I'm looking for a lens to complete my 8x10 outfit in the 7.5 to 9 inch range (that's 190 to 225mm for you modernists). Does anyone have any recommendations outside of the modern (i.e. Rodenstock, Schneider, Fujinon) category? I find myself ogling the Kodak Ektars (7.5 to 8.25 inch) for their price advantage, but I don't know how much coverage they provide. If anyone owns a Dagor or Artar in this range, I'd like to hear your opinions. (I own a 450mm APO Artar, and it is by far the sharpest lens I own... but a little pricy.)

-- Chad Jarvis (cjarvis@nas.edu), August 24, 1999

Answers

What about an older Schneider 210 Angulon f/6.8 ? They're quite small and light desspite being mounted in a #3 shutter. I have seen them btween $450 -650 in New York prices. There's one on Ebay right now with a Century Universal behind it.

The 190 Ektar is suppossed to cover 8 X 10 but I believe that's stopped down all the way and with negligible movements. I can't say for sure as I've never used one, but Kodak listed their max format as 5 X 7.

Generally, an Artar shorter than 16 inches or so won't really cover 8 X 10 unless your're stopped down and focused close.

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), August 24, 1999.

The seven inch dagor just barely covers 8x10, if you are willing to accept slightly soft corners. The 9 1/2 covers easily.

-- Erik Ryberg (ryberg@seanet.com), August 24, 1999.