Polaroid conversion 4X5.... which lens

[djonesii]

Dear forum guys/gals;

I'm looking into getting a large format range finder conversion. Broadly, I have narrowed my options to one of two choices, a 900 with a modern 150mm lens, or a 110A/B with the stock lens.

I will mostly be shooting studio Black and White nude figure work either under hot lights or strobes. The same camera will be used for the occasional street shooting jaunt, but more as a character study camera rather than a true street shooter. I'm sure that every so often, I would take it out and shoot a land scape or a building, but that is way secondary to the way I shoot.


In the long run if the format is to my liking, there is an other 4X5 in my future, but this seems like a reasonable point of entry. The Speed/Crown Graphic is cheaper, but not quite portable enough. the cone based systems are way more expensive.

So the question is: Which lens option would you choose and why.

Dave

 

[kuzano]

In the long run if this is an intermediary...

In the long run if this is an intermediary...

Look for a 110/B. The Stock lens (Rodenstock 127 in Polaroid shutter) is a great value and that camera will be much less of a modification of the front standard, but of course no perspective movements. I've used the Rodenstock 127 on view cameras and it covers 4X5 just fine, but limited on movements. The quality of the images is excellent.

The 110/B has the single rear window of the 900, while the 110/A or straight 110 has the rangefinder in one window and the viewfinder in a second window.

I have about 4 of the single rear window 110/B models with 3 Rodenstock's and one Yashinon lens, and about 3 of the 900's. Frankly, I can't see the advantage of the large amount of modding to make the 900 usable, and only keep them for the rangefinders assemblies. Having to fabricate a whole lens board system does not interest me at all. I presume you may be looking at buying a converted 900 where that work is done.

I'm still pondering what a DIY molested Pathfinder will come out looking like, and am homing in on the B model with the Rodenstock or Yashinon.

 

[Frank Petronio]

I've had a couple of Dean Jones' 110B conversions with various backs and they've all been fine cameras. The stock Yasarex(?) was pretty darn sharp enough to be indistinguishable from my modern 135 Rodenstock Sironar-N images, at least in mid-sized enlargements and a 12x loupe.

Dean is great.

But... I use a Crown Graphic and I don't see it as any larger or more difficult to use. In fact I think they are far easier, the RF is better and more robust (the top mounted ones), the body is more protective and easier to hold, and they cost a fraction of the price of a good Polaroid conversion.

 

[venchka]

What Frank said...

...adding that you can use a wide variety of lenses. With GG focusing naturally. The 127mm Ektar rangefinder coupled lens found on many Graphic cameras is quite good.

 

[ChrisN]

The 127 is still pretty wide, pretty close to the FOV of a 35 focal length on a 35mm camera - how close do you expect to get to your subjects?

 

[venchka]

I like the 127mm Ektar lens that came on my Speed Graphic so much that I bought a 125mm Fujinon-W for my Zone VI field camera. Both lenses use tiny shutters and either Series VI or 46mm filters. Very portable and sharp enough to make your eyes bleed.

Yes. The focal length is about as close to a 35mm lens as you'll find.