Which 210mm Lens for 4x5 Speed Graphic on Graflex?

[25asa]

<p>I'm wondering which lens would be the best to go with on my 4x5 Graflex camera? What I see on Ebay are some Schneider-Kreuznach Symmar 210mm f/5.6, a Rodenstock Sironar 210mm f/5.6, and a Fujinon 210mm f/5.6. Many have the Copal shutter. I'm looking for a lens that is good for both portraits and also landscape crops for closer view shot like tulips closer up, etc. I want a sharp lens and with good contrast in the $200 range. Must fully cover 4x5 film. Any suggestions? Many are in the same price range, so its hard to choose.</p>

<p>Also is there such a thing as an inexpensive 600mm lens for 4x5?</p>

[bob_salomon]

All of those are corrected for 1:20 so they are not ideal for lose ups, unless you aren't. That critical.

[AJG]

<p>All three that you mention are good lenses--my personal experience is primarily with Rodenstock Sironar-N MC lenses in Copal shutters and I have excellent 16 x20 prints to prove it. You will find differences between the brands if you look for them, and strong partisans for and against one brand or another, but all of them were capable of professional quality work when they were made. If it were me, I would look for multicoated versions since they would provide greater contrast and flare resistance as well as being newer, which should lead to a newer and more reliable shutter. You don't specify which Graflex camera you're using, but one thing you should be aware of for close ups is how much bellows extension you have and how much magnification on film you need to have. AFAIK, most Speed Graphics have about 12 " of bellows, which would get you to roughly 1:2 on 4x5 film--an area of 8x10". Mr. Salomon is right that these are general purpose lenses best corrected for longer distances, but unless you need that last extra 1% of performance with macro shots, I think you will be quite satisfied with one of these lenses for moderate close ups.</p>

[trooper]

<p>Agree with Andrew... I've had great results with my Fuji 210. I've had Rodenstock, Nikkor and Schneider over the years and perhaps I've been lucky, but I haven't had a "klinker" in any of them. I mention the Fuji specifically because it tends to be available in your general price point.</p>

[25asa]

<p>I BIN'd the Fuji, since it seemed to have good lens coatings on it. I don't want to get too close with this lens, just enough for portraits and cropped landscapes.</p>

<p>Also would a Yamasaki tele Congo 500mm f/9.5 lens work on my Graflex?</p>

[thirteenthumbs]

<blockquote>

<p>Also would a Yamasaki tele Congo 500mm f/9.5 lens work on my Graflex?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Which model do you have? A View I or View II likely; Speed, Crown, or Super if it will fit the lens board and its film to flange focus distance is less than 12 inches; Graflex SLR will vary by model, lens board size and film to flange focus distance which must be at least 8 inches for many of the Graflex SLR's but is around 10 to 12 inches maximum. </p>

[25asa]

<p><img src="http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p626/braxus351/tele-lens2_zpsc8btrbie.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p626/braxus351/tele-lens_zpslt2ux85m.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p626/braxus351/P1000702_zps51qefaok.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p626/braxus351/P1000700_zpsfcndxmmo.jpg" alt="" />I didn't realize there were different versions of the Speed Graphic. I have no idea what I have honestly. Maybe these pictures will help?</p>

<p> </p>

[thirteenthumbs]

<p>You have a 1948-1949 Pacemaker Speed Graphic in 4x5 format. Being the lens is in a Copal #1 shutter on a Technika lens board it should work on your Speed. You need a Pacemaker lens board with a 42mm mount hole which may be listed as a Copal 1 mount hole depending on the seller. Sources are https://www.keh.com/ , http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ , or ebay. See you at http://www.graflex.org/</p>

[25asa]

<p>Because the 500mm didn't fully cover 4x5, I found a 400mm Congo from the same manufacturer on Ebay for a little more money. It claims to have coverage for 5x7, so that lens should be okay. I BIN'd it. So now I have 2 lenses coming for my 4x5 camera.</p>