Lens recomendation for P65+ DB

[issa]

Any recomendation for focal length 150-180 for p65+

Whilst rodenstock HR Digaron W are ideal, they don't make any as long. Will the Apo-Sironar Dig be any good, or will the SCHNEIDER Apo Digitar N /t be better.

[jimban]

Hi-

You might want to try a 180mm Nikkor-W.  These were mfgd into the 90's and are very sharp contrasty lenses.  They go for about $200 on ebay.

Here's a 4shot stitched image at Crescent City Harbor from last year.  180mm Nikkor-W f 16 M-Line2 p45.

jim

[Jost von Allmen]

Hi
I use a P45+ on a ALPA with the Schneider APO-Digitar 5,6/180mm T and am very pleased with it!
I was able to compare it to the Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 5.6/180 mm before buying, the optical qualities were practically undistinguishable, but the Schneider focusses closer.
In any case, focussing precision is very critical, I use a 8x loupe on the groundglass of my ALPA.
I have worked with a friends P65+, the Digitar showed no weaknesses there either.

Good luck

[issa]

Hi Jim

I thought Film lenses are not good enough for the P65+ resolution

[Steve Hendrix]

Hi Jim

I thought Film lenses are not good enough for the P65+ resolution

Without having tested every single 4x5 lens out there, my impression is that up to P45+, many can be usable, with P40+/65+ (6.0 pitches and smaller) though, I think it gets a little tougher. Some may be usable, but only for a limited aperture range, and this can be the case even with older sensors with larger photosites, but it is more so with the P40+/65+. Often when we install a small format view camera with a digital back, newer wide digital lenses are purchased, but typically some testing with existing analogue lenses occurs to determine whether any will hold up and work as a longer lens. Some do, some don't. Testing is the best way (unless money is not an object....).


Steve Hendrix

[issa]

Thks Steve for the very useful advise.

I guess I need to wait for DB to come and do some testing with existing lenses wbefore spending any money, however I will need a WA lens as you outlined.

[jimban]

Hi Jim

I thought Film lenses are not good enough for the P65+ resolution

Longer lenses are typically (by me) used at smaller apertures (f16 and above) because of their shallower depth of field. Most of the apo analogue lenses are diffraction limited at f16 and above which is as good as it gets for any lens.

jim

[ondebanks]

...diffraction limited at [f-whatever] and above which is as good as it gets for any lens.
 

Amen, brother. I wish more people would remember that simple fact!

Ray