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Springback · Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2002 6:11 am Post subject:

I'm still hunting for a lens for my Crown Graphic. I've narrowed my search to Ektars as I've found the luminized coating and the supermatic shutters are pretty highly regarded by many photographers. Any of the lenses from the 127 to the 203 would probably fill the bill, but I haven't heard much about the 135 Wide Field and was wondering why---is it a good lens or is there something dreadfully wrong with it so nobody talks about them? I use a 250 WF on my 8x10 which I believe is just a big brother to the 135WF and its a fine lens. Do any of you esteemed experts have an opinion on the suitability of the 135 WF? Is it worth looking for or should I concentrate on finding a 127 or 203 instead?

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

The short answer is, the 135 WF is too slow to hand hold and it's greatest benefit--large movements- is lost on the Graphic line. It's better suited to a view camera, just like it's big brother the 10'WF. The performance should be similarly spectacular.

Now, unlike the 10"WF the 135 has lots of competition, many of which equal and surpass the movements at a larger speed. The Symmar S, Nikkor Ws and Fuji lenses are all in abundance and very good too. I would say the same thing about the 80mm WF on a 2x3--good lens, just swamped by the competition.

Jonathan Bundick · Joined: 06 Apr 2002 Posts: 20 Location: Texas

Les,

I have to disagree that the movements of a 135mm WF Ektar are lost on the Graphics line. On the Crown maybe to some extent, but I still would like to have one. Great resolution, large image circle, and small and light. It would give me the ability to use "all" the available movements on my Super. Something I can't do with my current Wollensack 90mm, and my 162mm, looses some definition if I press it to the limits of the camera.

Movements aren't everything, and the lens is great. If you need movements, then the 127mm Ektar is out. You will get none, but the lens is very sharp when stoped down. If you need movements for what you want then the 135mm and 203mm are your choices, and then you have to pick a focal length.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Johnathan,

I agree that it's a very nice lens, but if your using all your movements on your Super Graphic, then you are using it as a view camera and not a press camera. And yes I admit I was thinking about a Crown when I made those statements.

As long you have the tripod it's a magnificent lens. But my experience with the 80WF shooting hand held groupshots on overcast days with a 2x3 made me run out and get an 80 Xenotar. I would expect the same thing with a 4x5 and the 135.

now landscape shooting with a Crown view or Graphic, then the 135 would be the first in the lens bag.

Les

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Officially the Xenotar and Planar will cover 6x6 only. You can squeek it to 6x7. It covers 6x9 only if I take my glasses off. I've got an 80mm f2.8 Ektar coming. It'll be interesting to see what that will cover. While it's in a Graphex shutter I suspect it's the same lens as in the early Hassy 1000f.