Re: [Largeformat] Ektar lens/coverage issues

[Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>]

From: Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>

At 1:22 am +0000 19/1/00, jayslc@yahoo.com wrote:
>From: jayslc@yahoo.com
>
>Hello all,
>     I'm new to this board, so I was wondering if there was anyone here
>who could give me some advice. I have a 4x5 Crown graphic (which I love),
>and an Ektar 127 f4.7 lens. I know this lens barely covers the format, but
>I wonder if I might get a little bit of front rise out of it if I stop it
>down to f32? I'd also like recommendations of wide to moderate angle
>lenses for 4x5 that allow movements. I'm on a tight budget, unfortunately.
>Anyone who has experience with this Kodak lens, I'd welcome your input:)
>
>
>Sincerely,
>
>
>Josh

Hello Josh,

Welcome to the list.

The Ektar 127mm is a fine lens with the usual Ektar quality, however you
will not be able to use much in the way of movements with the lens. As you
say it only just covers 4x5.

I have one of these lenses on a Speed Graphic and do not use movements with it.

Try keeping your eyes open for a used Rodenstock Sironar N or S 150mm lens
- either will allow plenty of movements on 4x5 and both are excellent
lenses.

Wide angle lenses - well older wide angle lenses are not really up to the
more modern offerings.  The Schneider Angulon 90mm is a fine piece of glass
- however it does need to be stopped down to f32 to cover 4x5 adequately
and then you will not have much in the way of movements.  The advantage of
the lens is that it is small and can be folded away inside a Crown or Speed
Graphic.  If you have the budget then a Super Angulon will allow movements
but this is a more modern lens and is a lot bigger, heavier and more
expensive - you can probably find one for around $350.

You may want to have a quick look at the Equipment:Large Format section of
the CoCam website (URL in sig. file).  There is a long list of potential
lenses for your requirements together with figures for coverage.  There is
also a link to an excellent set of large format lens tests which you may
also find useful.

90mm is a popular focal length for large format and the only real bargains
at the moment seem to be Angulons.  If you can find a Linhof version then
it will probably be a good one, otherwise try to find one that has been
manufactured in the 60s with a Compur shutter.

If you are prepared to wait and keep your eyes open then you will find a
90mm Angulon for under $200.

The Optar and Raptar Wollensak lenses are also worth looking out for - they
will not be of the same quality as the Angulons though. On the other hand
they may well come together with a Graflex lens board and will be up to
half the price of the Angulons.

Movements on the Optar and Raptar will also be fairly limited.

Good luck!





All the best,

             Clive   http://www.cocam.co.uk
                     Photographic Services, Filters and Equipment, Infrared FAQ
                            http://clive.bel-epa.com
                            Adventures in Cyberspace - Digital Art and Photos