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View Full Version : 8x10 to 4x5 reduction back lens recommendation



smccall2
2-Oct-2009, 10:01
I'm just getting back into LF after many years away and have been shooting with an 8x10 Deardorff and a 360mm lens. I just bought a reduction back so I can shoot 4x5 as well. What i'm looking for is some direction as to where to head in terms of lens selection. I have been thinking about getting a 240mm 5.6 for a little wider look when i'm shooting 8x10. 210mm perhaps or something wider when shooting 4x5?

Thanks!

Gem Singer
2-Oct-2009, 10:14
I use a 180 when shooting with the 4X5 reducing back on my 8X10. However, it doesn't cover 8X10.

A 240 will cover 8X10, but is a bit long for the 4X5 format.

The 210 will easily cover 4X5, but it is difficult (but not impossible) to find a 210 that will also cover 8X10.

Bob Salomon
2-Oct-2009, 10:17
210 Apo Sironar S and the 210 Apo Sironar W both cover 810. Although the S does not cover by much! The W gave 29 and 24mm of shifts on 810 and the S gives 3 and 2mm. But both more then cover. The S is current. The W (and it's older version, the Apo Sironar) are discontinued. The W is very large and very heavy.

Bob Salomon
2-Oct-2009, 10:19
A 180 and above are long lenses on 810. A 180 would be very similar on 45 to your 360 on 810. The 360 on 810 covers 38° and the 180 on 45 covers 37°, The big problem that you may have is how wide a lens your bellows will let you use.

jeroldharter
2-Oct-2009, 12:29
You might try a 210 mm G-Claron which will cover 8x10 where it will be wide angle and it will also work on the 4x5 as a short tele. they come in Copal 1 shutters and are nice lenses. I have never used an Apo-Sironar S but that would serve both formats but with less movements on 8x10.

I have never used a Deardorf but at some point bellows compression might be an issue with focal lengths for 4x5. For example, I doubt you could use a 90mm on the Deardorf and I would even check on the 180 first before buying.