8x10 Wide angle

[Zaitz]

I know this thread has been done before but I am not sure I even need to get one. I searched through a bunch of old threads. I currently have a 250mm Fujinon SF f5.6. It seems to cover 8x10 but I am not sure the corners are very sharp. Before I go to the Redwood forests in 2 weeks I may need to get a different wide angle that covers 8x10. I am looking at the G-claron 210mm and Ektar 190mm. I think that focal length would be more fitting but I've also never shot in the forests before. Any help is appreciated.

[Leigh]

I use a minimum image circle of 325mm for 8x10. This is a bit larger than some folks use.

The two shortest lenses in my (not all-inclusive) database that meet that requirement are:
Schneider Super-Symmar XL 150/5.6 with an IC of 386mm
Nikkor SW 150/8 with an IC of 400mm.

These are both equivalent to a 75mm lens on a 4x5 camera, which is pretty wide.

- Leigh

[Mark Sampson]

The 190 Wide Field Ektar will barely cover 8x10- and it's not common either. The 10" (250mm) WF Ektar is, and was, much more popular (and useful) on 8x10. It's a favorite of mine, but a 210 G-Claron might be the better choice in this case... just for the wider angle of view.

[Zaitz]

Hmmm...what about a 210mm Fujinon W? The image circle seems good. Seems there are no great affordable wide angles for 8x10. Maybe just need to focus on the 4x5 for the trip.

[Michael Graves]

The Fujinon 250 6.7 covers 8x10 with room to spare. I've gotten about an inch of rise on my Toyo 810M with no chopping of the corners. The 210 5.6 Fujinon with the lettering on the outside covers 8x10 with just a smidgeon of extra coverage, but not a whole lot. I own both, so I have a bit of experience with them. I am not familiar with a 250 5.6.

Another extra wide to consider is the Wollensack 6.5". It comes in two versions. I own the 9.5. It covers, but not a lot of extra. It is very wide and rectilinear. The contrast is decent, but doesn't like shooting directly into strong light. It's about like having a 24mm on 35.

[ic-racer]

Fujinon 250mm f6.7 80 degree (inside lettering) $250 to $400
Fujinon 210mm f5.6 80 degree (inside lettering) $250 to $400

[Zaitz]

The Fujinon 250 6.7 covers 8x10 with room to spare. I've gotten about an inch of rise on my Toyo 810M with no chopping of the corners. The 210 5.6 Fujinon with the lettering on the outside covers 8x10 with just a smidgeon of extra coverage, but not a whole lot. I own both, so I have a bit of experience with them. I am not familiar with a 250 5.6.

Another extra wide to consider is the Wollensack 6.5". It comes in two versions. I own the 9.5. It covers, but not a lot of extra. It is very wide and rectilinear. The contrast is decent, but doesn't like shooting directly into strong light. It's about like having a 24mm on 35.

Yeah the 250mm f5.6 Fujinon is a soft focus lens (when wide open with discs). It's sharp stopped down. But the corners dont look really sharp when I took a test shot. I'd also like a bit wider. I've tried finding the Wollenstok but haven't yet.

Looking at Kowas now too. But the coverage looks to be less than the 210 fujinon and the Kowa isn't cheaper.

Edit: Fujinon 250mm f5.6 SF lens seems to have image circle of 300 - http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenseslist.html

[Ari]

I'll second the Fujinons, 210 and 250 (f6.7).
I've also had success with the Fujinon 180 (inside lettering); it covers with a bit of room, and certainly has more coverage than officially stated.
I also use a Super-Angulon 121mm for super-wides; officially, it is not supposed to cover 810, but I've only seen a slight darkening of the corners, so I think it's good to go.

[mat4226]

Just echoing what IC-Racer said, but go for the older 210 Fujinon W. It's a stellar lens.

And if you absolutely, positively can't wait for one, there's one listed for $600 on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fujinon-W-210mm-f-5-6-lens-8x10-4x5-5x7-/140565146884?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20ba55ed04

[Zaitz]

So really looking only for the inside lettering 210? Rarer...bummer.

Thanks for the responses too.

[ic-racer]

So really looking only for the inside lettering 210? Rarer...bummer.

Thanks for the responses too.

Be patient. I searched for a few months. I was the only bidder on a mint 210 at $250 a few months ago.

After following the lens market for a few years I think it is harder to get lenses this time of the year in North America. In the Autumn and Winter, the selection at KEH and e-bay is much better. When I got my 250/6.7 from KEH they had 3 in stock (none now).

[Leigh]

So really looking only for the inside lettering 210?
Fujinon lenses with inside lettering are single-coated.

Those with lettering on the outside of the barrel are multi-coated (EBC).

- Leigh

[engl]

The single coated ones, with inside lettering, have wider coverage (80 degrees). The multicoated ones with outside lettering have 70-78 degrees coverage.

(this applies to lenses in the W series, but there are a few exceptions even in the series, such as the 150mm F6.3 which is a tessar and not a plasmat like nearly all W lenses)

[Leigh]

As I said previously, you need to check the image circle for any lens to ensure that it's suitable for the intended use.

- Leigh

[cdholden]

The 190 Wide Field Ektar will barely cover 8x10- and it's not common either. The 10" (250mm) WF Ektar is, and was, much more popular (and useful) on 8x10.
The 10" WF Ektar covers 7x17, which requires an image circle slightly larger than that for 11x14... very useful for 8x10.

[Zaitz]

Thanks for the responses. I decided to go with a Kowa 210. I like how it is in shutter, has proper aperture numbers, covers 8x10, and is available. I'd like one of the super covering wide angles but can't afford one right now. Want the lens for a trip in 2 weeks too.