Thinking about purchasing the Nikon 300 F9 M for my 4x5. Was wondering how it is to focus at f9 and will I have to compensate for bellows draw when calculating exposure.
Thinking about purchasing the Nikon 300 F9 M for my 4x5. Was wondering how it is to focus at f9 and will I have to compensate for bellows draw when calculating exposure.
It’s quite bright and easy to focus at f9 because it’s a fairly long lens. Never had issues focusing even at sunrise/sunset.
Bellows factor…. That depends on how much you draw. For infinity focus no correction is needed, regardless of focal length. Check this out for details:
https://kennethleegallery.com/html/tech/bellows.php
I find mine easy to focus. It is long enough lens that there is not much loss at the ground glass.
As for compensation, same as any other lens when thought of in focal lengths to subject distance. (Not in absolute distance, but how far from lens to subject as a ratio against f = 300 mm in this case.)
Thanks guys for the feedback!
They are great lenses. I fearlessly predict that you'll be happy with yours (as I have been with mine for many years).
That lens needs ~300mm of bellows draw at infinity, plus significantly more for closer focus. Does your 4x5 camera have the extension? Most have around 290mm to 320mm, the Linhof Technika IV and later being notable exceptions with >400mm.
It has 350mm bellows draw so no worries.
That is going to limit how close you can get.Originally Posted by HughC
Magnification Ratio = Extension Length / Focal Length = 50/300 = 1/6.
So at closest focus your subject frame would be (4x5") * 6 = 24 x 30", or a generous head and shoulders shot.
You can fix this by making an extender out of a couple tin cans, some electrical tape, and hot glue; for the ultimate in, DIY make the lensboards by gluing up sheets of legal-pad cardboard.
Darkroom Automation / Cleveland Engineering Design, LLC
f-Stop Timers & Enlarging meters http://www.darkroomautomation.com/da-main.htm
Going to be using it for landscapes especially for mountains scenes.
Lots of mountains where I live.
At full extension you should add a 1/2 stop (really .44) extra time.
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