Nikkor 120/8 SW vs. Schneider 110XL for 4X10/8X10

[audioexcels]

I have read a lot about the difficulty w/the view when using the F8 Nikkor 120. With the Schneider lens, you gain two stops of light and when using a CF, gain in that respect as well.

1) For those that have shot with both of these lenses on the 8X10 or 4X10 formats, does the Schneider show a significant amount more brightness and ability for one to compose easier? Has anyone actually gone over to the Schneider for the reason of having difficulty composing with the 120SW, but not the Schneider 110XL?

2) What would be the "primary" reason to use the Schneider 110XL over the Nikkor 120/8?

3) Does anyone happen to know the "real" IC at infinity F22 of both of these lenses? Obviously the Schneider with 288 IC is way underrated if it can cover 8X10. Likewise, I have heard the Nikkor lenses are underrated also. I'm curious which has the greater amount of coverage though it doesn't really matter so much on 8X10 since both suffer to be able to do movements, where on 4X10, they would both do just fine for movements.


Thanks!

[akalai]

I seem to remember reading somewhere (sorry can't provide a link) that Nikkor large format lenses image circle is measured at f16 and not f22 as are Schneider lenses.

Perhaps someone out there could corroborate this small piece of information... or let me know if I am completely wrong. But if true it's another factor to consider in your choice.

[audioexcels]

I seem to remember reading somewhere (sorry can't provide a link) that Nikkor large format lenses image circle is measured at f16 and not f22 as are Schneider lenses.

Perhaps someone out there could corroborate this small piece of information... or let me know if I am completely wrong. But if true it's another factor to consider in your choice.

I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

[akalai]

I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

Easily confirmed (or not) if you can find someone with the Nikkor f8 120mm who is willing to mount it and measure the image circle at f16 (and f22) and see if it matches your quoted figures. Good luck!

[Ed Richards]

I do not see how 5.6 v. 8 is two stops, rather than one.

> I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

Why is that a problem? It is a real wide angle lens with a modern design. The SS 110 does 288 and it is 10mm shorter and not a pure wide angle design.

[audioexcels]

I do not see how 5.6 v. 8 is two stops, rather than one.

> I've read that also, but question how the lens can do a 312mm IC at F16.

Why is that a problem? It is a real wide angle lens with a modern design. The SS 110 does 288 and it is 10mm shorter and not a pure wide angle design.

You are right with the stop...my dead brain tonight. If the IC is 312mm at F16, that would be great.

I'm most concerned with how the lens looks when composing on the GG vs. the Schneider 110XL.

I am very interested in why one would choose the 110XL over the 120SW aside from the 10mm's difference in focal length.

Thanks Ed.

[Jan Pedersen]

You would need a dial caliper to see the difference beteween a 110 and a 120!


jan

[Brad Rippe]

The 110 uses 67mm filters, the Nikkor 120 uses 77mm. For some inexplicable reason, I sold my 120 last year and really miss it. It's hard to explain, but that is a really nice lens. The photographs I made with that lens have some kind of presence tha doesn't seem to happen often. I'm sure the 110 is very nice as well, but that 120 has a certain quality I can't describe.
I replaced it with a Schneider Apo-L 120, also a nice lens, smaller, and I'm still trying to get the feeling of that little lens.
Someday I will again own that Nikkor 120.
-Brad

[Brad Rippe]

Audio, Sorry, I just realized you were asking about 8 by 10. I was referring to 4 by 5.
-B

[audioexcels]

Audio, Sorry, I just realized you were asking about 8 by 10. I was referring to 4 by 5.
-B

It's still excellent subjective experience since I would be shooting on different formats from 8X10-on down to even 4X5 (possibly), though 5X8, 4X10, or WP will be my reduction back.