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Thread: 8x10 LF Lenses

  1. #1

    8x10 LF Lenses

    Hello!

    I'm relatively new to Large Format Photography. Currently, I'm using a fully restored Deardorff 8x10 with a Schneider Symmar-S 360mm f/6.8 MC pictured below.

    I usually do street photography, social documentary, still life, found still life, portraits, and architecture shots with my smaller format cameras, but with my 8x10, I tend to focus on still life in controlled environments indoors, especially now with the current stay-at-home orders globally.

    Regardless of subject, what other lenses/focal lengths for specific subject use, general purpose, or for sheer collecting/GAS are good and/or nice to have based on your personal opinions?

    Click image for larger version. 

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  2. #2

    Join Date
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    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    For macro, I suggest a 180 or 210mm, like Weston used on his peppers. Close to 1:1 the distance from lens to subject is 360 or 410mm respectively. A G-Claron 210 would also cover at infinity. A Nikkor-AM 210mm would not cover at infinity, but give you 1,5 stop more light to focus with. A 240mm G-Claron might give the right combination with your 360mm, but at 1:1 it needs 480mm bellows.

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  3. #3
    Foamer
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    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    I shoot wet plate so I've been using lenses made 1844-1862. Two are Petzvals, two are achromatic doublets.


    Kent in SD
    In contento ed allegria
    Notte e di vogliam passar!

  4. #4

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    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    I've always found that a 210mm is the right focal length for macro work..............

    .........and your Deardorff is stunning, way too lovely to be used, I suggest that if put to use then it shouldn't venture outside.......

    regards

    Andrew

  5. #5

    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    For studio macro work the Docter 240mm wide angle Germinar is a great choice. Small, light, Razor sharp / contrasty and considerable DOF. I also take mine to the field for macro work.

  6. #6
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    You could look into getting a 210 for street/urban work; something like a 210 Angulon is not too expensive, or an older 165 Super-Angulon for more movements if you have an architectural subject.

  7. #7

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    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    On my V8 the three most used lenses I use are a 12” Dagor ( normal) a 6 1/2” WA Dagor (wide) and a 19” Artar (long). I did some close work this weekend with a 10 3/4 G-Claron (older Dagor type). You have a 14” lens so that's your normal lens, although it’s a big one. I have a 300 Siranon-N I never use for that reason. I also have a 14" GD Dagor, but always use the 12" instead. L
    Last edited by Luis-F-S; 27-Apr-2020 at 17:34.

  8. #8
    Drew Wiley
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    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    You could potentially get a hundred different answers. Among my numerous 8x10 lenses, the ones most often used are a 450 Fuji C and 360 Fujinon A, which also happens to be a superb close-up lens. I think dagors are actually a little less versatile, but do sometimes use a late Kern 14" dagor, another overpriced cult lens these days. But I bought these back when the price was reasonable. Another 360 I sometimes use for its special look is an old Zeiss coated f/9 process barrel tessar which has lovely background blur. For long views, a 600 Fuji C is practical. For wides, 240 Fuji A and 240 G-Claron. A Nikkor M is my only 300, and another very small lens, but it has a rather limited image circle for 8x10 applications. I don't own any big draft horse sized studio plasmats because I mostly shoot outdoors.

  9. #9

    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    Quote Originally Posted by Two23 View Post
    I shoot wet plate so I've been using lenses made 1844-1862. Two are Petzvals, two are achromatic doublets.


    Kent in SD
    Petzval and/or brass lenses have been of interest as well for sheer collectibility and possible use–which do you recommend?

  10. #10

    Re: 8x10 LF Lenses

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Kadillak View Post
    For studio macro work the Docter 240mm wide angle Germinar is a great choice. Small, light, Razor sharp / contrasty and considerable DOF. I also take mine to the field for macro work.
    Interesting, it's not necessarily a macro lens right?

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