Nikkor M 450 F9 - Question

[Luis-F-S]

I would suggest looking for one at a good price, and if you don't like it, then sell it. You might also consider the 12" Artar or the 305 G-Claron, both in Copal 1 shutters. See if you can borrow one to try near you. Good luck. L

[cuypers1807]

I use the Nikkor 450 for portraits on both 8x10 and 11x14. It is a great lens.

[William Whitaker]

I doubt that you'll have an easy time doing head/head & shoulders with this long a FL and this camera as you'll be at around full extension at those close focus range.

So you may want to look into a 300mm FL as well. Just a thought

Bear in mind Pepe's shots are not that close (They are full standing figure landscape not tight head shots / head & shoulders) so way less extension needed.

Everybody's mileage varies. But for me, 450 on 8x10 is a bit long for H+S portraits. My choice is for something in the 12" - 14" range. And there are a LOT of choices in that range.
And I'm speaking of 8x10 in general. NOT any specific camera.
There are contrasting opinions expressed here. No surprise. You'll need to ante-up your money and find out what works best for you.

[Bernice Loui]

8x10 is not the same a 4x5, significantly larger with a different set of problems-challenges.

With a 450mm lens and 560mm of available bellows, head and shoulder portraits could be a problem of not enough bellows and camera stability due to camera support challenges. While the typical head and shoulder portrait focal length for 8x10 is 420mm to say 500mm, the ability for the camera to deal with a lens of this focal length can be surprisingly difficult.

Example, on 5x7 with a 12" or 300mm lens, bellows required for head and shoulder is about 400mm, then there is how to balance and support the camera along with precise positioning the camera to where it is needed relative to the sitter. Then add the challenge of lighting which is IMO, as important and in some cases more important than camera & lens & film.

Things to consider.
Bernice

[Bernice Loui]

Really the only way... get stuff and try it.

Bernice

There are contrasting opinions expressed here. No surprise. You'll need to ante-up your money and find out what works best for you.

[Rscaboy]

Really the only way... get stuff and try it.

Bernice

Hi,

Lens is ordered...So now I will see in 2 months if it suit my need or not....

Thanks to all of you for the discussions.

Dom

[pepeguitarra]

Here is the set at head and shoulder set up distance:


Intrepid 8x10 + Nikkor-M 450/9 by Palenquero Photography, on Flickr

[Pere Casals]

Woman in red !

[Alan9940]

Am I wrong with this interpretation ?

All I can tell you is that I wouldn't use a Nikkor 450M on my Mk I. Perhaps the Mk II is more solid. Based on other replies here, you should be okay. Get a good copy of the lens, try it, and if it doesn't work out for you sell it, and find another alternative.

[Bob Salomon]

Support means that it has enough bellows and extension to use a 600mm. It does not mean that it is strong enough to support this lens. Find the weight of the lens and ask the camera manufacturer if it can support it at portrait distances.