Preferences for 150-165mm lenses in 8x10?

[interneg]

Out of the usual suspects (Super Angulon 165/8, Nikkor 150/8, Grandagon 155/6.8 etc) and any other more unusual lenses in that range, what do you like best for colour work in 8x10 - with potential enlargement to maybe 4x? Ideally I'd like to know how you find they perform when you optically print the resultant negs etc. Not so bothered about weight - and not super keen on spending on a Schneider 150SSXL.

As a secondary topic, have any of you used the older W.A. Dagor or 159/12.5 Wollensak for colour? I'm fully aware that anything above a contact print or 2x enlargement may be very questionable in the edges with these designs, even at deep stops.

[Vaughn]

Just the 159/12.5 Wollensak with B&W. I don't know if I have a bad copy, it was dropped, or operator error (more work with it needed, probably), but 'covering' 8x10 must have a different meaning.

[Oslolens]

Just the 159/12.5 Wollensak with B&W. I don't know if I have a bad copy, it was dropped, or operator error (more work with it needed, probably), but 'covering' 8x10 must have a different meaning.

Did you use a colour filter to increase sharpness? I must test mine to prepare for use. I have an uncoated one in the drawer with really low contrast, and I suspect it need a yellow filter to sharpen the corners.

Sent fra min SM-G975F via Tapatalk

[Vaughn]

Did you use a colour filter to increase sharpness? I must test mine to prepare for use. I have an uncoated one in the drawer with really low contrast, and I suspect it need a yellow filter to sharpen the corners.

No, I have not tried that...but I will keep it in mind, thanks. I have used the lens on my 5x7 and it seems to behave itself nicely there. However my 'test' of the lens on 5x7 also had a camera light leak, so while the coverage and sharpness was good, I am not sure of the lens' tonal capabilities. I'd like to get a FujiW 150mm with inside writing for the 5x7 some day for general use...no rush as my FujiW 180mm is serving me fine. The 180mm has the inside writing and is rumoured to cover 8x10 (barely, with an IC of 305mm) at infinity, but I have not tried it.

[Oslolens]

I'd like to get a FujiW 150mm with inside writing for the 5x7 some day for general use...no rush as my FujiW 180mm is serving me fine. The 180mm has the inside writing and is rumoured to cover 8x10 (barely, with an IC of 305mm) at infinity, but I have not tried it.

I had two of those 180mm, I lended one of them to do a art-repro slide, but they are not for 8x10" with an inch or so not sharp.
Regarding the 159mm, I have one uncoated and a coated. I think in order to get sharp pictures is understanding where to focus due to curvature of focus combined a small enough aperture combined with a yellow or orange filter.

[Vaughn]

I had two of those 180mm, I lended one of them to do a art-repro slide, but they are not for 8x10" with an inch or so not sharp.
Regarding the 159mm, I have one uncoated and a coated. I think in order to get sharp pictures is understanding where to focus due to curvature of focus combined a small enough aperture combined with a yellow or orange filter.

Thank you. Working with the 159mm/f12 under the redwoods was not a great place to experiment with this lens for me...and while I'd love to blame the lens, you are correct that I need a lot more experience with it. It might find some work on the 5x7.

I have 210mm and 250mm available for 8x10. The 180mm might be interesting for closer work, as Peter mentioned, but my 210mm is great for that (Graphic-Raptor) also, but not in a shutter.

[GhoSStrider]

Just the 159/12.5 Wollensak with B&W. I don't know if I have a bad copy, it was dropped, or operator error (more work with it needed, probably), but 'covering' 8x10 must have a different meaning.

I've got a coated version of the 159mm f9.5. It's a completely different lens but Wollensak advertised it having less coverage than the f12.5 (the f9.5 is at 91.2º and the f12.5 is listed at 100º when stopped down). I don't have any complaints about my lens. It's small and decently sharp for its age. I definitely don't see any of the corner smearing like your example image shows.

[Peter De Smidt]

I have the Wollensak, but I haven't used it enough to have a good sense of it. A Nikon 150SW would likely be a good choice.

[Greg]

5.9” No. 5 Gray Periscope in a COPAL 3. Covers 11x14 with some movements possible. Covering 8x10 is using the sweet spot of this optic.

[Jim Noel]

I have a 165 Angulon (not super), and a 159 Wolly. My preference is the Wolly because the Angulon is too sharp for my current tastes.