longest practical lens with Sinar 8x10 bag bellows?

[Frank Petronio]

Wondering what users think is the longest practical lens that can be used with a Sinar 8x10 bag bellows? I'd like to hear that a 240mm would be able to focus down to 3-4 feet. Likely?

[Tom Duffy]

Frank, I think you should be OK. With my P2 with metering back bellows (just so we're talking the same bellows) I can focus my 300mm Apo Symmar to within 6 feet. I haven't tried to establish what my absolute minimum focus is. the bellows offers about 12 inches of extension and the frames give you another couple of inches. Be aware that when the bellows is at full extension, your rise/fall/tilt/shift get restricted.

Let me know if this suffices or if I should measure some more when I get home tonight. Take care, Tom