Clairification of Kodak Ektar lenses for 4x5

[Michael Krause]

Could someone out there please clarify which Kodak Ektar lenses will work correc tly with a Tachihara 4x5 field camera . . . I've discovered that many of these l enses were made for other formats and will not provide the needed coverage area or allow for some movements. I would be using the lenses for landscape, some cl ose-up and medium to long telephoto shots. Thank you! Mike

[giancatarina]

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0018Yk http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=005vhe http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=005zxK http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=003OYQ http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=002yCG and many more, just scroll down, and click on Lens Classic

[Ken Burns]

Michael:

One thing that needs to be understood when working in large format is the term "telephoto." Telephoto has nothing to do with the lens focal length, but rather has to do with the lens's optical configuration. Most lenses will require a bellows draw approximately equal to its focal length. But lenses of telephoto design require quite a bit less bellows draw. For example, a 300mm lens of normal design will require about 300mm of bellows draw, but my 300mm Fujinon- T telephoto lens requires only about 200mm of bellows draw.

This is an important thing to remember when working with cameras like the Tachihara that have a limited bellows draw. With lenses of normal optical configuration, 240mm to 270mm would probably be the limit for practical use. But, with lenses of telephoto design, you can work with lenses as long as 300, 360 or even 400mm.

I know that doesn't help any with your question about Ektars, but it will be helpful if you start looking for long lenses for the Tachy.