The simplicity of purchasing 35mm is out the window when it comes to 4x5! I can' t walk into a store and put different lenses my camera. I only have one copal si ze board, and bisides, with this format, I couldn't tell in a store setting what focal lengh is good for me. Hands on is gone with this format. Even the enlarge r I want, I have to look at pictures. I won't be able to see the lenses I've cho sen. Just pictures. Just starting out, I don't know what focal lengh I want. I c an only get feedback from fellow photographers, and equipment is such a personal ized thing. I will shoot tabletop shots, architecture, and anything in between. Anything I think will make a good shot. I tend to shoot close to a subject, not especially landscapes. So, I'm told 210mm for tabletop, and something shorter fo r the field. Well, with limited income, and expecting to spend roughly $800.00 f or a lens, I wanted something "all around". This is to much money to make the wr ong decision. I just don't know which way to go. Do I go with a 180mm? Or do I invest in that 210mm (Rodenstock APO Sironar S)now, and down the road get someth ing shorter. I don't even have my enlarger yet, and thats a grand$, plus lens an d accesories. So, I will be shooting for now, and will not be able to print to r eally see the quality of the lens. Do I go with a Calumet 180mm, with the though t in mind that its probably a temporary lens, or should I invest in Rodenstock/ Schneider 180mm? Just how sought after are 180mm's? Is it worth the investment? I wonder what would be my return $ if selling? I will be checking out the used m arket, but I'm anxious. And will only wait so long before purchasing new. I was told that a 150mm could give distortion when shooting close, this is why I went to 180mm. I wish I could see what a 210mm would give my out in the field. I shoo t 35mm with longer focal lengths. So frustrating!
Bookmarks