I'm looking for a 240mm lens for my 4 X 5. I want something with a filter size of no more than 77 (67 ideal). Size and weight are a consideration, but optical quality is more important. I also want a modern lens that can operate towards the sun with minimal flare and preferably no ghosting.

I'm aware of two candidates: 240/f9 Fujinon (small and light) 240/f5.6 Schneider APO Symmar (big and heavy)

Can anyone comment on the relative merits of these two lenses and/or suggest other candidates?

-- lloyd chambers (photo@llc4.com), August 01, 2001

Answers

Also, I want to understand the merits of the lenses without worrying about the price (I can form my own opinions in that regard). Thanks.

-- lloyd chambers (photo@llc4.com), August 01, 2001.

Lloyd, the Fujinon has been a recent addition to my outfit. The lens is contrasty, very sharp and a feather on your hand! In addition, we have been told that it converts to a more than decent 430mm! The drawback could be the luminosity. Plenty for outside, somewhat dark for table top. I checked Chris Perez lens test page the other day, and the Fujinon has excellent results.

-- Paul Schilliger (pschilliger@smile.ch), August 01, 2001.

Lloyd, I`ve been using one of the late Schneider Apo-Artars, 240mm, F/9. Filter size is 40.5, but I believe the weight is about the same as the Fujinon. Image quality is spectacular, especially at distances closer than infinity. I don`t know about pointing directly into the sun, but, backlit snow scenes were rendered very smooth...

-- Steve Clark (agno3@eesc.com), August 01, 2001.

lloyd i recently purchased a 240mm apo-ronar lens and it is wonderful. it has great color balance,is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. email if you want more info on where to find one used. by the way i am using it at infinity and closer in and it is very very sharp and the contrast balance is correct.

-- robert lyons (ralfoto@aol.com), August 01, 2001.

The Schneider 240mm G Claron is another possibility. I bought a used one recently and have not used it enough to really test it, but it is small and has an excellent reputation.

-- David Rose (DERose1@msn.com), August 02, 2001.

Not based on personal experience, but...

In an article in Outdoor Photographer magazine Carr Clifton, who specializes in scenics, said that he uses the Nikon 240/5.6. He said that each of the major LF lens manufactures has a few "stand out" lenses in their lines, and these are the ones he uses. He said that the Nikon 240 was exceptionally sharp and has huge coverage. Of course, this lens covers 8x10 and comes in a #3 shutter, so it is big, heavy, and expensive.

-- David Bradley (david@davidbradley.com), August 02, 2001.

Really depends on what and how you shoot. With proper shading, you shouldn't get "ghosting". Both Fujinon A 240 and Schneider G-Claron 240 will do fine. But for B&W, I'd prefer a late C. P. Goerz Gold Dot 9.5" Dagor. Cheers,

-- Geoffrey Chen (DB45TEK@AOL.COM), August 02, 2001.

with such a long lens, check your tripod ! I've just bought an apo ronar 240, my fisrt impression was not so good, then i change the tripod (manfrotto 058 to gitzo n3), and i've made a very veru sharp image, with a strong 3D effect, very good ligh tweight lens with a small image circle (ok with a technika if you use only rise or tilt but not both at the same time). try to find a multicoated one, not many are ! mine is a single coated with a black copal one, i use a shade, it's very good...

-- dg (sacripant@online.fr), August 17, 2001.