1:1 lens for 8x10

[Noah B]

Hello all, I'm looking into lenses for some close up work for my 8x10 and was wondering what are some good lenses out there. I was recommended the 180mm macro sironar, but I have a hard time finding those used anywhere.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I've had good luck using my Fuji 240mm for 1:1

[johnielvis]

I've been using 203 ektar 7.7 on my 8x10 enlarger nicely---and shooting it on my 8x10..lens is designed like a process lens--designed for 1:1 symmetrical...also designed to nicely cover 5x7 at infinity, so it covers 8x10 enlarged to 16x20 (2:1)...or 1:2....certainly works at 1:1...shot some cat pictures handheld with this lens---magnificent, old and tiny...my favorite for lots of things.

[Brian K]

Hello all, I'm looking into lenses for some close up work for my 8x10 and was wondering what are some good lenses out there. I was recommended the 180mm macro sironar, but I have a hard time finding those used anywhere.

I own the 180mm, 210mm and 300mm Makro Sironars and find them excellent for 1:1 work. You're not likely to find anything better. I would most probably avoid the 180mm for use on the 8x10 because you are likely going to need a little more stand off room between camera and subject.

APO Ronars also work well at 1:1 and I also own/use them extensively as well. They have less coverage than the Sironars but when you are working with long bellows extensions coverage increases significantly.

If you are serious about macro work, especially at 1:1 I would not use a regular LF lens. When compared side by side you'll see a big difference in image quality.

[Gem Singer]

Another Macro lens that would work with 8x10 is the Nikon/Nikkor AM-ED 210 f5.6. However, it is seldom available on the used market and is quite expensive.

If you have a an 8x10 camera with a strong front standard and at least 480mm of bellows extension, the Nikon/Nikkor f5.6 240W can be used at 1:1.

The longer focal length will for allow more space between the lens and the subject at 1:1.

The Nikkor 240W is mounted in a Copal 3 shutter and is quite heavy. However, previously owned ones are relatively inexpensive and can easily be found in the used market place.

[ic-racer]

Any 150 from a 4x5 camera should work fine, unless you are copying flat artwork, in which case I'd use a process lens (and process camera ;) )

[Mark Sawyer]

150mm process lenses are wonderful for 1:1. Think Eskofot Utragon, Konica GR-II... often available excellent condition for well under $100 in, coated and razor-sharp. They come in barrels, but with small apertures, long bellows extensions, and reciprocity failure, exposures run long enough that it's not a handicap.