markus_albertz Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 Hello, I am considering buying a Nikon M 300mm/9.0 lens to shoot landscape and portrait on my 4x5 field camera. Although thought to be an 8x10 standard lens, I've heard rumors that a lot of professional 4x5 types use this lens for outdoor photography, despite the excess coverage. Does anyone have any positive or negative thoughts on this lens? Thank you!!! Markus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_kasaian1 Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 Markus, I have a Nikkor 300mm f/9 M and its a very nice lens. If you've got enough bellows on your 4x5 and you can live with f/9 it should make a fine "long" lens for landscapes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allen_prier Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 Markus, I love mine and use for my color 5x7 landscape work. The contrast and sharpness are outstanding for such a reasonably priced lens. Have fun Allen Prier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_jiri_loun Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 This Nikkor has excelent reputation. I've been using it for many years, always amazed at its performance. Don't forget to use it with a good lens shade though if you want to get the maximum out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_burnley1 Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 It is excellent for 4x5, I have owned and used one for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alec1 Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 Me too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cxc Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 See Kerry Thalmann's webpage for very positive reviews of this lens, both as a 'lightweight', and as a 'future classic'. I believe his information to be quite thorough and reliable, as well as a pleasure to read: http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/lenses.htm CXC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 I'll join the chorus. Terrific lens. I've used it for portraits, studio product work, 4xx5 and 6x17cm landscape/ cityscape/ architectural work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_karp Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 Another positive response. I have one and like it. Just to give you some choice, you might want to also check out the Fujinon C 300mm f/8.5. This lens has also received many favorable reviews. I was searching for a good price on a used version either one of these lenses. The Nikkor M 300mm came up first and I grabbed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_hyman2 Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 It is a great lense, but if you are doing portraits under modeling lights you might want to rent one for trial before buying it might be too dark for you under those condition. Outside it's a different story. -Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve weaver Posted January 5, 2003 Share Posted January 5, 2003 I also use this lens for 4x5 landscape work and it produces excellent sharp images. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markus_albertz Posted January 6, 2003 Author Share Posted January 6, 2003 Thank you all for your feedback. I'll keep my eyes open now and see if I can find a used one... Thanks again, Markus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_kasaian1 Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Markus, FWIW, I think the "M" stands for "Mmmmmmmmmm!" I got mine from MidWest Photo Exchange. Excellent condition and excellent price. They seem to always have a few used ones in stock. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken_schroeder Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 I have a Nikon 300M which I like, but don't use very much. It's performs very well, but is a little long for my vision. Don't be wowwed by having f128--any lens at f128 is low res. The 300 is the long lens for my kit. It and the short lens, a Fijinon W 105mm are my backups for when the two workhorses, a Nikon 200M and Nikon 135 are too long or too short. By adding a step up ring (46-52) to the Fuji, all four lenses use my existing 52mm Nikon filters from the 35mm kit. For scenics and general work I have not been hindered by the smaller coverage of these compact lenses. I use the four lenses with my Wisner TF4x5. Replacing the regular bellows with Wisner's UV bellows has proven convenient. I have never worked with UV, but the shorter bellows don't bunch with my shorter lenses and still have 18" length-plenty for me. Where the 200M really shines is mounted backward in the camera. By switching to my lightweight camera (a Zone VI Wista DX) carrying the 200 inverted in the camera and the 135 in a Domke wrap I have a very compact outfit. Wrap the camera in the focusing cloth. I use a simple bookbag and put the film holders in a Domke Super Compact stolen from the 35mm kit. This is a longwinded way of adding my voice to the chorus of support for the 300m, and suggesting the 200m is a gem, also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_killian1 Posted January 12, 2003 Share Posted January 12, 2003 I too spent a long time considering this lens and read all the threads on here before purchasing. From what I found, Badger Graphic had the best price on a new lens and they are very hard to find used. I lucked out and found one used at Lens & Repro for $450 in like new condition. I haven't shot more than a few images with it yet, but it certainly is compact, light and throws enough coverage for 8x10. Kerry Thalmann's list of future classics is also a tremendous resource on lenses: http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/ws-nws.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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