What's in your 4x5 Lens kit?

[lilmsmaggie]

Curious to know what lenses 4x5 LF photographers lens kit consists of whether it be primarily for landscape, architecture, portraits or a bit if this and a little of that.

[Keith Pitman]

What's in yours?

[welly]

Curious to know what lenses 4x5 LF photographers lens kit consists of whether it be primarily for landscape, architecture, portraits or a bit if this and a little of that.

Mine consists of a 90mm, 150mm and 210mm. Focal length is pretty close on all these but I'm just building up my kit and these were all great deals. Plan to get something much wider and something reasonably longer and there I'll stop. Yes.. yes, I know.. I say that now.. :)

[Winger]

I do mostly landscapes so far (they don't move much and I'm new so r e a l l y slow). I have a 105 with very little room for movements, a 135, and a 210. I might want something longer than the 210, but I need to learn to use what I've got before I buy more.

[lilmsmaggie]

What's in yours?

Why, mine is empty of course ;)

[memorris]

I do a lot of landscape but unlike landscape with small format, use the 210 mostly. I have a 115, 135, 210, 300, and 480, also 120 macro and 250 Imagon. Will be looking at a 600ish telephoto tomorrow. The 115 is a Rodenstock Grandagon-N and covers 5X7 so it has good coverage, very good for a short lens. I find the 210 gets as much use as all the rest combined.

[gary892]

I have a 90, 150, 210, and 300.

Gary

[Mike1234]

I've dedicated my 4x5 to shooting 6x12cm roll film only. Mostly landscape.

38 SA XL
58 SA XL
90 f/8 SA
135 Apo Symmar
210 Graphic-Kowa (double duty for 8x10)
300 Fujinon-C (double duty for 8x10)
450 Fujinon-C (double duty for 8x10)
72 SA XL for 6x10 (8x10 cropped)
110 SS XL for 8x10
150 SS XL for 8x10

[willwilson]

for 4x5: 47, 75, 105, 135, 17"

for 8x10: 300mm

[Brian Schall]

I shoot almost exclusively landscapes with my 4x5. My lenses are: 65mm f8 Ilex Acugon, 90mm f6.8 Caltar II-N, in the mail headed to me a 127mm f4.7 Rodenstock Ysarex (to fill this gap), 150mm f5.6 Caltar II-N, and an old 240mm f5.5 Tele-Xenar.

I'm more of a wide angle shooter so the 65mm and 90mm are my primary lenses. Wouldn't mind having something in the 300mm range just to fill out the set, but it can wait.

[Kirk Gittings]

Architecture and landscape:
47 XL Schneider
65 SA 5.6 Schneider
90 5.6 SA Schneider
120 SW Nikon
120 AM Macro Nikkor
150 Nikon
210 S Symar Schneider
305 Schneider G claron
450 M Nikon

[Preston]

Mostly Landscape and some architecture:
90 f8 Nikkor
135 f5.6 Fujinon
180 f5.6 Fujinon
210 Schneider Symmar-S
300 f9 Nikkor-M

-Preston

[Heroique]

I rely on a 3-lens kit to tackle 4x5 landscapes; I don't do a lot of architecture or portraits.

If they're all w/ me in the field, they serve about 97% of my diverse needs.

Funny thing is … adding a 180mm would get me to “98%” or “99%,” quicker than a lens wider than 110, or longer than 240.

1) Schneider XL 110mm/5.6
2) Schneider 150mm/9 g-claron
3) Fuji A 240mm/9

[Frank Petronio]

135mm on 4x5

Sometimes I've stitched to make a wide shot.

[rdenney]

Mostly landscapes, with an architectural bent:

47/5.6 Super Angulon (not XL, and therefore for 6x12 and smaller only)
65/5.6 Super Angulon
90/5.6 Super Angulon
121/8 Super Angulon
150/6.3 Geronar
180/5.6 Symmar Convertible
210/5.6 Sinaron (APO-Sironar-N)
8-1/2"/4.5 Ilex Paragon
240/6.8 Caltar Type Y (Ysarex)
12" Ilex Caltar (copy of Commercial Ektar)

I don't carry them all, of course. For 4x5, I would carry the 65, 90, 121, 210, and 12" or some similar combination. For a lighter kit, I might only take the 90, 180 (which also provides 315), and 240.

Rick "not usually too far from the car" Denney

[sun of sand]

Curious to know what lenses 4x5 LF photographers lens kit consists of whether it be primarily for landscape, architecture, portraits or a bit if this and a little of that.


This is the kind of question where the answers given won't help you out a single bit

If you can't narrow it down any I'm pretty sure with a large enough sampling every lens ever made will make its way into this one




Tell me
Did you create this thread just to say the word "KIT"

[lilmsmaggie]

Tell me Did you create this thread just to say the word "KIT"

“When ideas fail, words come in very handy.” :p

[lilmsmaggie]

Tell me Did you create this thread just to say the word "KIT"

“When ideas fail, words come in very handy.”

“Anyone who told you to be yourself couldn't have given you any worse advice.”

:p

[Gordon Moat]

Mostly shooting lifestyle, transportation, and automotive. Sometimes shooting urban landscapes.

90mm f6.8
135mm f5.6
180mm f5.6

The 135mm gets used on the majority of my shots, then the 180mm, and rarely the 90mm. These are not the only lenses I have for my 4x5, though with my airline travel backpack, there is really only room for these and one back-up camera (usually medium format body and one lens). The 135mm folds up into the 4x5, when it is reversed, so that saves some space.

Ciao!

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

[John Kasaian]

I don't shoot much 4x5 but I've got a
127mm Kodak Ektar (uncoated prewar)
162mm Wollensak Velostigmat (uncoated)
203mm Kodak Ektar
215mm Ilex

[Roger Thoms]

My active kit right now is my new (60 year old) 4x5 Speed Graphic with a 135mm F4.5 Zeiss Tessar.

Roger

[Steve Hamley]

Since you're deciding on focal lengths, I'll tell you my tale of focal lengths. The standard starter set for 4x5 is a 90mm, 150mm, 210mm and 300mm. I started with a 150mm, 210mm, and 300mm since wides tend to be more expensive, and I used the 150/210/300 combo for several months. Reviewing my compositions and field experience, I felt the compositions were a little "tight" or "crowded", and being in the Appalachian area, a lot of times I couldn't back up to get a wider view either physically or compositionally.

So I ended up doing an 80mm, 110mm, 135mm, 180mm. My longer lens is a 10-3/4" Red Dot Artar custom mounted in a Copal 1 as opposed to the more common 300mm. I've been very happy with this set of FLs and haven't had any desire to change. These are usually what's in the backpack.

I also have a 55mm Apo Grandagon, and a 120mm Macro Nikkor which many of us picked up when Nikkor discontinued LF lenses and these could be had new for a song. I'd used a 65mm previously, and may add that FL back. The 55mm is wonderful, but a 65mm is easier to shoot some times from a composition standpoint.

I've also picked up a 400mm Apo-Tele Xenar from one of our forum members but haven't had it out over winter.

So I'd try a 150mm, 210mm, and 300mm for a while to see how they feel. I'd probably buy good used first or second generation lenses from a reputable dealer. That's what I did because I didn't want to deal with hazy glass and balky shutters while on the learning curve.

Cheers, Steve

[imagedowser]

Started with an initial purchase of someone else's set-up. Very lucky find. Zone VI 4x5, SA 90mm f8, SA 121mm(wonderful), 210 Symmar-S. Added 65mm Nikon, Linhof 150 conv Symmar and 270mm Linhof Tele Arton. Just a couple of weeks ago, fell into a coated f4.5 150mm Heliar and 9 1/2" uncoated Dagor. Which I havn't had on yet, came with older Technika boards, that need to be traded for Linhof boards (hint. Anyone?) Some of these do double duty on 2x3 & 5x7. Bill

[Paul Bujak]

I started with a Toyo 45A field camera which came with a 90/6.8 Angulon and a 210/5.6 Symmar MC. I added a Computar 150/5.6 and also got a Fujinon 150/6.3 for its small size. Needing some wide-angle movements, I obtained a Super Angulon 90/8, but it's bigger than I like for field work. I also have a 300/5.6 Symmar convertible for 8x10 and a bunch of oldies that I'm struggling to fix shutters, find boards to mount and time to do all this stuff. Paul

[jeroldharter]

For starters I had a 150, then added a 90 and 210. As it stands now:

Caltar 75mm
Caltar 90mm
Nikkor Macro 120 mm
Caltar 135 mm
Schneider Apo Symmar 150mm
Caltar 210 mm
Schneider G-Claron 210 mm
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar W 210 mm
Schneider G-Claron 240 mm
Nikkor-M 300 mm
Schneider G-Claron 305 mm
Schneider Apo Symmar 360 mm
Fujinon C 450 mm
Fujinon c 600 mm

Some of these I use for 8x10 also. If I had to pick one lens for 4x5, it would be something that I don't have, a 180 mm, which would have excellent coverage and be in between my most commonly used lenses of 150-210mm.

[rfesk]

My main kit:

Nikkor 90/8
Sironar-N 135/5.6
Fujinon-A 240/9

In reserve: Angulon 90/6.8
Ektar WF 100/6.3
Ektar WF 135/6.3
Fijinon 150/6.3
Sironar-N 180/5.6
Afga Super Integon 300/9
Artar RD 19"/11

[uhner]

90mm Grandagon

150mm Symmar and G-Claron

210mm Symmar and G-Claron

305mm G-Claron

and on the rare occasion when I feel the need to pretend that I’m Reinhart Wolf – a 480mm Apo-Ronar

Usually I just carry the Grandagon and the 210mm G-Claron.

[Sean Galbraith]

A 127/f4.7 only. I'm new.

[David de Gruyl]

Nikkor-W 135 f/5.6. Additionally, I have no intension of getting more lenses for that camera. I might choose to use the 240 (8x10) on 4x5, but I doubt it.

[MIke Sherck]

For my 4x5 Zone VI I have a Fuji 125mm, a Fuji 210mm, and a Nikon 300M

Mike

[venchka]

Tominon 105mm
Fuji 125mm
Kodak Ektar 127mm
Bausch & Lomb 6" Rapid Rectilinear
Nikkor 180mm
Voigtlander 7 7/8" Collinear II
Fuji 250mm
Geeeeeeeeeeeze, I didn't realize that I had so many lenses.

They are used for some of this and a little of that.

[Robert Hughes]

For 4x5:
- 135 Wolly Raptar
- 101 Wolly Raptar

For 8x10:
- 10 1/4" Wolly APO Raptar

... I sense a trend here. :rolleyes:

[Louie Powell]

210mm f5.6 Caltar (Rodenstock)
90mm f8 Caltar (Schneider)

and no room in the bag for any additional lenses, thank you very much.

[ret wisner]

one ,,....APO Lanther 150mm
one ,,....115mm pinhole for 10 x 8
one ,,....75mm pinhole 4x5
one ,,....componon 210mm reversed for 10x8
one ,,....novar on a nettar
one ,,....pancake on a program
one ,,....135mm soligor front element only for 4x5 and 10x8
one ,,....200mm prinz front element only for 4x5 and 10x8

[pocketfulladoubles]

Nikkor 65
Nikkor 90/8
Fujinon 150
Fujinon 250
Fujinon 450

Would like to try the 38mm XL and Mike1234 got his to cover 4x5 just barely.

[Jeremy Moore]

90mm f/8
135mm f/5.6
250mm f/6.7

[pocketfulladoubles]

Nikkor 65
Nikkor 90/8
Fujinon 150
Fujinon 250
Fujinon 450

Would like to try the 38mm XL and Mike1234 got his to cover 4x5 just barely.

[Eric Woodbury]

Recently overhaul to lighten the load,

58 or 65
110
180
240
360
450*

*As soon as I get a camera that will take it. This is what's in the bag. On some occasions, substitutions are made. I'm shooting abstracts and small landscapes.

[Arne Croell]

I have 2 4x5 sets since I live on 2 continents and don't want to carry it back and forth all the time.
Set 1 for a Technikardan: 55-80-110-150-210-300-450-mm, can be augmented by 38 and 720mm when needed. A factor of close to 1.4 (square root of 2)between the focal lengths.
Set 2 for a Technika: 90-135-200-300-500mm. A factor of 1.5 except for the last step.

As you can tell I like the lineup equally spaced.

[lilmsmaggie]

These are fascinating posts! I especially enjoy visiting those posters who have websites and/or blogs that demonstrate how these lenses are put through their paces:

ejwoodbury.blogspot.com

http://www.anonymousvernacular.com

http://wayne-ayearwithbigfootandbubba.blogspot.com

http://www.seangalbraith.com/new

http://www.gordonmoat.com

http://www.frankpetronio.com

http://www.gittingsphoto.com

http://www.willwilson.com

[Vaughn]

4x5 Landscape -- 150mm Caltar IIN f5.6

[Hector.Navarro]

4x5 everything

127mm Tominon
210mm Fujinon W

[VictoriaPerelet]

I have several lenses, but most of the time I use

72mm SA XL + #4B center filter - I will not recommend this combo as your 1st lens.
and much less
210mm APO

Most of my editorial 4x5 work is portraiture (if one can call it so:))

[jnantz]

65 SA • 90 SA •* 127 tominon • 135 wollensak • 150 symetrigon • 10" veritar • 6" meniscus • 6" seminat • "laverne" •10" darlot hemispherical • 210/370 symmar • and whatever is on a cyclone #3 box

[Don Dudenbostel]

Interesting the mix of glass makers in each kit. I don't think anyone had all one brand. I have one friend that bought his Master Technika and glass in the mid 70's and bought all Fuji glass.

My travel kit when flying or traveling light is:

90 Congo
150 G Claron
203 Ektar or 210 Golden Dagor
300 Nikkor M

Sometimes I'll throw in a 125 or 135 Fuji

Traveling heavy:

72 XL SA
90 5.6 SA
125 Fuji
135 Fuji
150 Symmar S
210 Symmar S or Golden Dagor
300 Nikkor M

Normally I will carry either the 125 or 135 but not both.

My work is 90% documentary.
360/500/720 Nikkor T set

[drew.saunders]

"Light" group:
80/4.5 SSXL
120/5.6 APO-Symmar (pre-"L" and I may get a Fuji 125 to replace it some day)
200/8 Nikkor-M (if I want to go super light and bring one lens, it would be this one)
300/8.5 Fuji C

If I don't might the weight, I add one or both of my two heavy lenses:
165/3.5 Zeiss Jena Tessar, T single coated.
250/6.3 Fuji (the one that doesn't cover 8x10, so is much cheaper for us 4x5 only users).

I just weighed them, with both caps and lens board, and I was surprised that the two "heavies" are more than the 4 "lights" combined: 80: 336g; 120: 250g; 200: 236g; 300: 315g (1137g plus cable releases). Heavies: 165: 527g; 250: 671g for 1198g for the pair.

Win the lottery additions: 110 SSXL, Cooke PS945.

[John Hennessy]

If I am hiking: XL110, Fujinon 150 maybe, M200, M300, C450

Rolling case: XL90. Fujinon 150, Schneider 210, M300, M450

[Roger Thoms]

My active kit right now is my new (60 year old) 4x5 Speed Graphic with a 135mm F4.5 Zeiss Tessar.

Roger

OK, didn't make it very far, I leaving for New York tomorrow, and just reworked my lens kit for the Speed Graphic. To the one camera, one bag, one lens kit I've add another small bag and now have.

90mm f8 Super Angulon
150mm f9 G-Claron
210 f5.6 Schneider Symmar Convertible

Roger

[spiky247]

It's nice to read up on what everyone is packing. I'm just trying to figure our my lens line up for a trip to Chile on Monday.

I think I'll go with:

Ebony SV45 Ti
90mm f4.5 Nikkor SW
135mm f3.5 Carl Zeiss Planar T*
180mm f5.6 Schneider Symmar-S
250mm f6.3 Fuji W
400mm f8 Fuji T
+ bessa III as a snap shooter

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3835252023_e014d566b4_o.jpg
it's just enough to fit in a CompuTrekker AW

on a side note, it's so hard to find a camera bag with out a computer compartment these days!

[Richard M. Coda]

Fuji:
75 SW?
150W?
210W
240A
300A
450C
600C

Nikon 120 Macro

? I'm at the library right now and can't remember exactly what... all newer EBC with writing on outer barrel.

[dave_whatever]

65mm
90mm
150mm
These do me for 4x5", 2x5" and 6x7. So I think of them as 9 lenses.

[Armin Seeholzer]

47mm
75mm
90mm
120mm
135mm
155mm
210mm
240mm
300mm,360mm,480mm, 600mm

[Bruce A Cahn]

55, 75, 90, 135, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300, but I could live without the 135, 180 and 300.

[stealthman_1]

47, 75, 90, 150, 210, 300, 400.
I use the 90, 150, 300 the most. I'd like to be able to shoot 600, but that would mean an Ebony and I can crop 8x10 a lot cheaper than buying another Ebony...

[Darko]

I shot landscapes and abstratcs:

Lenses are:

65 Schneider Kreuznach Super Angulon
120 Schneider Kreuznach Angulon
165 Rodenstock Eurynar
180 Schneider Kreuznach Symmar
180 Voigtlander Heliar
210 Emil Busch Nicola Perscheid
250 Emil Busch Rapid Aplanat

Darko
:cool:

[Anton Lukoszevieze]

9x12cm Edelweiss folder (1928), 135 mm Zeiss Tessar f4.5 (1929), 105 mm Voigtlander Heliar f3.5 (1927), 168 mm Goerz Dagor Anastigmat f6.8 (1922), Orange filter, lens hood, Efke & Adox 25, Lunasix 3 Meter, all in small, black Billingham shoulder bag.

[Matus Kalisky]

All used with Tachi 4x5 mostly for landscapes and cityscapes:

- 75/4.5 Grandagon-N (in a recessed board still a bit tight on the Tachi, but usable - rise/fall are limited by the bellows)
- 125/5.6 Fujinon CM-W (my favorite lens - I like the focal length and it is very sharp from wide open. The deeper recessed front element makes it harder to touch it with a finger although it requires larger filter - 67mm)
- 240/9 Fujinon A (last in the collection - small, sharp)
- 400/8 Osaka Tele - works fine. While not the sharpest lens it is still plenty good for 16x20" prints. The front standard of the Tachi gets a bit shaky when this lens is used closer than infinity (min is about 5m at full extension), but can be done with care. One needs to be careful - the coverage is about 200mm and with lens this long it is easy to cut a corner.

If I could I would swap the 400/8 for Fujinon C 450/12.5 but I would have to change the camera first. And the Tachi just does what I need. But it is not easy to find a field camera that handles on a flat board lenses from 75 - 450 and is still light and stable.

[David K.]

Master Technika with the following lenses:

80mm 4.5 Super Symmar XL

120 5.6 Super Symmar HM

210 5.6 Apo Sironar-S

300 9.0 Apo Ronar

[Thom Bennett]

All Fuji's (thanks Kerry Thalmann!) on Deardorff Special (4x5, 5x7, 6x7, 6x9, 6x12 formats) & 8x10 Deardorff.

75mm SWD
90mm SW
135mm NWS
180mm CMW
300mm CMW (use on 8x10 as well)

250mm f6.7 (strictly 8x10)

Plan on getting the 450mm for use on 4x5 to 11x14.

My approach to these lengths was that each was ~50% longer than the one previous to it, i.e. 90 x .50 = 45; 90 + 45 = 135. Also, only two filter sizes needed: 52mm & 67mm.

[redrockcoulee]

In my bag with the Shen Hao is my first lens a 150 Symmar (actually my second copy of that lens as sold the first with an earlier camera) and is my most used lens, a 210 Symmar S single coated and a 90 6.8 Caltar that is replacing a 90 6.8 Angulon, and two pinhole lenses. I do have a 120 Angulon that was for our 5X7 that I can just fit into the bag but that is the limit as the camera bag is then full which is not a bad thing to be (no additional weight or costs one hopes).

If started over I would consider a 180 instead of the 150 and 210.

[gregvds]

On a Chamonix 45N-1:

Fujinon 75 SWD 5.6
Schneider Ap Symmar 120 5.6
Fujinon 210 CMW 5.6

In the future,

Fujinon 300 C 8.5

[Jim Graves]

Lightweight:
90mm Angulon
150mm Fuji
240mm Fuji

Very light weight/backpacking:
90mm Angulon
203mm Ektar
Gowland Pocket View 4x5, Feisol 3441 tripod and CB-30 ballhead ... total weight, with both lenses, right at 5 pounds.

[ki6mf]

Landscapes and have 90mm, 150mm and 210mm. I am thinking about a 120-135 as i do lots on subjects that do your look out to the horizon so the wider depth of field for close in work without to much distortion is of interest. Also thinking about a 65-75 wide and the intent here is to get a lot of foreground distortion while still keeping a large depth of field.

[Carsten Wolff]

4x5"
75, 90, 135, 210, 300mm, sometimes also 450/765mm

[In contrast, my 5x7"/6x17" outfit is strangely often different:
75, 108, 159 or 170, 254, 380, or the 450/765mm combo]

[hmf]

65mm f/4.5 Rodenstock
90mm f/8 Nikkor
135mm f/5.6 Fuji CMW
210mm f/5.6 Nikkor
300mm f/9 Nikkor m

[Ivan J. Eberle]

I'm into 4x5 because it's a sweet spot for higher resolving power with color films, so I'm tending to keep lens choices within rather conservative bounds to achieve this. I don't feel the pull to go ultrawide in LF because because frankly it's worlds easier to do with smaller formats like 645 while still resolving extreme detail.

My two Meridians each came with 135mm f/4.7 Wollensak Raptars, modern single hard-coated Tessar designs. These are wickedly sharp in all but the corners and are often maligned on various forums for their small image circle. (Cameras with back moves like the Meridians help alleviate this issue.) At f/16 and f/22 I find them quite capable. For 6x9 film on a Super Graphic, I think they're terrific. (60 year old shutters do run slow but one is within 1/4 stop, consistently.)

Caltar IIN's are bargains considering they're rebranded Rodenstock APO Sironar-N's. I have a 135mm f/5.6 and a 210mm f/5.6.

The 210mm has a 301mm image circle and pristine examples can be sniped for $200 or thereabouts on eBay. I like the mild tele effect in landscapes and tend to use this focal length a lot. My camera has generous moves but I don't have to worry much about the IC.

I bought a Nikkor SW 90mm for the ultimate resolving power, only to find that it's a bit too contrasty to work well with Velvia 50 and Provia 100F in specular light. It's a better lens to use with Astia 100F or Pro160s. Hard to focus in low light but fits inside my camera folded up on a flat board, however it focuses on the inside track of the Meridian only by extending the back. Color balance is different than my Rodenstock/Caltars. Next lens will most likely be a Caltar or Rodenstock Grandagon-N 75mm f/5.6.

[David Karp]

For packing light:
-125mm f.5.6 Fujinon NW
-180mm f/9 Fujinon A
-240mm f/9 Fujinon A (single coated)
-300mm f/9 Nikkor M or 450mm f/12.5 Fujinon C (depending on where I am going-usually the Fuji)

Normal hiking kit:
-90mm f/8 Nikkor SW
-150mm f/5.6 Fujinon NW (or the 125)
-210mm f/6.1 Caltar Pro
-300mm Nikkor M
-450mm Fujinon C

Lenses just for architecture (it has turned out that way anyway):
-75mm f/4.5 Rodenstock Grandagon-N
-90mm f/4.5 Rodenstock Grandagon-N

[mandoman7]

75mm Schneider Angulon 5.6
90mm Nikkor
120 Schneider Angulon
150 Fuji W 5.6
210 Schneider Symmar
250mm Fuji 6.7
305 G-Claron
16 1/2 Red Dot Artar
...Used with a Chamonix 45N and some on a 1950 8x10 Deardorff, using a home-made lens board adapter. This is the field kit, for landscape shooting mostly. If the trek is far, the 4x5 and fewer lenses get used. Near the car, the 8x10 may get consideration. The adapter enables me to keep my options open (4x vs 8x) when I leave the house.

[John Bowen]

90 SA
120 SA
127 Xenar
210 Symmar S (used for 70% of 4x5 negatives)
240 G Claron
240 Fujinon
300 Symmar
305 G Claron
355 G Claron
360 Symmar
450 Fujinon
450 Nikon (x2)
600 Fujinon (I have a reducing back for the 8x10)

[Blumine]

In no particular order for hiking or what ever.

Schneider 47mm Super Angulon XL.
Schneider 72mm Super Angulon XL
Fuji 105mm CMW
Fuji 180mm A
Fuji 240mm A
Fuji 300mm C
Fuji 450mm C
Fuji 600mm T

I don't carry all of them all the time. The 600T rarely ventures out, it is just to big and heavy.

Blumine

[Ron Marshall]

For landscape on 4x5:

55, 75, 90, 135, 200, 300, 450. But often I carry only the middle three.

[Duane Polcou]

B/W 4x5 Landscape

90 f8 Calumet Caltar-W II (Super Angulon)
150 f5.6 Schneider Symmar-S
210 f5.6 Fujinon-W
250 f6.3 Fujinon-W
360 f5.5 Schneider Tele-Xenar

[qwz]

Architecture & Landscape
(6x12cm & sometimes 4x5", 6,9cm)

Schneider 5.6/65 (bought recently, last year use Fujinon 8/65)
Mamiya 4.7/127
Fujinon T 8/300

[Andre Noble]

72 Schneider XL
90 Nikon SW f4.5
120 Nikon SW f8
120 Nikon Macro (remember when we all bought these at the same time from B&H!)
150 Rodenstock Apo Sironar s


Would Like: 55 Grandagon, 240 Apo Sironar s. OK, Santa?

[lilmsmaggie]

OK - I now HAVE a lens kit of sorts, even though I don't have a camera yet; but I'm working on it.

90mm Rodenstock Grandagon-N f6.8
210mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S f/5.6

Still working on the camera - focusing on the camera: C'mon camera!

[douglas gove]

65 Nikkor
75 Fujinon F8
90 Nikkor F8
135 Sironar S
180 Sironar N
210 Sironar N
300 Nikkor M
400 Fujinon T

[r.e.]

120 Nikon Macro (remember when we all bought these at the same time from B&H!)


Nikkor f5.6 120mm Macro Lens
Rodenstock Sironar-S f5.6 150mm
Docter Optic Tessar f4.5 210mm
Wollensack Veritar f6 10"/254mm Portrait Lens
Nikkor-W f6.5 360mm

Are the 4500 people who have viewed this thread actually reading this stuff? Or is it the posters checking out their own lists :)?

[mikanel]

150mm fujinon W and a 120mm apo-symmar L. Two very close optics works best when showing the series....i belive i would be fine with only one of them...but i can´t choose wich one

[lilmsmaggie]

OK - I now HAVE a lens kit of sorts, even though I don't have a camera yet; but I'm working on it.

90mm Rodenstock Grandagon-N f6.8
210mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S f/5.6

Still working on the camera - focusing on the camera: C'mon camera!

Just added: 135mm Rodenstock APO-Sironar-S f 5.6

Camera has been ordered. Getting closer. Closer still. :D

[Darren H]

Landscapes on 4x5

Nikon 75mm
Fujinon 125mm
Nikon 210mm

[ret wisner]

rodenstock 135mm double anastigmat
boyer 180mm
aldis 210mm
heliar 180mm
apo lanther 150mm

[ac12]

I only have 1 right now a 150.

Planning to get are 90 (really wanted a 75, but don't want the added $ of a center filter), and a 300.

The original planned kit was 75-150-300 (2x focal length between each lens), final kit will be 90-150-300
My alternative kit was 90-180-360 (2x focal length between each lens)

[36cm2]

Same main kit as rfesk:

Nikkor 90/8
Sironar-N 135/5.6
Fujinon-A 240/9

I love it, but have been lusting for a Nikkor 300M for over a year. Too rich for me right now, plus what I really want is something even longer to cherry pick landscapes, but my Tachihara will likely only take a 300. In any event, I'm happy with what I have.

[Peter Gomena]

Schneider 90mm f/8 SA, 120mm f/8 SA, 150mm f/5.6 Symmar-S, 210mm f/5.6 Symmar-S, 305mm f/9 G-Claron, 360mm f/6.3 Tele-Xenar. The 120, 210 and 305 do double-duty on my whole plate camera. Most used on my 4x5 are the 90, 150 and 210.

Peter Gomena

[Jim Galli]

75mm f4.5 Rodenstock, 90mm f4.5 Rodenstock, 101mm Achromatic Meniscus, 108mm W. A. Dagor 125mm f5.6 Fuji early single coated, 131mm Protar VIIa, 150mm Voigtlaender Heliar, 150mm Hermagis Eidoscop, 162mm Cooke Series III, 170mm Kodak f7.7 dialyt coated, 180mm Fuji F9a, 210mm Computar f9, 225mm Schneider Dagor type G-Claron, 270mm Goerz Artar coated. All I can remember just now.

[bobwysiwyg]

Good grief, this newbee would be embarrassed to disclose my meager set after these.:o

[Clive Gray]

47mm SA XL
65mm F4 Nikon SW
90mm F5.6 SA db mounted
150mm Sinaron WS (80 degree one)
210mm F5.6 Fuji W (58mm filter one)
420mm Apo Ronar F9

Thats what tends to get lugged around with the Sinar F in the back pack, if the P comes out to play I can jam the 120mm Nikon Sw in too ..... then if the 10X8 is with me all of the following some times get used on the 5x4


240mm Symar s
360mm F6.8 rodenstock n
600mm F9 Apo Ronar CL
750mm F14.5 Doctor Apo Germinar

the 180mm Sinaron SE and the 300mm Symar s rarely come out to play fro the cupboard.

[Hector.Navarro]

4x5 everything

127mm Tominon
210mm Fujinon W

add to that a 135mm Symmar-S with genuine schneideritis :)

[Greg Blank]

For 4x5: 65,90,150,240,300
For 810: 240, 300



Curious to know what lenses 4x5 LF photographers lens kit consists of whether it be primarily for landscape, architecture, portraits or a bit if this and a little of that.

[David Aimone]

Chamonix 045n-2

75mm Nikkor-SW 4.5
90mm Nikkor-SW 8
150mm Rodenstock Sironar-N 5.6
150mm Schneider G-Claron 9
210mm Komura Commercial 6.8

[Bill Kumpf]

For my Zone VI:
Nikkor W 135 f5.6
Nikkor W 210 f5.6
Nikkor M 300 f9.0
Goerz 16 1/2" f9.5 R.D.

Also with a Polaroid MP4 Shutter:
Tominon 17 f4
Tominon 50 f4.5
Tominon 105 f4.5
Tominon 135 f4.5

Most of my work is with the 210 and 300. The 16 1/2 inch is new.

[ac12]

bobwysiwyg
Look at my post, I only have ONE lens.

[dsphotog]

4x5 Super Graphic
4x5 Crown "
Pentax Digi spotmeter
65 Super Angulon
*90 f8 Nikkor
135 Optar
*210 Fuji
Bunch of Grafmatics & film holders
" " filters
* also used on 5x7

[Eirik Berger]

90mm Sironar W 90mm f/4,5 (Grandagon N)
135mm APO Sironar N 135mm f/5,6 (my first and most used lens)
180mm Fujinon W f/5,6
210mm Nikkor W f/5,6

And two Apo Ronars (300mm and 480mm) without shutter that I use for special projects

[marduk]

Schneider Super Angulon 90mm f/8 MC
Schneider Super Symmar HM 120mm f/5.6
Schneider Symmar-S 150mm f/5.6
Caltar II-N 210mm f/5.6
and Fujinon-C 300mm f/8.5

[Sideshow Bob]

Schneider:
58
90
110
180
210
305
Rodenstock:
150
Nikon:
360
500
720

Gale

[E. von Hoegh]

90mm Angulon
6" Dagor
150mm convertible Symmar
210mm "mystery" Dagor - type
240mm Dagor
270mm Tele Arton
300mm Dagor
355mm MC Kern Dagor
16 1/2" Apo Artar

Many of these do 8x10 duty as well.

[JBAphoto]

Landscapes = 135mm first series Symmar on Linhof STv
Naked Portraits = 240mm Heliar, but I use a Sinar shutter in preference to the Compound

[Pete Suttner]

110
180
300
450

[Sirius Glass]

135mm f/4.7 Graflex Optar on a 1953 Speed rapgic
7 1/2 inch [190.0 mm] f/4.5 Kodak Anastigmat on a 1927 Graflex Model D

Steve

[papah]

mounted on my Linhof:

Cooke Series II 8-1/2" f/4.5
Darlot Pillbox Meniscus 12"
Wollensak Verito 7-1/4" f/4
JL&S Meniscus 8"
Voigtlander Heliar 240mm
Rodenstock Imagon 200mm f/5.8
Underwood Meniscus 12"
Wollensak Verito 7-1/4" f/4
Graf Variable Anastigmat 8.5-9.5in/3.8-4.5

mounted on my Cambo 4x5:

Spencer Port-Land 18"
Kodak Portrait lens 12"
Wollensak Velostigmat Series II F4.5 12" Focus
Voigtlander Portrait Euryscope Series III Nr 5 f 4.5 14"
Large Petzval 10" Magic Lantern lens
Dallmeyer Patent Portrait Petzval 2B 8.5 in/210mm f,6
Derogy's Paris Londres No 11431 Wet plate Petzval Brass Portrait Lens 12cm.

...I may never get through this list... :)

[Ron McElroy]

For mostly landscape work with my Zone VI

90 f8 SuperAngulon
120 f5.6 SuperAngulon
210 f5.6 Sironar

[William Barnett-Lewis]

Wow, what a fun thread.
I've got a stripped down Crown Graphic I use mostly for landscapes & cityscapes and an Anniversary model Speed Graphic.

127/4.7 Ektar (1942)
135/4.5 CZJ Tessar (1924)
~6 1/2" B&L Rapid Rectilinear US Stops 4 - 128 (from an old 3A)
~9 1/2" B&L "Zeiss Tessar 5x8 Series IIB" in barrel. (~1912 from the catalogs & such I've found online)

I'd like to find a 90/6.8 Angulon & a 203/7.7 Ektar that I can afford, but that will be awhile. Plus a Packard shutter for the B&L Tessar. I'd use it much more if I could take it out with the far lighter stripped down Crown Graphic.

William

[threefoot]

My 4x5 Lens kit for my Tachihara

135 f5.6 Rodenstock APO Sironar-S
nikkor SW 90mm f8

My next lens will be in the 210 length (Looking now), I really love the Rodenstock so will be looking for a 210 f5.6 Rodenstock APO Sironar-S or N, Schneider APO Symmar maybe even Caltar II-N. Just getting started into LF though so lots to learn. Any suggestions?

[Richard Wasserman]

The Apo Sironar-N and Caltar II-N lenses are identical. They and the Symmar are both great choices in the 210mm length and will cover 5x7. The Apo Sironar-S is overkill for a Tachihara–it has a bigger image circle than you can use, or even need for 4x5.



My 4x5 Lens kit for my Tachihara

135 f5.6 Rodenstock APO Sironar-S
nikkor SW 90mm f8

My next lens will be in the 210 length (Looking now), I really love the Rodenstock so will be looking for a 210 f5.6 Rodenstock APO Sironar-S or N, Schneider APO Symmar maybe even Caltar II-N. Just getting started into LF though so lots to learn. Any suggestions?

[threefoot]

The Apo Sironar-N and Caltar II-N lenses are identical. They and the Symmar are both great choices in the 210mm length and will cover 5x7. The Apo Sironar-S is overkill for a Tachihara–it has a bigger image circle than you can use, or even need for 4x5.

Thank you for your input! I really appreciate how helpful people are on this forum, as I said I am new to LF and am trying to learn as much as I can. Especially before I make a purchase.

[seabird]

My 4x5 Lens kit for my Tachihara

135 f5.6 Rodenstock APO Sironar-S
nikkor SW 90mm f8

My next lens will be in the 210 length (Looking now), I really love the Rodenstock so will be looking for a 210 f5.6 Rodenstock APO Sironar-S or N, Schneider APO Symmar maybe even Caltar II-N. Just getting started into LF though so lots to learn. Any suggestions?

You haven't told us what your intended use is, but if it is for landscape use then I'd also throw the 200/f8 Nikkor-M into the mix. Small, light, sharp. :)

My own 4x5 lens kit for my landscape photos is:

90/f8 Nikkor-SW
135/f5.6 Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S
200/f8 Nikkor-M
300/f9 Nikkor-M

Cheers

[BetterSense]

My 4x5 lens kit is based completely on my rock-bottom photo budget. I have a grungy Angulon 90 that I got here on the forums for $50, Tominon 127 (with working shutter!) that I got for free from an old copy camera, a Wollensack Raptar 210mm/5.6 copy lens that I got for $20, and most recently I added a Symmar convertible with a broken shutter that I paid $150 for.

[Nigels]

I shoot landscapes with 58, 80, 150, 270 lenses on my Ebony RSW.

[lilmsmaggie]

Wow!! :eek:

I had forgotten that I had started this thread. Everyone has been having fun without me :D

But I haven't been idle -- I have been busy! I now have a slightly new (its been put to use recently) Chamonix 45n-2 and the following lenses:

90mm Rodenstock Grandagon-N f6.8
135mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S f5.6
210mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S f/5.6
350mm Schneider Apo-Tele-Xenar Complact f11

So far, I've only used the 135 and 210 -- both tack-sharp. Looing forward to using the 90 and 350 soon! I haven't been disappointed in the camera or lenses. ;)

[John NYC]

Wow!! :eek:

I had forgotten that I had started this thread. Everyone has been having fun without me :D

But I haven't been idle -- I have been busy! I now have a slightly new (its been put to use recently) Chamonix 45n-2 and the following lenses:

90mm Rodenstock Grandagon-N f6.8
135mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S f5.6
210mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S f/5.6
350mm Schneider Apo-Tele-Xenar Complact f11

So far, I've only used the 135 and 210 -- both tack-sharp. Looing forward to using the 90 and 350 soon! I haven't been disappointed in the camera or lenses. ;)

I see you went low end all the way. ;-)

Great kit.

[threefoot]

You haven't told us what your intended use is, but if it is for landscape use then I'd also throw the 200/f8 Nikkor-M into the mix. Small, light, sharp. :)

My own 4x5 lens kit for my landscape photos is:

90/f8 Nikkor-SW
135/f5.6 Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S
200/f8 Nikkor-M
300/f9 Nikkor-M

Cheers

Carey,

Yes, I neglected to say didn't I. Although I like to dabble in most types of photography I always find myself drawn to landscape most.

I am learning by reading on forums like this and lots of trial-and-error and fair amount of variable costs (Film, processing costs). Unfortunately I don't know anyone else into LF near me. Boy would I love to find a seasoned veteran LF near me to shadow even for a day!!! I am researching getting into B&W development as considering a way to cut some of the processing cost out of the adventure during the learning curve. I am committed to honing my skills but I have never developed even a single slide, so looking very cautiously on how and where to start. Been reading Threads on development on this forum also ... Got to love the internet.

[skrystos]

For now I have only one lens for my Cambo SC2:

Fujinon W 210mm f 5.6

I like it very much but I will buy some more lenses in the future.

[Jerry Flynn]

I shoot mainly landscapes of the urban sort.

I started out with a 180mm Symmar because that was what they had in the store at the time. Then I added a 90mm Super Angulon and a 210mm Symmar I got free.

Now have
90mm Grandagon-N (Caltar) (1/2 normal)
115 Grandagon-N (Caltar) (in between)
180mm Sironar (Sinaron) (normal)
240mm Symmar (in between - roughly double the 115mm)
360mm Apo Symmar (double normal)

I use the 180 and 115 most.

[hiroki]

I use two 4x5 cameras (Master Technika + Technikardan 45s)
sometimes with a 6x4.5 - 6x12 back (Sinar Zoom 2)

my lenses:

75mm f5.6
90mm f5.6
150mm f5.6
300mm f5.6 (heavy!)

i bought the 90mm first when i realized i wanted something even wider.. which is why i now hardly ever use the 90mm one. my most used lens would be the 150mm, 75mm and 300mm are on the same level, although i do tend to like & need wide angle for architecture.

[Scotty230358]

Mainly landscape with a little architecture

75mm fujinon
90mm Super Angulon
120mm Dagor (very small)
125mm Fujinon
150mm Symmar S
180mm Symmar S
240mm Apo Ronar (another very compact lens)
250mm Fujinon
300mm Apo Ronar (yet another compact lens)

I tend to carry the 75,90,125,180,250 and 300 when the walk to my subject is not too arduous. If I have a stiff climb to my subject then the smaller lenses get carried.

[Ole Tjugen]

47mm SA XL
65mm SA
72mm SA XL
90mm SA
90mm Angulon (for when I don't need the coverage or weight of the SA)
120mm Angulon (same)
121mm SA
135mm Symmar
150mm Symmar - or Apo-Lanthar, or G-Claron, or Germinar-W, or even an ancient Tessar. Or perhaps a Xenar f:3.5 Typ D?
165mm Angulon
180mm Symmar
210mm Xenar
240mm Symmar
305mm G-Claron
355mm G-Claron
420mm Hmmm - I can't remember.
Longer - converted symmars.

My camera is a Carbon Infinity, which tan take anything up to about 600mm focal length and uses the large Sinar boards. I have used the 360mm Symmar on it too, but that one is so heavy that I'd rather use the 8x10" camera (Gandolfi Traditional) with 4x5" back. Since I'll be carrying all that weight anyway.

[engl]

I only use a single lens on my MPP mk7, a Fujinon NW-125/5.6.

I shoot cityscapes mainly, but occasionally other things as well. I might buy a 65, 75 or 90mm lens the day I make up my mind about which one I want.

[GabrielSeri]

I have a Schneider 75mm F/5.6 Super Angulon, a Schneider 90mm F/5.6 Super Angulon XL, a Schneider Macro Symmar Lens, HM 180mm F/5.6 (selling), a Rodenstock Caltar II-N 180mm Lens F/5.6, and finally a Fujinon 250mm F/6.7

I forgot my Ilex portronic paragon 6 3/8" F4.5. I haven't received my 5x7 camera with this lens yet so I can't comment on it yet.

[Ed Kelsey]

I'm surprised how many lenses most people have and also how many don't have a SS XL 110mm. The 110mm and a 210mm APO Symmar are all I need. Feet do the rest.

[Scotty230358]

Landscape and Architecture

75mm Fujinon
90mm Super Angulon
120mm Dagor
125mm Fujinon
150mm Symmar
180mm Symmar
240mm Apo Ronar
250mm Fujinon
300mm Apo Ronar
450mm Nikkor M

The overlap at 120mm and 240mm came about when I had the opportunity to buy some nice glass at a real bargain price. I paid less than £200 for the Dagor and less than £250 for the Fujinon 250mm. Also my Dagor and Fujinon are really light and compact for those more arduous treks.

[Noah A]

I've settled on:

80XL
110XL
150 Apo Sironar-S
210 Apo Symmar

They're all great lenses and all seem to be up to the task of the large prints I make.

The 80XL probably needs a center filter which I don't have yet.

I could probably live with the 110/210 combo for all (or most) of my work, sometimes for personal work I just carry those two lenses. But the 80 is my back-against-the-wall lens for tight interiors or cityscapes and the 150 is just such a great little lens that fits into my camera when it's folded.

[cjbroadbent]

Sironar 120 and 135.

[hiroki]

I currently own:
- Schneider Super Angulon 72mm f5.6 XL
- Fujinon SWD 75mm f5.6 (to be sold shortly)
- Schneider APO-Symmar 150mm f5.6
- Fujinon CM-W 300mm f5.6

I'm looking into getting:
- Schneider Super Angulon 47mm f5.6 XL
- Schneider Super Symmar 150mm f5.6 XL

150mm would be my most frequently used focal length, followed by 75 (72). Least used one would be the 300mm, although I love the lens, I guess I am more of a normal~wide angle shooter :)

[Richard Kaye]

I have a lot of inexpensive ebay lenses and shoot landscape and plants outdoors on 4x5. Ultra sharpness isn't an objective, but interesting bokeh and lots of movements are. Personally I find the 150mm focal length rather dull, and 90mm too wide, and prefer 135mm, 180mm sometimes 210mm. I recently mounted a Ross xpress 5 inch wa (126mm) and enjoyed that a lot because of the moderate wide angle and plenty of movements

[Hector.Navarro]

while not new, I did a still life last month with a 75mm EL-NIKKOR and it worked pretty well with great magnification-

[zcary]

Mainly landscapes, but when im in the mood - portraits, night shots in the city etc.

90/5.6 Super Angulon
135/5.6 Symmar-S
210/5.6 Fujinon

The Super Angulon is the one i use the most, but it is a beast! I was considering trading it in for a slower 90, but i still love it once its on :-)

[David Low]

Another new recruit to LF!

I have an Ektar 203mm f7.7, and a Dallmeyer 4 1/4" f6.5 for an old Kodak Specialist and a Schneider Symar 210mm f5.6 for a Cambo.

[Ari]

I like all my lenses, and I've spent time getting the ones I wanted. I've worked in portrait for a long time, and I am just starting to get into architecture.
This forum is, in no small part, responsible (or to blame :)).
Nikkor 65 f/4
Fujinon 75 f/5.6
Nikkor 90 f4.5
Schneider SA 121 f/8
Fujinon W 135 f/5.6
Fujinon W 180 f/5.6
Fujinon W 250 f/6.7

Three of them would cover 8x10, to varying degrees, and that's partly what I had in mind when I bought them.

[briand]

I mainly shoot Landscape,
My lens kit is:
Schneider 58mmXL
Nikkor SW 65mm
Topcor 90mm
Topcor 150mm
Schneider 210mm
Nikkor W 300mm

[ypres.bass]

S-K Angulon 90/8
Voightlander Skopar 135/4.5
CZJ Tessar 180/4,5
Meopta Belar 210/5,6
S-K Symmar-S 240/5,6
LAACK Rathenow DIALYTAR 25cm/4.5 serie T

[ignatiusjk]

I have a 65mm,90mm,135mm,150mm,210mm and a 300mm.You can probobly get by without either the 135/150 but I have used all of my lens on my trips to Yosemite.

[Roger Cole]

90mm Angulon, 135mm Xenar, 203mm Ektar.

These were the ones that the seller had when I bought the Linhof with them back in 96 or 97. He had some backwards ideas, thinking the Xenar was the best, because it's modern and bright at f/4.7 thus easy to focus, but it's my least used lens. The 203 Ektar is the best of the batch, where the seller thought, apparently because it was old, that it was the least of the three.

I have so far done mostly landscapes.

Future plans include something shorter, mainly for use with a rollfilm back - a 65 that would cover 6x7 with some movements would be nice, or maybe a 55 for that and a 75 that could barely cover 4x5 when the 90 isn't wide enough and thus give some movements on roll film. I might replace the Xenar with something around 150, and might get something longer than the Ektar.

I'd like to get a more modern 90mm with more coverage, but if I do the Angulon is still so small and light I'll probably hang on to it.

[jloen]

Landscapes, old Americana, trees, roots, rocks ...

I have a lot of nice lenses, but here's what I'm putting together for backpacking 4x5 for four weeks in April/May (Appalachian Trail, Virginia). These are picked mainly for their high performance/weight ratio. I've gotten my 4x5 outfit down to about 9 pounds.

100mm wide field Ektar 6.3 (or possibly a 90 mm S-K Angulon)
150mm Rodenstock Sironar-N 5.6
203mm Ektar 7.7

[Gary Tarbert]

Hi all. From widest to longest here goes 58 super angulonf5.6,90 super angulon f8, 135w nikkor f5.6 , 150f6.3 fujinon , 300c f8.5 fujinon , 450 f9 nikkor .
The only blank spots i see are maybe a 75 & a 210 or 240 type range . Cheers Gary

[Professional]

Rodenstock APO Sironar-N 150mm f5.6 [on Shen Hao 4x5]
Wollensak Graflex Optar 162mm f4.5 [on Speed and Crown Graphics 4x5]

I will buy more sooner or later, but i really don't want to go as some of you to have 7-10 lenses, i think 4-5 will be more than enough.

[kev curry]

Lenses, dark slides, other stuff, a big camera and usually a thermos or a hip flask if I'm not driving....oh, and nice soft quilted toilet paper...you never no if Mr poo-poo will pay you a surprise visit!

[Tony Evans]

LF beginner with Shen-Hao 45IIA.
Fujinon SW 90mm f8.0 (SC) in Seiko 0.
Fujinon 135mm 5.6 (MC) in Copal 0.
Fujinon W 250mm f6.3 (MC) in Copal 1.
Now to try & use them!

[Leigh]

Field camera architecture & scenery (all in modern black Copal shutters).

65/4 Nikkor-SW
75/4.5 Nikkor-SW
90/5.6 Fujinon SWD
150/5.6 Sironar-N MC
180/5.6 Fujinon CM-W
210/5.6 Sironar-N MC
360/8 Nikkor-T ED

I'm looking for a 120/5.6 and a nice apo in the 270-300 range. (The Rodenstock Sironar-N lenses are apos according to the literature.)

Those lenses are also used for product shots in studio with a different camera body.

300/5.6 Nikkor-W in black Copal 3 (studio work only, too large for the field camera)

- Leigh

[johnmsanderson]

Schneider 58mm XL

Schneider 135mm

Nikon 210mm

Nikon 300m f/9

I use the 135 the most, which makes me want to get a better lens in that range. What if I got a 110XL to replace my 135mm and a prospective 90mm?

I shoot everything from landscapes, trees, trains, urban scenes, architecture...

[Gary Tarbert]

Hi all. From widest to longest here goes 58 super angulonf5.6,90 super angulon f8, 135w nikkor f5.6 , 150f6.3 fujinon , 300c f8.5 fujinon , 450 f9 nikkor .
The only blank spots i see are maybe a 75 & a 210 or 240 type range . Cheers GaryHi , I have been busy changing my lens kit to allow for my recent purchase of a Chamonix 5x8 , My new kit is as follows:
For 5x4 only 58 Super angulonf5.6, 75mm super angulonf5.6 90mmnikkor f8, 135 Nikkor 5.6,150 Fujinon 6.3
For both formats 120mm Nikkor f8 ,180 Symmer S F5.6 ,240 f9 Fujinon 300c Fujinon&Nikkor 450m f9,
Most lenses were chosen on a weight versus coverage criteria, except for for the 180 symmer which was a direct swap for my old 240 Symmer S.(already decided was going on original post)
and the 135 Nikkor which was just at the right price so i grabbed it.
This is it for me , the kit is complete , So you will not see my name in WTB section only in the image sharing and advice areas;) Cheers Gary

[Andrew]

Fascinating.... I make that:

47mm = 7 lenses
55/58mm = 7
65mm = 21
72/75mm = 30
90mm = 76
100 to 115mm = 18
120/125mm = 40
135mm = 48
150mm = 58
162/165 = 7
180mm = 30
200 to 215mm = 75
240 to 270mm = 44
300/305mm = 47
355/360mm = 14
400 to 500mm = 30
over 500mm = 8

so the commonest focal lengths are 90, 150 and 210mm
after that there's a spread of moderate wide angles from 120 to 135mm and a similar number of longer lenses out to about the 300mm mark

I think it's a shame the 180mm doesn't seem well represented because I'm very partial to 180 on 4x5

you can tell I was getting a bit bored today, but it'll be interesting to see if a similar spread of focal lengths comes from the thread about what people actually use as opposed to what they own:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=81567

[chassis]

I'm new in LF so just getting started.

I use a 150mm in a Copal 0 and a Wollensak mounted 280mm (ish) no name meniscus from Mr. Galli.

I use both lenses in a general purpose way (portraits, still life). My next lens will be wide, like maybe a 58mm or 65mm.

[Richard Kaye]

I suspect that most people buy a camera with a 150mm lens as their first lens, without too much thought or on a dealer's recommendation, or because it was in the kit they bought secondhand, and then it doesn't make much sense to go to 180mm and 135mm (which are my favourites) because that's quite close to something they already have. A bit of a pity.

On a different line, away from this "I have an X a Y and a Z" (but still relevant to this thread), I recently bought a G-Claron 210mm lens on the *bay last week and it arrived with a +1 close-up lens attached. Obviously the dealer didn't notice. No problem. But that was presumably how the previous guy was using the lens: as a convertible lens, 210mm without the +1 and about 150mm with the +1. Of course infinity focus is perfectly possible with the close-up lens attached. All this seems quite a clever move, especially to reduce weight or costs, and if you have a lens with very ample coverage (important) you could carry around a close-up and convert it into a wider lens when you need. Does anyone do this?

There will be some losses (in resolution etc) but as I see it those losses are not too bad as the main lens's image size is slightly reduced (and so theoretically its resolution actually improves slightly). Against this you need to factor in the effects of the close-up lens and the fact that you are using the main lens in a region of focus that it may not be optimised for. Of course this needs to be tested some time - I will when I have the time.

[David Casillas]

I suspect that most people buy a camera with a 150mm lens as their first lens, without too much thought or on a dealer's recommendation, or because it was in the kit they bought secondhand, and then it doesn't make much sense to go to 180mm and 135mm (which are my favourites) because that's quite close to something they already have. A bit of a pity.

On a different line, away from this "I have an X a Y and a Z" (but still relevant to this thread), I recently bought a G-Claron 210mm lens on the *bay last week and it arrived with a +1 close-up lens attached. Obviously the dealer didn't notice. No problem. But that was presumably how the previous guy was using the lens: as a convertible lens, 210mm without the +1 and about 150mm with the +1. Of course infinity focus is perfectly possible with the close-up lens attached. All this seems quite a clever move, especially to reduce weight or costs, and if you have a lens with very ample coverage (important) you could carry around a close-up and convert it into a wider lens when you need. Does anyone do this?

There will be some losses (in resolution etc) but as I see it those losses are not too bad as the main lens's image size is slightly reduced (and so theoretically its resolution actually improves slightly). Against this you need to factor in the effects of the close-up lens and the fact that you are using the main lens in a region of focus that it may not be optimised for. Of course this needs to be tested some time - I will when I have the time.


I richard.

I use a Rodenstock 210 APO SIRONAR-S with Nikon 6t and 5t achromat close up lenses. Nikon 5t and 6T are expensive now en e-bay. I paid $40.00 each when I bought them new for my 35 mm camera.
I got about 160 mm combined focal length with 5t lens and 130 mm with the 6t lens.
I used them on the back of the APO Sironar-s per Kodak professional guide to get the best results. And according to me it works better on the back.
At 160 mm I can get 54 mm of rise and aout 50mm of shift.
At 130 mm I get only about 24 mm of rise and about 20 mm of shift. At 130 coverage could be bigger but the thick 6t mount block the light path.
Loss of quality is minimal if any since lens is stopped down anyway. Combination of primary lens plus positive auxiliary lens is brigther when focused at infinity than lens alone.
I tried with a +2 B+W close up lens and quality is not as good as with the two element achromats. You can try also Canon 500D.
In close up work, when getting at 1 : 3 and beyond, the lens alone the lens gets soft, in this case adding the close up lens in the front improves the quality of the image.

[unixrevolution]

I have a Graphex Optar 90mm F/6.8, a pair of 135s (Fuji 5.6 and Graphex Optar 4.7), and a Schneider convertible 150-265 f/5.6-12. I am soon to have a 75mm f.6.8 Rodenstock Grandagon. I haven't used anything but the 15 more than a handful of times, mostly because I haven't had anything but the 150 for more than a month.

I'm going to be looking back through this thread to see what lenses get used a lot, for my next eventual but probably much delayed lens purchase.

[Corran]

I thought I'd stay with just a 90 and 150 but things got out of hand...

Regular stuff:
Schneider 47mm f/5.6 XL
Schneider 58mm f/5.6 XL
Schneider 90mm f/8
Schneider APO 150mm f/5.6
Schneider Symmar-S 210mm f/5.6
Nikon 360/500/720 telephoto set

Special stuff:
G-Claron 150mm f/9 (for macro)
Wollensak Verito 11.5in f/4 diffuse focus lens
Aero-Ektar 178mm f/2.5
Schneider Xenon 12.5cm f/2

I like to have the tools I need for what I want to shoot. Not that you can't make images forever with just one lens, but there are special effects that you need different things for.

[Leigh]

Updated kit:

Studio and field:
Nikkor SW 65/4
Nikkor SW 75/4.5
Fujinon SWD 90/5.6
Nikkor SW 120/8
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 135/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 150/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 180/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Makro-Sironar 180/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 210/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar N 240/5.6
Nikkor M 300/9
Nikkor W 360/6.5
Nikkor M 450/9

Studio only:
Swiss-made Goerz Gold Dot Dagor 8-1/4"/6.8

- Leigh

[Cor]

Updated kit:

Studio and field:
Nikkor SW 65/4
Nikkor SW 75/4.5
Fujinon SWD 90/5.6
Nikkor SW 120/8
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 135/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 150/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 180/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Makro-Sironar 180/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 210/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar N 240/5.6
Nikkor M 300/9
Nikkor W 360/6.5
Nikkor M 450/9

Studio only:
Swiss-made Goerz Gold Dot Dagor 8-1/4"/6.8

- Leigh

Leigh,

Your lenses are quite closely spaced in mm (65-75 -90 and 120-135-150) Any reason for this? (as a fellow photographer said once; you also have your feet..I understand that that isn't always an option off course)

Best,

Cor

[Leigh]

Leigh,

Your lenses are quite closely spaced in mm (65-75 -90 and 120-135-150) Any reason for this? (as a fellow photographer said once; you also have your feet..I understand that that isn't always an option off course)

Best,

Cor
Hi Cor,

Yes, they are close. The kit was set up in AoV steps of roughly 4° to 5°, for a couple of reasons.

1) I'm pretty picky about framing, and usually try to get exactly what I want on the film. This comes from many decades of shooting slides. I have mobility problems, so feet are not always a viable option.

2) Reliability. If one lens should fail for some reason, like a shutter problem, I have others available with similar capabilities.

Since I'm never far from the van when shooting, the weight of the kit doesn't matter.
I also have 66 film holders, which is much more than I could reasonably carry.
For that matter, I have six 4x5 cameras, although I usually only take three of them out in the field.
I also take an 8x10 kit, but didn't mention it since this thread specifically asked about 4x5.


- Leigh

[Cor]

Hi Cor,

Yes, they are close. The kit was set up in AoV steps of roughly 4° to 5°, for a couple of reasons.

1) I'm pretty picky about framing, and usually try to get exactly what I want on the film. This comes from many decades of shooting 35mm slides. I have mobility problems, so feet are not always a viable option.

2) Reliability. If one lens should fail for some reason, like a shutter problem, I have another available with similar capabilities.

Since I'm never far from the van when shooting, the weight of the kit doesn't matter.
I also have 66 film holders, which is much more than I could reasonably carry.
For that matter, I have six 4x5 cameras, although I usually only take three of them out in the field.
I also take an 8x10 kit, but didn't mention it since this thread specifically asked about 4x5.


- Leigh


Thanks for the elaboration, guess I should also tell about my kit.

I started with a 150 mm Xenar, and soon realised it is too limiting, so I upgraded to a 150 mm plain Symmar, it came in a Compur Synchro with the older speed times. I re mounted it to a Copal Polaroid Press shutter.

Then came the 90mm Angulon 6.8, upgraded to a 90mm f8 SA in a annoying Compur00, which I sold and upgraded again to a younger 90mm SA f8 in a modern Copal 1

In the mean time I got a nice 120mm Angulon in an older Synchro Compur which I still have and use.

Next came the 65mm 5.6 SA mounted in a helical focusing mount (so I could use it on my Tech III).

A 210 Symmar followed, and logic demanded a 180mm Symmar as wel (compulsive, I know). Both lenses are older silver rim, mounted in older Synchro Compurs

So it's not that modern glass, but perfectly workable, I guess I use in 35% of the cases the 150, 25% the 90, 20% the 120, 10% the 65, 5% the 180 and 5% the 210

Best,

Cor

[jwanerman]

100mm Kodak wide field ektar, 150mm sironar-n, 210mm Rodenstock Ysarex, 10 3/4" Red dot artar, all on Wisner boards. I'm having an adapter made by S.K. Grimes to use these lenses on my SINAR Norma.

[Edward (Halifax,NS)]

I have a 150mm G-Claron and a 210mm Sinaron-S. I bought both without shutters (really cheap) and mounted them in Prontor Press shutters from a 75mm Tominon and a 127mm Ysaron. The aperture scales are incorrect but sooner or later I will get around to calibrating them. Doubling the F number on the G-Claron seems to work well.

[cjbecker]

As of now I have a symmar convertible 150/265. Only use it at the 150 side though. Looking to get a sinorar-n 210 and possibly replace the 150 with a sinorar-n 150. Or split the difference and get a sinorar-n 180 and only use one lens.

[DrTang]

well...lets see


I'm trying to mostly shoot 5x7, but since i have a linhof tech III...most lenses are mounted on tech boards and I have an adapter to my 5x7 tech III


anyway


90SA, 150 Symmar, 7" heliar (in copal 3 adapter), 210 calumet II, 81/4" paragon, 250mm fuji SF, 11" Aldis, 285mm plastic lens (I can fit into a #3 Acme), and a 12" Caltar




looks like I kinda bunched up in the 200-300 range, and could use a 120 or so..

[David R Munson]

For now I have a two lens kit. I have a 135mm and a 210mm, both Symmars. They're fantastic and fit my needs perfectly. I also find that they complement each other very well. In the long run, I'd like to supplement them with something wider (75mm?) and a 300mm for something a bit longer, but I'm in no hurry.

[Gordy]

90mm Fujinon SW
125mm Fujinon-W
150mm Apo-Symmar
210mm Nikkor W
250mm Fujinon W
300mm Nikkor M

The last two, along with a 450mm Nikkor M, serve double duty in my 8x10 kit.

[sinhof]

Zeiss: Topogon 60, Biogon 75, Tessar 150, Orthometar 250, Apo-Tessar 300, 27 Schneiders 65...360 and 19 Rodenstocks 45...890, oldest Rod. #12698, 15 others like Hermagis, Thornton and Ernemann

[jocl123]

90/8 SA (selling)
90/4,5 Grandagon-N MC
120/5,6 Makro-Symmar HM (selling)
135/5,6 Symmar with scratches (selling)
135/3,5 Planar
150/4,5 Xenar
150/4,5 Heliar
15,3cm/4,5 Satz-Plasmat
155/6,8 Grandagon
16,5cm/4,5 Tessar (selling)
165/6,8 Angulon (selling maybe)
180/5,6 Apo-Symmar
210/5,6 Symmar-S
270/9 G-Claron I LOVE IT
360/5,5 Tele-Xenar (selling)
360/6,8 Apo-Symmar MC
Custom Made Pinhole

Some are for 8x10 of course.

If you want details on selling lenses let me know.

AND what I really want is a 450/9 Nikkor-M !

Thx

[ALVANDI Camera]

super angulon 47xl/5.6
super angulon 65/5.6
super angulon 75/5.6
super angulon 90/5.6
symmar-s 100/5.6
sironar-n 135/5.6
nikkor-w 150/5.6
nikkor-w 180/5.6
apo symmar 210/5.6
& I get super angulon 38xl for 6x12 format

[chassis]

Schneider 58mm SA XL f/5.6 with center filter
Nikkor 150mm f/5.6
19th century no name meniscus Galli lens 280mm f/7.7

The 58mm is a relatively new addition, and I like it for outdoor/nature shots and indoor environmental portraits. Format is 4x5.

[John Kasaian]

My active kit right now is my new (60 year old) 4x5 Speed Graphic with a 135mm F4.5 Zeiss Tessar.

Roger

The limited bellows on your speeder will limit the focal length lens that will be useful. A 203mm Ektar or Wollensak will make a nice addition that will fit when you fold up your camera. Other good lenses would include the 165 & 120 Angulons and the 125 wide-field Ektar

[orgraph]

I had 25 lenses for 4x5 and 8x10 In January 2021 . There are only those lenses that I use now :-) The rest are sold.

Congo 90/6.3 (mainly for long trip. Nice drawing. Limited in movement.)
Topcor 90/5.6 - Very flexible. Nice drawing. A bit heavy. Filters thread - 77 mm.
Symmar 135/5.6 convertble. Very flexible. Nice drawing.
Carl Zeiss 150/4.5 Nice drawing. Has a soft effect on open apertures. Not often I use it both as a portrait lens and for general shooting.
Fujinon 150/6.3 Great drawing. Lightweight versatile lens. I use it mainly for long trips.
Heliar 210/4.5 Fantastic very plastic drawing. A bit heavy.
Color Tamron 240/6.8 (Dagor). Fantastic very plastic drawing. A bit heavy.
Nikkor Q 300/9. A compact, sharp telephoto lens.

[Maris Rusis]

My 4x5 field kit bag contains: A Tachihara 45GF camera, 2 Grafmatic film holders, light meter, focussing cloth, filters, cable release etc and a

Schneider Super Angulon 75mm f5.6 ... crops to a 90mm field of view if needed
Nikkor-W 135mm 5.6 ... crops to a 150mm field of view if needed
Nikkor-W 210mm f5.6 ... crops to a 300mm field of view if needed

Tripod gets hand carried. Rarely encounter subject matter that defeats this combo.

[j.e.simmons]

View camera - 210mm Rodenstock Sironar, B&L Protar 7.5/11/13, Schneider 90mm, various barrel and meniscus lenses.
Super Speed Graphic - Graflex 1000 Optar
Super Graphic - Ektar 127mm and Graflex 90mm

[Eric Woodbury]

I can't carry the weight that I once could.

90mm Angulon, late model.
135mm Fuji (or 150mm)
240mm Fuji

This is my packed-and-ready-to-go bag. If I have something specific in mind, I'll grab an appropriate lens.

[Gabe]

Schneider-Kreuznach Super Angulon XL 5.6/72
Rodenstock Grandagon-N 4.5/90
Schneider-Kreuznach Apo-Symmar L 5.6/150
Schneider-Kreuznach Apo-Symmar L 5.6/210
Nikkor-M 9/300

Would like to add either a Grandagon-N 115mm or Schneider Super Symmar XL 110mm at some point. Also either a a Fujinon C 450mm or Nikkor-T 500mm for long work.

[rfesk]

Nikon 90/8
Rodenstock Sironar-N 135/5.6
Fujinon 240/9

Just added: Rodenstock 75/4.5 (thanks Steve Goldstein!) that I will be carrying when the 90 won't do.

Have others from 65mm through 305mm but rarely use them for 4x5

[Salmo22]

Nikkor SW 75/4.5
Nikkor SW 90/8
Nikkor SW 120/8
Fujinon A 180/9
Fujinon A 240/9
Nikkor M 300/9

[nitroplait]

My lens kit is:
Schneider-Kreuznach Symmar 150/5.6

I don't have a large format camera yet, so it doesn't see much action.

[Greg]

35mm f/4.5 FISH-EYE TAKUMAR. Finally adapted it to shoot with my 4x5.
https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?167086-Pentax-67-fisheye-on-a-4x5-Sinar&highlight=fish

65mm f/4 Nikkor-SW. Right now I use step up rings to mount a 77mm FUJI CENTER FILTER GX617 90mm ND-2X on it. Works but I really need to get a correctly fitting central ND filter for this lens. Over the past few years I have been using this optic less and less so most probably will continue on using the FUJI filter with step up rings.

90mm f/5.6 Schneider Super-Angulon XL with IVa central ND. Yes this lens is huge but it offers me an extreme amount of rise for architectural photography. For landscape photography I use a wee bit smaller 90mm f/4.5 Nikkor-SW

180mm f/5.6 Fujinon W. Least used lens. It replaced a 210mm.

250mm f/6.7 Fujinon-W. Probably my most used lens. It replaced a 240mm Dagor with a very old, worn out and unreliable Compur shutter.

330mm f//6.8 IA Raptar. Smallish lens but a real performer. If I Leave home my 600mm Fujinon, this lens is convertible and becomes either a 508mm or 647mm lens.

600mm f/12 Fujinon T. Only carry this lens if I have plans to use it. Since it covers the whole plate format, it has plenty of movements.

I also have two lenses from 2 vintage folding cameras. They both project images to cover the 4x5 format, but sharpness falls off in the corners. When I have used these 2 optics, the negatives were used for Lith printing.

Present cameras are either a classic Sinar Norma or a Sinar 4x5 X depending on what I am shooting.

[Salmo22]

Nikkor SW 75/4.5
Nikkor SW 90/8
Nikkor SW 120/8
Fujinon A 180/9
Fujinon A 240/9
Nikkor M 300/9

Updated to reflect some minor change and addition.

Schneider SA 58/5.6 XL
Nikkor SW 75/4.5
Nikkor SW 90/8
Nikkor SW 120/8
Nikkor W 180/5.6
Fujinon A 240/9
Nikkor M 300/9

The 60mm focal length differences between the majority of these lenses fits my vision nicely. When photographing the "grand" Arizona landscapes, both the Nikkor SW 75/4.5 and Schneider SA 58/5.6 XL stay home. However, when photographing architecture, ruins, or more intimate landscape scenes, I'll include the Nikkor SW 75/4.5 and Schneider SA 58/5.6 XL to cover my bases.

[rfesk]

Nikon 90/8
Rodenstock Sironar-N 135/5.6
Fujinon 240/9

Just added: Rodenstock 75/4.5 (thanks Steve Goldstein!) that I will be carrying when the 90 won't do.

Have others from 65mm through 305mm but rarely use them for 4x5

To update from my previous post:
I normally carry only three lenses in my LF case but can add others if needed. I am using a Toyo Original Field with either a 4x5 back or a 5x7 back.

For 4x5: Nikon 90/8
Rodenstock Sironar-N 135/5.6
Kodak Ektar 203/7.7

For 5x7: Kodak Ektar Wide Field 135/6.3
Rodenstock Sironar-N 180/5.6
Rodenstock Apo-Ronar 300/9

[John Layton]

For 4x5 lightweight/compact (Gowland Pocket View camera) "grab and go" kit: just the camera with either a 135mm Sironar-N, or a 150mm Apo Symmar-L. Camera w/lens on Feisol CF tripod carried on shoulder, 7 film holders/spot-meter/filters/t-shirt dark cloth, 4x close up glasses, carried in small shoulder bag.

For more versatility...add to the above a separate (2nd) small shoulder bag with a 90mm f/6.8 Grandagon-N, and 210mm Sironar-N.

For a "full" 4x5 kit (Layton L-45A camera): 90 Grandagon or 110 XL, 135 Sironar-N or 150 Apo Symmar-L, 210mm Apo Sironar-S, 305 G-Claron. Carried in RTP P-3 backpack w/meter, filters, dark cloth, 12 film holders, close up glasses plus loupe, and Gitzo CF tripod.

Someday I would like to add: 58 or 65mm (Schneider), 450mm (Fuji-C or Nikkor-M). But no biggie if this never happens.

[maltfalc]

18" f/3.8(ish) general scientific corp.
305mm f/9 rodenstock apo-copygon
6" f/2.5 buhl optical
7" f/3.5 buhl optical
8" f/3.9 buhl optical
135mm f/4.7 graflex optar
150mm f/5.6 schneider-kreuznach componon
210mm f/5.6 schneider-kreuznach comparon
140mm(ish) rapid rectilinear bausch & lomb
300mm f/4.5 industar-37
75mm f/1.9 ilex oscillo-paragon

[darr]

Nikkor SW 90/4.5
Nikkor W 150/5.6
Nikkor M 300/9.0

--

My Pano kit is a Cambo Wide 650 (Schneider SA 65/5.6)
One lens, 4x5 film (cropped to 6x12 in post), and a digital back for shooting color.
This is a heavier kit than my traditional 4x5, but I love it. :)

[Havoc]

I got around:
- Fujinon SWD 75
- Fujinon SWD 90
- Fujinon CM-W 125
- Fujinon CM-W 180
- Fujinon CM-W 250
- Fujinon T 300
- Schneider SA 90/8

All with a 67mm filter thread except the SWD 90. The one going out always is the 125mm. Depending on what I expect to find the 90mm or the 75mm. Of the long ones it is the 250mm that goes out most. The 180mm just isn't different enough from the 250mm or 125mm and the 300mm I just don't like much. Too dim and not enough different from the 250mm.

I do have a pinhole camera (0.3mm hole) that can also take a Fujinon NW 125mm as hyperfocal. One day I will get around to make a viewfinder for that camera and use it more than once a year.

[aphcl84]

Green ring Sinaron Digital 55mm f/4.5, AKA an Apo Grandagon in disguise
Nikkor-SW 75mm f/4.5
Grandagon-N 90mm f/4.5
Grandagon-N 115mm f/6.3
Topcor LF 150mm f/5.6
Symmar-S 210mm f/5.6
Apo-Ronar MC 300mm f/9
Apo-Ronar 420mm f9
Red Dot Artar 610mm f/11

Mostly used for landscapes.