Two Lens Set for 4x5 Field Camera - Choices

[consummate_fritterer]

Wide lightweight set: 90/8 Nikkor-SW, 150/9 Computar

Med lightweight set: 135/5.6 Fuji-W (front lettering), 203/7.7 Ektar (in Compur)

Long lightweight set: 150/9 Computar, 240/9 Apo Ronar

[xkaes]

I'm not going to tell you what TWO focal lengths to go with. You've already had lots of opinions regarding that. No matter which lenses you choose, keep in mind that there is an inexpensive, lighweight, small and easy way to expand the lenses that you have. Check out:

http://www.subclub.org/fujinon/close-up.htm

In the end, it will tell you if, and which, additional focal lengths you might want to add to -- or switch to -- without breaking the bank.

[Jac@stafford.net]

The two lenses need not overlap in coverage because you can usually walk the difference for example, a 210mm and 90mm.

[Mark Sawyer]

How about a 7.5-inch Verito and a 190mm Ektar?

[Jac@stafford.net]

How about a 7.5-inch Verito and a 190mm Ektar?

Trick question!

[Sal Santamaura]

Well, thought I'd chime in with what I ultimately bought...Anyhow, thanks for all of the advice! It did come in handy in regards to looking at focal lengths, and the number!...

You're most welcome. The three you ended up with are top tier and will provide you no excuse for bad pictures.

I find the five posts immediately preceding this one to be entertaining examples of 'transmit-only mode.' None of those posters bothered to read that you've already selected and purchased the (three) lenses for your kit. If only the software had some way to verify members have read an entire thread before permitting them to post.

[Mark Sawyer]

Trick question!

Technically, a trick answer! Although those might well be my choice. It seems like focal lengths are the only options people worry about...

[David Karp]

Good choices. I have either owned, or own the 210mm (the Caltar II-N version) and the 90mm. Outstanding lenses. I don't own the 135mm, but I own the 150mm. Very nice.

[Thalmees]

... What I'm in tending to do with this outfit is general landscape. One thing I like to do is take photos of some of the smaller towns in the midwest, etc.
...
Ed

It will probably be at least 75% black and white.
Ed

Hello EdC,
Welcome to photography.
It looks to me that you are about artistic photography, not after a job or business to fulfill.
So, why you do not consider Grandagon N 90/4.5 or any equivalent?
I have an older version of the lens, it has a marvelous rendering, very sharp and more than enough coverage behind and in front of the lens.
If I left with only one lens, it should be the 90/4.5.
Please consider, its not small and its in the heavier side. But, it could be your gold standard in sharpness for your other lenses.

...
And some people interchange shutter without interchanging front calibrated shim, so front to rear cell distance is not anymore the ideal one for that sample... even some ebay glass simply lacks the calibration shim, it happened to me, anyway it's easy to solve that, just unscreew until focused image it's at its best, this can be seen with an eyepiece.

Hello Pere,
Could you specify in details(if possible) the differences in image quality between the two cases, with or without spacer?
Is the difference confined to close range distance? Or not?
I still have something to add to the Rodagon 105/5.6 thread, will update later.
Thank you so much Pere.

[Jim Andrada]

Glad you found a kit that works for you. I normally use a 150 G-Claron, a 203 Ektar and a 305 Repro Claron. (And more often than I would have expected a 500mm Nikor T)