I'm looking for a longer lens, 360 - 500mm range that I could use with my existi ng 30cm 4X5 monorail. Am I correct that a telephoto design would allow for such a short bellows? Any particular lenses that someone could recommend? I'd be happ y with a 180-190 or larger image circle, and compact size with low cost would be strong considerations also. Many thanks.
I have and really like the Nikkor T* ED 360/500/720mm lenses as well as the separate 270mm lens. Up to 500mm works on a Linhof Master Technika. The 720 easily works on my Technikardan 45S.
You might also want to consider getting someone like S.K. Grimes to make you an extended lens board (it is the reverse of a recessed board.
The two standard telephotos for the typical 12"/300mm field camera are the Nikkor 360 and the Fujinon 400. Both focus at infinity somewhere around the 10-1/2" range, allowing a little play on your camera. (I don't have the exact specs here.) I've used the Nikkor extensively on both a Wista VX and a Toyo 45AII. The Nikkor becomes a 500mm--or even a 720mm--by screwing on different rear components. However, neither one of these will focus on your short bellows. (The 500mm needs about 14-1/2 inches, I think, the 720mm about 19 inches.) Both the Nikkor and Fujinon are heavy, expensive lenses.
Another option, as already noted, is an extension board for a standard, non-telephoto 360mm. I use a Wista extension board to mount a Fujinon 450mm on my present Linhof Master Technika (it has 16"+ extension.) The Wista design is quite nice; it's a set of threaded rings that can be screwed together to provide up to 4" extra extension--though all that extension can be a little unstable, depending on your camera. The Wista board may not fit your camera, either. (I have seen some that fit Toyos.)
Another, even simpler option? A non-telephoto 300mm lens, like a Nikkor-M or Fujinon-C. Because some of these actually focus at a little under 300mm, they might work on your camera, though you won't have much close-focusing ability. There have been numerous good posts on both these lenses--as well as other 300mms--on this forum. Good luck!
Whoops, I forgot. I think Schneider also has a new 400mm "compact" tele that's supposed to be a bit smaller than the others mentioned. I haven't seen one, but I'd imagine that it too focuses at less than 12". (Otherwise, what's the point?) It should be listed on the Schneider website.
I used the Fuji 400 T lens on a camera with a 13" bellows. It actually is a fairly compact, light lens considering it's focal length. It takes a Copal 1 shutter which cuts down a lot on the size and weight compared with a Copal 3 shutter. Price varies with exchange rates but I bought mine new from Midwest Photo Exchange for about $1,100 as I recall. The Nikkor T is by all accounts an excellent lens but the one I've seen was a lot larger and heavier than the Fuji, though I'm not sure what the configuration was of the one I saw.
Brian Ellis
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a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
Scott,
The new 400mm Schneider APO Tele-Xenar Compact is smaller and lighter than the p revious 400mm Schneider, it is still bigger and heavier than the 360mm Nikkor T- ED or the 400mm Fujinon T. This is due to the fact that it has a faster f5.6 ma ximum aperture and comes in a Copal #3 shutter.
Here's a quick comparison on these three lenses (new prices from www.badgergraph ic.com)
360mm f8 Nikkor T-ED Shutter - Copal #1 Weight - 800g Filter Size - 67mm Image Circle (f22) - 210mm ftf for infinity focus - 261mm Price - $1640
400mm f8 Fujinon T Shutter - Copal #1 Weight - 600g Filter Size - 67mm Image Circle (f22) - 220mm ftf for infinity focus - 252.4mm Price - $1095
400mm f5.6 Schnedier APO Tele-Xenar Compact Shutter - Copal #3 Weight - 916g Filter Size - 82mm Image Circle (f22) - 250mm ftf for infinity focus - 285.1mm Price - $1275
Kerry
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