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
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
I use the Nikkor 450 for portraits on both 8x10 and 11x14. It is a great lens.
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.
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
Here is the set at head and shoulder set up distance:
Intrepid 8x10 + Nikkor-M 450/9 by Palenquero Photography, on Flickr
"I have never in my life made music for money or fame. God walks out of the room when you are thinking about money." -- Quincy Jones
Woman in red !
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.
Bookmarks