From 101mm Optar to 105mm Nikkor....upgrade?

I curently have the 101mm Graflex Optar on my Century Graphic, and I have no

compalints with the lens, but I was recently offered a 105mm f/5.6 Nikkor-W in

a Copal shutter, for about $300.00. Any of you guys/gals had experience with

both of these lenses? Is it enough of an improvement to justify the cost, or is

it even an improvement at all? I've been shooting only B&W with the camera so

far, but I'd like to do some color too. I'm using the 6x9 roll film back. I'd

greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks

Optars range from awful to superb. If you are happy with your 101 Optar, then you've probably got one of the good ones. I wouldn't change, especially for $300 which is more than the value of your whole camera.<P>The big advantage of the Nikkor is increased coverage if you use a lot of lens/back movements, which you certainly aren't going to do with a Century Graphic. I'd say that it would be just a change, not an improvement.

I'm with Bill.

 

But and however, that's IF you're happy with what your 101 Optar does. FWIW, I find that these days when I can to use it (big, heavy, in barrel) I use a 4"/2 TTH on my 2x3 Speed instead of the original issue 101/4.5 Ektar because the TTH puts better image in the corners.

 

IMO the money would be better spent on a lens with a focal length you don't have. $300 should buy, for example, an 80/6.3 WF Ektar with a bit left over or a 65/8 Ilex or SA.

You can take color pictures with the single coated Optar+lens hood. You don't need a multicoated lens for that.