products/broad/436/specifications.html

[audioexcels]

Yeah,

The literature states F22 with F8 being 200mm's. It has been stated that the 120SW will cover the full neg corner to corner and sharp from F16 on up.

[Tom Diekwisch]

I remember a thread stating that the Nikkor comfortably covers 8x10 while the Schneider does cover, but is a little soft in the corners (at 8x10). That was the reason for me to get the Nikkor over the Schneider. Mine does cover 8x10 nicely (at f16/22), albeit without movements.

[Asher Kelman]

I remember a thread stating that the Nikkor comfortably covers 8x10 while the Schneider does cover, but is a little soft in the corners (at 8x10). That was the reason for me to get the Nikkor over the Schneider. Mine does cover 8x10 nicely (at f16/22), albeit without movements.
Hi Tom,

Do you have images online with the Nikkor 120/8 SW? Also is you coverage for 8x10 that you are happy with, at infinity?

Asher

[Tom Diekwisch]

Thanks for your question, Asher. I like your site which I have been visiting off and on. I also felt that some of your comments here were very thoughtful.

No, I don't have any images with the 120SW online. 8x10 Coverage for the 120SW is at infinity. There is even the tiniest room to wiggle. While Schneider's 110XL just covers. There are plenty of images for the 110XL at 8x10 online. I also remember Bostick and Sullivan posting 120SW 8x10 images for their Hobo online. You might search them. They use the 120SW as their standard lens for the 8x10 Hobo. I never understood why until I got the lens...