What Lens To Buy

[c-p-j]

Not having dabbled in Large Format (4x5) since the '60s I thought I might reactivate a Crown Graphic by getting a Kodak single-sheet film holder to use with those labor-saving, self-contained emulsions now available and shoot some landscapes on Ektachrome 100VS from my heavy duty tripod. Rather than jump right into a $2200 Wisner or Horseman, I'd like to "dip a toe" first. (I usually shoot medium format.) Now if I was going to replace the 135mm f4.7 Xenar with a more modern lens in the 150mm to 180mm range for $500 to $800, what lens and shutter combination do you large format affectionados recommend?

[steve_hamley2]

How about a Caltar II N (Rodenstock) f/5.6 for $449 new from Calumet?

 

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http://www.calumetphoto.com/

 

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I picked up a used one not too long ago in perfect condition.

 

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Thanks!

 

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Steve

[kcrisp]

It depends on the sample but the Xenars are sometimes (oftentimes)

very sharp and people who shoot color (I don't, yet) indicate they

work well, so don't assume it's not a user. It doesn't have enough

coverage for you to use much front rise. All the manufacturers make

very nice 150's and 180's, and you can get a mint used example for a

lot less than you're talking about. The Schneider-S multicoated

lenses (not all the S's are multicoated) can go for $290 to $325 in

this length. A G-Claron 150 in a Copal "0" is probably small enough

to fold up in the camera and would do the trick at a very reasonable

price. It would have plenty of image circle for your camera, but

maximum aperture is f:9. If you've got the Kalart (side) rangefinder

you could adjust it to work with a 150 lens.

[dave_karp]

If you want a new lens, I second Steve's recommendation. The Caltar

II-N lenses are manufactured for Calumet by Rodenstock. This is no

secret, they even come in Rodenstock boxes! The Caltar II-N lenses

are the same as the Rodenstock APO-Sironar N series, which are very

highly regarded lenses. You can't beat the price of the Caltar

lenses. You can spend more in your price range, but the lens would

not be any better than the Caltar II-N.

 

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If you want to spend less money, and dip even less of your toe in the

water, you can buy a Caltar II-E lens. Calumet sells a 3 element

multicoated 150mm f/6.3 lens, which is the Caltar version of a

Rodenstock Geronar. I have the 210mm version. In my opinion, very

underrated, at a great price. The biggest price you pay is loss of

image circle. This, however, might not be a problem with a Crown

Graphic, due to its limited movements. If, however, you think you are

going to move into a camera with more movement capability, the Caltar

II-N is probably the way to go.

 

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By the way, don't forget to consider used versions of these modern

lenses. You can save a lot of money that way without losing any

quality. Just make sure you can have it checked out and return it if

any problems are discovered.

 

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Best of luck.

[edsel_adams]

Save your money,use the Xenar!Stopped down this lens will give any

modern glass a run for the money!

[eugene_singer]

You may want to check out the 125 f5.6 Fujinon CM-W, or the 135 CM-W.

Either of these lenses will match well with the Graphic now and can

be used later when you upgrade to a 4x5 camera with more movement

capability. Midwest Photo Exchange (Mpex.com) has a large selection

of these lenses in stock, and prices are low due to the depressed

value of the Yen. Ask for Jim.

[emile_de_leon9]

You might just want to keep your Xenar...I have two of them and they

are great...maybe just buy a 90mm for a different point of

view.Dagors and Ektars are good too.

[colin carron]

Yes, definitely keep the Xenar. It is light and sharp and gives good

contrast and you will not get much for it anyway. Its main drawback

is the limited image circle so if you want anything by way of

movements you get vignetting. But as a spare lens it would be worth a

lot more than what you would get for it.

 

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Colin

[john_sarsgard1]

I would just get one of the new Kodak single sheet holders, a box of

100VS readyloads, and go out and shoot a few times with the Xenar.

Then decide what to do. For years, I've had a disease called, "if I

just had a $%^&R$%^%&^%^$%^, all my problems would be solved and I

would make great pictures." Glad I'm over it. Or will be as soon as

I get one of those great Gitzo carbon fiber tripods...

[marcus_leonard]

Peter, I bought the 150 Rodenstock Apo Sironar S at B&H for $679 last

August. I have made enlargements of 30x24 inches, the lens quality is

superb, and I am really not easy to please in that respect. I highly

recommend that lens.

[j._mose]

Peter,

 

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If you insist on buying a new lens, I would buy a Sironar-S in 135mm

or 150mm. The 135mm, as your camera currently has, will provide a

wider view. The image circle of the 135mm Sironar-S will surpass the

movements on your Crown Graphic. All research tends to qualify the

Sironar-S as the sharpest "normal" lens available today. Good luck.

 

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Best regards,

 

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J. P. Mose