Return it.
Return it.
You’d rather have the faster lens anyway. 90mm is rather wide on 4x5 and the faster design has enough more coverage to make you glad you sprung for it. Same for the f/5.6 Schneider Super Angulon.
Rick “who uses the slower design on cameras with limited movements—a Schneider 90/8 on a Travelwide, for instance” Denney
Hi Bernice
Yes, that link was the lens in question. Seller said to return lens and will pay for return shipping, so is being equitable. I wondered in hindsight now as well why the lens ring was not in photos. Proves the need to be careful with Ebay.
Dan, I’ve had my 90/5.6 SA just about stood on edge, right at the limit of tilt/swing, on enough occasions to appreciate that extra 20 mm of coverage. It’s just too tempting to me to use the short lens to exaggerate the near-far perspective by moving up close to the near subject. That creates a depth-of-field challenge, mitigated by use of tilt or swing.
And the extra stop doesn’t hurt ground glass brightness, either.
Rick “whose use cases are not necessarily yours” Denney
Yeah but it's the early non "N" version probably not the latest better coating and it's not looking all that great as it's fairly beat up. So yeah it's 90mm f4.5 Grandagon but not the same as a near mint 90mm f4.5 Grandagon N.
One thing the OP can look for is a Caltar II N 90mm f4.5 which is the same exact lens as the 90mm f4.5 Grandagon N only less cash and different engravings.
IMO, better to be a bit spendy to get a lens in GOOD proper condition than a lens in lesser condition. This is often the better long term choice as the effort and resources involved with LF image making easily negates the penny wise-pound foolish thinking over the units of film burnt then processed.
The 90mm f4.5 Grandagon has remained one of the all time faves for decades. Works on film formats up to 5x7, never disappoints with it's results. The f4.5 full aperture is helps for composing and focusing. This can become more significant for interior images. Trade off, not a small or lightweight lens. Might need a center filter for some images made.
The later MC or N or green stripe versions are the preferred ones, but the differences are likely not that significant. Much the same applies to Super Angulon, Fujinon and Nikkor SW series of wide angle lenses.. They are all excellent.
Bernice
I'm going to offer a contrary opinion here. I can't imagine having to lug around the larger f/4.5 - f/5.6 90mm lenses from any manufacturer. They are just to heavy and bulky for carrying into the field, plus you need those larger filters (82mm... I think 67mm is big!).
Yes, you get a bit more light and slightly more coverage with the larger lenses, but unless you really need that coverage (i.e., you find yourself vignetting your shots with the smaller 90mm lenses) then, for me anyway, the weight and bulk of the larger lenses is a deal killer. And, if you really need coverage and want a smaller lens, the 90mm Nikkor SW f/8 has the largest coverage of any of the smaller 90mm SW designs (that's what I have).
So, whether "you'd rather have the faster lens" is a question of application. The 90mm f/6.8 Grandagon is a nice lens... Maybe the seller can make you a deal since it was not "as advertised"?
Best,
Doremus
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