150mm WA lens for 8x10 recommendations

[Greg]

Up to now I have been using a 120mm Nikkor SW lens for my go to really wide angel lens for my whole plate and 8x10 cameras. Upcoming project would require a wide angle lens for my 8x10 that would have to allow for some front rise movement. Seriously thinking of acquiring a 150mm SW Nikkor. Figure that I can't really go wrong with this optic. Am looking for opinions on this optic from users before making the plunge. Other alternatives? 150mm f/6.8 GOERZ (Berlin) Dagor Series III and GOLDEN DAGOR come to mind.... but my 1961 B&J catalogue only rates them as covering 5x7 at f/45, which I think is very conservative. 155mm Grandagon-N also comes to mind, but haven't come across one FS in some time. Comments welcome.

FYI: The project: Duplicate images that a local photographer took in our town around 1900-1910. We have his 8x10 view camera but not his lenses. Believe he used around a 150mm optic that had rather generous front rise movements. No idea of the lens that he used back then.

[scheinfluger_77]

I don’t know how much coverage you need but the Wollensak IIIa, 6-1/2” is for 8x10. It covers 10x12 at smaller stops. There is one of these on eBay right now starting at $185.

[Mark Sampson]

I used a 165/8 Schneider Super-Angulon on 8x10 (in the studio) when I worked for Kodak. The earlier, chrome, single-coated version. An impressive lens, both physically and optically. Perhaps not quite wide enough for your purposes?
But my two Nikkor-SW lenses (90, 75) are just superb. If I was in your situation, I'd find a 150 version and never look back.

[EdSawyer]

the Nikkor 150 SW is a great choice, almost certainly the best option in that coverage range and focal length.

[Bernice Loui]

If you're good with the 120mm SW Nikkor, consider staying with the SW Nikkor series as they would have similar rendition between the 120mm & 150mm. This way, alternating between the 120mm & 150mm would result in similar image quality on film. Do test any newly acquired lens compared to the 120mm SW Nikkor that is being used. Right of return of the potential lens to be owned is mandatory, if the Lens Under Evaluation turns out to be a dud.

The 165mm f8 Super Angulon is HUGE as would be the 155mm f6.8 Grandagon (GOOD lens, been there owned this lens decades ago). The modern Schneider alternative is the 150mm f5.6 Super Symmar XL which is significantly smaller than the 165mm f8 Super Angulon or 155mm f6.8 Grandagon.

Here is what they look like all together. Note how much smaller is the 165mm f6.8 Angulon compared to the other two. The 165mm f6.8 Angulon sort of covers 8x10, but not really (yes one can stop down to say f32.. but still) . While the 165mm f8 Super Angulon and 150mm f5.6 Super Symmar XL easily covers 8x10 at full aperture with GOOD imaging performance.


In all cases, light fall off on film may or many not be an issue for 8x10 depending on imaging needs.


Bernice

[Ari]

More stuff to consider:
The Schneider XL is 1.6 pounds, the Nikon 150SW is 2.3 pounds. Or Europeanly-speaking, the Schneider weighs ~350g less than the Nikon.
The Nikon narrowly edges the Schneider in coverage.
Max aperture is one stop more for the Schneider.
I've owned both and prefer the Schneider; it's hard to find now at a sane price, but once you have it and use it, you quickly realize it's a keeper.

[MAubrey]

The 165mm f6.8 Angulon sort of covers 8x10, but not really (yes one can stop down to say f32.. but still).

My experience is that the f/6.8 Angulons are "make sure you can test and return" purchases. I tried three 165mm's...which is easier since they're cheaper than other ultra-wide LF lenses. One of them was definitely as you say "sort of ...but not really" another one was surprisingly excellent and the third was in the middle.

[Bernice Loui]

Owned the 150mm SSXL since new from about 1997, never been disappointed with it's performance. Yes it is a keeper in many ways.
Traded the 155mm f6.8 Grandagon for the 150mm SSXL, smaller and lower weight with GOOD optical performance. Been using it since as medium wide on 5x7_13x18cm where image circle and light fall off is just not an issue.


Bernice

More stuff to consider:
I've owned both and prefer the Schneider; it's hard to find now at a sane price, but once you have it and use it, you quickly realize it's a keeper.

[Bernice Loui]

Apply to all Schneider Angulons I've tried, they can vary a lot. Some are duds, some surprisingly good.


Bernice

My experience is that the f/6.8 Angulons are "make sure you can test and return" purchases. I tried three 165mm's...which is easier since they're cheaper than other ultra-wide LF lenses. One of them was definitely as you say "sort of ...but not really" another one was surprisingly excellent and the third was in the middle.

[Corran]

6" Metrogon might be an option. Cheaper than some other lenses. It's still large and can flare easily.