Fujinon SWD 65 vs. Nikkor SW 65

[friedemann_pistorius]

Hi folks,

 

I do mostly landscapes, and besides my 90mm I need another

lens on the wide side of life, so I decided it must be a 65mm

lens. I also considered a Schneider SA XL 58, but I like the

slightly warmer colours of Japanese glasses more. Since I hike

a lot, weight is also a concern, so I narrowed my choice down to

the Nikkor SW 65 and Fujinon SW 65. Both are almost similar in

their coverage, and I know the differences in lens design and

weight from the specs tables, which I found on Kerry Thalmann's

impressive site (thank you Kerry - great job!)

Now, can anybody who uses one (ore both) of these lenses

express his or her experiences - is there a reason why I should

prefer one over the other?

Any comment will be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance!

 

Greetings, Friedemann

[ed_candland1]

The Nikon is F/4 (the fastest of all 65mm lenses) compared to F/5.6 for the Fuji. At that wide a focal length that could make a difference. I don't use either so hopefully someone who does will chime in.

 

Good luck, Ed

[uk]

Hello,

I have never used or even seen the Nikon, but I'm sure it's a

winner and the f4 could be useful.

 

I have a new 65mm SWD Fujinon and it's fabulous. My net pics

http://www.photo.net/photo/1975580 , http://

www.photo.net/photo/1710820 and http://

www.photo.net/photo/1704254 were taken

with it.

 

I've had it 10 months and I just love reaching into my bag for it.

Using a 65mm is not without it issues though as I'm just

learning. It's likely that the Nikon has exactly the same features

and I imagine that wider lenses have the same. I don't think I'll

buy a wider lens.

 

I was told that for landscape work that my lens wouldn't need a

centre filter and largely that's true. However, on a few frames I

notice falloff a little more. Don't know if it's lighting or subject

tone. It isn't excessive and I've handled it comfortably with

photoshop and in the darkroom.

 

Front rise quickly causes the film image to be damaged. Not a

big problem, but you need to be more aware of it than longer

lenses. I often use a 6x12 back and there is no rise problem

with this.

 

I use a Lee filter system and one of my filter holders has the ring

for the polariser on it. This can cut the corners with rise too,

 

I very rarely use a darkcloth and the f5.6 is a joy in this respect.

I'm using an Ebony 45SU with it's bright screen. Prior to this

wonderful camera I had a Linhof Technika V with Beattie screen

with which I not only had to use a darkcloth on all but the

brightest days, it was a real pig to use with the 65mm.

 

After first buying a sunken panel, then an extended panel placed

on the back rail and then finally machining a Linhof special front

panel with bellows, I gave up and bought the Ebony where the

lens controls stay right at the front of a flat panel.

 

Borrow a 65mm or a 58mm to ensure that the lens is useable

with your camera.

 

regards,

[friedemann_pistorius]

Ed & Gary, thanks for your comments, both very helpful! Gary,

which fresnel do you have on your Ebony, when you use the

65mm lens - the regular or the wide angle fresnel?

Thanks, Friedemann

[uk]

Hi,

 

I only have the standard screen supplied with the camera when

new (Feb,. 2003).

 

Gary