Lenses for 11x14

I am taking the plunge to 11x14 (from 4x5). I have a 480mm Nikkor (process lens I think), and would like to get one lens with a shutter. I beleive a wide angle lens (210 - 360mm), will do me. I have looked at the lens coverage specs from the Bostick & Sullivan web site, which is very useful indeed; the site however does not detail the "pros and cons" (for lack of a better phrase), of each one. I will be shooting B&W only. Cost is an issue so I will be scanning ebay. The 210 Super Angulon was looking good but then on the Wisner web sit, Mr. Wisner says that it is huge - transportability is an issue.

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Any insights would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help.

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Matthew

I would recommend reading an article on the ultra format subject in

the Jan/Feb 2001 edition of Photo Techniques. Rather than take space

up here, the author details several lenses including the older Goertz

Dagors and the Artars along with the more modern G-Claron. While you

did not mention other concerns about your move to 11x14, the article

talks about films holders, film, tripods and film development.

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Several other resources are listed as well that support the larger

formats. Good luck.

Matthew: The above is good advice. Since you mention the Nikkor

process lenses, I wanted to say that I have gone that route with the

360 mm and 480 mm f:9 Nikkors, albeit for smaller film. After

machining adapters and putting together a Packard shutter for them I

ended up being unimpressed with the sharpness of both lenses. With

film as big as you are using (you are contact printing, I am sure)

this probably is not important to you, but thought I'd mention it.

Good luck.

Hello,

I would look on ebay or at midwest photo for a 12" Dagor. I paid

about $150 for mine and though it is well used, it still passes light

and will easily cover 11x14. A 10" dagor may cover as well?? The

Dagors in these sizes are small enough to carry in a backpack or etc.

Good luck with the 11x14. I think thats a smart move.

Another hint: You can front-mount a barrel mount 12" Dagor on an Ilex

#5 shutter without vignetting, if you happen to find one in barrel.

Front mounting is cheaper than mounting the shutter in the iris

position usually, and having one big shutter for a few barrel lenses

makes it easier to travel with more lenses and gives you consistent

shutter speeds. I've used my 12" Gold Dot Dagor on 8x10" with

substantial movement and haven't run out of image, so I am sure it

will still cover 11x14". I use the same shutter for a 10" WF Ektar

(the original lens in this shutter--also should cover 11x14"), 12" GD

Dagor, and 19" Apo-Artar (also front mounted). Actually, these three

would make a great compact 11x14" set (sorry, not for sale).

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If your 480 will work on the Ilex #5, you might look for the 10" WF

Ektar in shutter, have an adapter made for the 480, then eventually

fill in the middle with a 14" barrel lens mounted to the same shutter.

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Check www.skgrimes.com for info on shutter sizes and adapting lenses

to shutters.

Matthew,

The Nikkors are terrific lenes and I understand from previous

posts that Schnieder is discontinuing there G-Claron s and that they

remaining stock can be had for really good prices, I think Badger

Graphic was mentioned as having them in stock. The G-Claron is

another terrific lens that is lightwieght,apochromatic, and gives

good coverage but for 11x14 you'll probably need a 355mm. Don't

overlook the 14" Commercial Ektar that came in a No5 Universal

shutter. This is a single coated lense that should offer plenty of

movement for 11x14. The specs I think are in "More on Classic

Lenses" on this site. The Commercial Ektar is a great value and can

be found anywhere in the $250-450 range. Most spent thier lives in

commercial studios and therefore were well taken care of. FWIW, I

believe that for B&W it is the equal of many of the new lenses

produced today. You'll find them on E-bay and at MidWest Photo.

Make sure that whoever you buy from will stand behind thier claims as

to the condition of the shutter. I've had good luck with No5s, but

whenever you buy a used lens in an old shutter, its condition has to

be a consideration. Incidently, the current issue of View Camera has

a portfolio of portraits shot with the 11x14. Good Luck!

There are 2 355mm G-Clarons on Ebay right now. There's also a 305

Computar f9 which is rare. It covers 1114 excellently and is in a

modern Copal 3S shutter. I just picked up a 333mm Kodak f10 copy

Ektanon. Put it on the 1114 this weekend and it covers with an inch

to spare. 1960 single coated and WAY sharp. $51! but in barrel.

There's a lot of stuff in barrel mount if you can live with that.

Rodenstock Gerogons from 270mm up, but they're nearly impossible to

put in a shutter so beware. I think my 305 G-Claron will JUST squeak

around but I can't remember. Have to check that out. Good luck.

A friend of mine uses a 305 on 7x17, which is 1/2" bigger diagonal

than 11x14. Closed down he says it has a lot coverage, a lot more than

Schneider states in their specs.

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Andy

A friend of mine uses a 305 G-Claron on 7x17, which is 1/2" bigger

diagonal than 11x14. Closed way down he says it has a lot of coverage,

a lot more than Schneider states in their specs.

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Andy

Don't overlook Graphic Kowa in barrel, both 270mm and 305mm. I have

both and use them on my 7x17 and they are very sharp, dirt cheap, and

small. I use mine in front of an old Sinar Norma shutter converted to

fit most of my cameras.