600 mm on 8x10 cameras

[merlo.luca1961@libero.it]

I am considering to complete the following range of lenses by purchasing a Compact Fujinon 600 mm for my Wehman 8x10:

210 Schneider G-Claron
240 Schneider G-Claron
305 Schneider G-Claron
450 Fujinon C

Do you think the Fujinon 600 mm is a nice lens to complete the above outfit ?
What are your experiences with this lens ?

Thanks

Luca

[Eric Leppanen]

The Fuji 600C is a unqiue lens: relatively small and light, very sharp for its focal length and coverage, and available both new and used. If my camera had sufficient extension (as yours does), and I only needed a 600mm lens, I would pick the 600C in a heartbeat compared to its modern alternatives (Nikon and Fuji telephotos). I have compared its optical performance to the Nikon 600T and uber-expensive Schneider APO Tele Xenar 600; IMO it slightly outperforms the Nikon and compares favorably to the Schneider.

My only suggestion is that, given that your Wehman is reportedly an excellent long lens camera, you might want to consider a Nikon 600T convertible, due to the availability of its additional 800 and 1200 focal lengths. If you are a contact printer, there is no substitute for having a longer focal length if you enjoy long-lens photography. Of course, the Nikon is much larger and heavier, and really is a "close to the car" lens.

[John Kasaian]

If it is light, has coverage and it isn't a tele (and your camera has the bellows for it) why not? Sorry but I'm "down" on teles for gg focusing---theres funner ways to drive myself insane

[Michael Kadillak]

I would not hesitate to consider the 24" Red Dot Artar as an economic alternative to the Fuji 600C. If you are contact printing I find that looking at images side by side with the Fuji 600C and the 24" Red Dot Artar, I lean to the Artar from an esthetic perspective as it appears to deliver a bit more contrast for me. The Fuji is sharp as hell, but when you are contact printing sharpness does not drive the process for me. The Artar is a bit heavier than the Fuji but so what. Either way you will not be disappointed so let opportunity and costs dictate which way you go. Get the best deal you can find and the best quality optic available and above all, do not settle for less than you want. Patience is a virtue.

Cheers!

[Rick Moore]

I use three Fujinon C lenses with my 8x10, 300, 450, and 600. I love them all. The 600 is a real jewel. I wish Fuji made similarly small, sharp wide angles that covered 8x10. Instead, I use a Berthiot Perigraphe 120/14, a Wollensak 159/12.5, and a 210 Gold Dot Dagor. Not a lot of coverage, but the siz lenses cover quite a range on the 8x10 without weighing a great deal.

[Dave_B]

M-
The Nikkor telephoto lenses are a fine set of optics. With a single shutter and front lens, one can get 600mm, 800mm and 1200mm rear cells that give performance that is truly outstanding for an ULF lens. I have the 600mm and 800mm cells and am on the hunt for a 1200mm unit. If I were you, I would also try for a complete set of these fine lenses. As Kerry T. says, they are expensive now, what will they cost decades after they are no longer made?*
Cheers,
Dave B.


*He said this about the 360-500-720 series but I think it also applies to the 600-800-1200 series as well.

[Gene McCluney]

M-
The Nikkor telephoto lenses are a fine set of optics. With a single shutter and front lens, one can get 600mm, 800mm and 1200mm rear cells that give performance that is truly outstanding for an ULF lens. I have the 600mm and 800mm cells and am on the hunt for a 1200mm unit. If I were you, I would also try for a complete set of these fine lenses. As Kerry T. says, they are expensive now, what will they cost decades after they are no longer made?*
Cheers,
Dave B.


*He said this about the 360-500-720 series but I think it also applies to the 600-800-1200 series as well.

UH, I thought all the Nikon large-format (and enlarging) lenses were discontinued a year or so ago? I thought there was just remaning inventory that is being sold?

[naturephoto1]

Gene,

That is correct. What Kerry wrote on his website was last updated in something like 2000.

Rich

[Dave_B]

Gene:
You are correct. As new items they are being sold out of inventory. Nikkor is no longer making them. Some of us are on the hunt to get a complete set while we can. My plan is to leave my son a college education, a little bit of money and a complete set of Nikkor LF lenses. Time will only tell which will be of the most value to him.
Cheers,
Dave B.

[Walter Calahan]

I have the complete set of Nikkor 600-800-1200. Wonderful glass. No movement.

Usually when I'm in the 600mm range, I'll use my Cooke XVa in the 645mm configuration instead. Then I have movement.

If your way of seeing doesn't need to got beyond 600mm, I think the Fuji 600C is the lens for you.