Nikkor-W 105mm f5.6 for 4x5?

[Jim Banks]

From its specs, it looks like the Nikkor 105mm f5.6 lens will barely cover the 4x5 format (155mm image circle at f22). I've seen the maximum format listed in various places as both 6x9cm and 4x5.

Does anyone have any practical experience with this lens on 4x5? I realize movements would be limited, but would they be as limited as they sound by the specs? I've seen these lenses available at pretty reasonable prices and it looks like a pretty compact lens. Would this lens make any sense at all on 4x5?

If anyone has an opinion on this, I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

[Ron Marshall]

It would give you no movements on 4x5.

If weight is important see this link:

http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/wide.htm

[Aender Brepsom]

Hi Jim,

it is definitely a 6x9 lens. On 4x5, you'd get vignetting and poorer image quality towards the edges.
The Symmar XL 110mm would be an option in that focal range, but it is in a totally different price range.

[Gem Singer]

The Nikkor 105W was meant to be used for the 6X9 format, or smaller. Does not cover 4X5.

However, Fuji makes an f8 105 SW that easily covers 4X5. Hard to find used and costs more, but worth the investment.

Wish I hadn't sold mine.

[Jim Banks]

Thanks for the responses! It confirms what I suspected, but I was kind of hoping that the specs were too conservative or that it might somehow be reasonable for 4x5.

I'll cross that one off my list.