What 135 lens for 4x5

[JON BUTLER]

Hi,
This my first post, sorry I'm a lurker there.
I fancy a new 135 lens for 4x5, what would you recommend Fujinon or Rodenstock?

Regards JON.

[paul08]

You might want to do a search for this topic. Here's one recent post:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=42041




Hi,
This my first post, sorry I'm a lurker there.
I fancy a new 135 lens for 4x5, what would you recommend Fujinon or Rodenstock?

Regards JON.

[Ron Marshall]

Here is a list of modern LF lenses:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF4x5in.html

All modern 135 lenses from the big four manufacturers are good. There are many good deals for used equipment now. The Caltar II-N is the same as the Rodenstock APO Sironar N, but is a bit cheaper used.

KEH has a good selection, also try the classifieds on this site and on APUG:

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx?Mode=&item=0&ActivateTOC2=&ID=58&BC=LF&BCC=7&CC=6&CCC=2&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've owned three--the early f:5.6 Symmar convertible, the f:5.6 Caltar II-N (same as Sironar-N), and the Zeiss f:3.5 Planar.

The early Symmar and Caltar II-N are both very compact. The newer Caltar II-N is sharper and contrastier and has more coverage. Convertible Symmars in general are very good bargains. If you experiment with the Caltar II-N, you can also use it as a convertible, but with either lens converted to around 210mm, expect more of an "interesting portrait lens" than something really sharp.

The Planar is a big lens for a 135mm and doesn't have a huge image circle, but it's very sharp and fast enough for handheld work indoors.

[IanG]

Keep an eye out on this Forum or APUG as they do appaer from time to time. Alternately post a wanted advert, I found a mint Caltar-S II (Symmar) that way for an excellent price.

Ian

[Preston]

I have a Fujinon 135 f5.6 (I think it's SW) in a Copal shutter. It is tiny, light weight and very sharp. It is ideal for field work. It takes 52mm filters. Highly recommended.

-P