I've a dilemma, I want to buy a 135mm lens for my 5x7. In researching this it appears that 135mm lenses are almost as unpopular as 180's with only 5 versions currently available from the big 4 - none of which are stated to cover 5x7 and allowing for movements. I've heard from a poster to this forum that he has experience with the Nikkor 135 and that it does cover and allow for some(?) movement. Does anyone else have experience with this focal length and 5x7? From the specs it appears that only the Fujinon CM-W and Nikkor W are in contention. Most shooting will be landscape, with some architecture - but I'm sure that for most architecture I'll need to use a shorter lens with more coverage and I'm o.k. with that. Any help will be appreciated - I just don't want to go with a 120 or 125mm SW if I don't have to. Thanks in advance.

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), January 27, 2002

Answers

A Kodak 135 Wide Field Ektar covers 5x7. I don't know the exact image circle that it gives, but I once attached my Ektar to an elderly Burke and James 5x7 and it covered the groundglass evenly. It produces sharp contrasty images, and it may provide you an alternative. I believe a review of its technical specs and its performance is available elsewhere in this page via a link.

-- Rico Obusan (eobusan@aol.com), January 28, 2002.

Thanks Rico. Two lenses that I didn't mention that I'm sure would work would be a Wide Field Ektar and a Fujinon W - both are out of production single-coated lenses. At this stage I'm looking at a multi- coated lens, if possible.

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), January 28, 2002.

Hi Wayne,

I just checked the lens comparison charts on this web site and it looks like the modern 135 offerings are pretty marginal for 5x7. I don't know your price range but, in lightweight lenses you could get a 110 super symmar although that may be too much of a difference from the 135. If it has to be multicoated than I think you're looking at a SW. Sorry that I can't be more help.

-- Kevin (kkemner@tatesnyderkimsey.com), January 28, 2002.

I think you're not going to get what you want. I have a blank between my 121 and my 150 for that very reason. But it's not a huge blank and I find that I can cover most shots between the two. My most used lens for architecture in 5x7, by the way, is the Schneider Super Angulon 121. I got it for $500 used, covers 8x10, is MC, and is wonderful.

-- Rob Tucher (rtphotodoc@hotmail.com), January 28, 2002.