Nikkor-M 300mm f9?

[bensonga]

I'm looking for something a little longer than my 210mm Nikkor-W. Any thoughts on the quality of this 300mm lens for use on a 4x5 field camera? Alternatives? Seems like I can get a used one in EX+ condition for about $500 USD. I take it these haven't been available new for awhile.

TIA,

Gary Benson
Eagle River, Alaska

[Don Boyd]

Gary, I have an M, f/9 300mm and it is a very good lens - sharp, plenty of contrast, and lightweight. Here is a link to a Ken Rockwell review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/300f9.htm

[Gene McCluney]

For a 300mm prime lens, you need to make sure you have more than 12 inches of bellows from front lens standard to ground glass, as a 300 mm lens requires 12" to focus at infinity, and more if you want to work closer.

A telephoto-design lens is better for "some" 4x5 cameras that have limited bellows length, such as press cameras, etc.

[cobalt]

A great alternative is a Schneider 360mm telexenar. I had a nice one, sold it, and was given another, sans shutter. I am easily able to focus it on my Speed Graphic.

[aphexafx]

I have recently obtained a Nikkor-M 300mm f/9 as well, and I concur that it is an excellent lens and extremely compact compared to the -W 300mm, although it does have a slightly smaller image circle - but it's still plenty for what I do (tabletop) so I expect it will handle scenery/architecture just as well. It is very sharp amd probably good with flare.

[David Karp]

The 300M is a very nice lens. Highly regarded. See: http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/future.htm. Many photographers use them for landscape photography.

I have had one for years, and am very satisfied with it. Interestingly, unlike many lenses, good used samples have been going for pretty much what they have been going for for years, around $500.

[Don Hutton]

If you have the bellows it's an excellent choice. I used one on 8x10 for years too - later changed it for a Fujinon C 300mm because the Fujinon has slightly better coverage on 8x10. On 4x5, you'll never run out of coverage.

[Michael Gordon]

Great lens. Crispy-sharp if that's your thing.

[aphexafx]

Great lens. Crispy-sharp if that's your thing.

And with f/64 - f/128 built in if it's not.

[John Kasaian]

It's a super lens! As others have said, if you've got the bellows, go for it!