Longest Lens for Field Camera

[DJGainer]

I'm purchasing either a Fujinon A 240mm or a Nikkor f9 300mm for my Horseman Woodman kit. The 300 is right at the boundary of bellows extension (315mm on the Woodman), so would it be better to just go with the Fujinon?

Either way, do you have any solutions that permit the lens to be focused at distances closer than infinity?

-Dave

[Greg Lockrey]

Top hat lens board.

[Blumine]

As Greg, said either a top hat lensboard or a telephoto type lens, like a Fuji 300T or Schneider Telearton(sp?).

Blumine

[DJGainer]

I'm having trouble locating a 300T. I need a lightweight lens for my field work.

[John Kasaian]

Howsa 'bout a 270mm G Claron?

[Really Big Cameras]

Dave,

Both the 240mm Fujinon A and the 300mm Nikkor M are great lenses. I have and use both. When I want to go really light, I use the 240mm Fujinon combined with a 150mm Germinar-W and a 90mm WA Congo. When I don't mind a few more ounces, I take a four lens set that has the same 90mm Congo, plus a 135mm APO Sironar-N, a 200mm Nikkor M and the 300mm Nikkor M.

The ftf for the 300mm Nikkor M is 290mm. So, you'll be able to focus a bit closer than infinity with 315mm of extension, even on a flat board. I used the 300mm Nikkor M for years as my long lens with a little 4x5 Anba Ideda that had a max. extension of about 325mm (however that last 1/2" - 1" were pretty wobbly). I used it on a flat board and never felt the need for any additional extension. You won't be able to do macro type close-ups, but for general landscape use, you might be fine with a flat board. If you find you prefer shooting subjects closer to the camera and need some additional extension, you can always do as others have suggested and add a tophat lensboard.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras

[Capocheny]

Hi Dave,

Email sent on a 300T Fujinon...

Cheers

[Merg Ross]

John beat me to it. The 270mm G-Claron is small, light, and sharp. Slow, (f:9) but plenty bright for field work. I believe that on the Toyo-AX it will focus to 12'.

[Joseph O'Neil]

John beat me to it. The 270mm G-Claron is small, light, and sharp. Slow, (f:9) but plenty bright for field work. I believe that on the Toyo-AX it will focus to 12'.

Use one all the time myself on my Tachihara, and with some room still to spare. Close tot he limit, but not quite for me.

But now that they are a "cult lens" ( a term that makes me gag! ), you may find some difficulty either finding one, or finding one at a decent price.

joe

[Merg Ross]

I picked mine up used from Calumet a few years ago.