Graflex.org

[Padeye]

I'm new to large format but have picked up a Crown Graphic on ebay and am now shopping for a first lens. I found a Linhof-Scheider 135mm f5.6 /230mm f9 and was wonding if this was a good way to go. I'vce also run across a 150/265 but didn't know if this would be too long to be usable on the crown.

Curioously the only local advice I've gotten is from a dealer who said to get a 210 to start with for landscapes. Didn't sound right to me but the used 210s he had in stock were twice as expensive as the 135s

[Les]

He's giving you the tried and true (and tired?) formula for a beginner's VIEW camera. I think you'll have more fun with the 135/235.

The 265 will work but you won't be able to get very close, and the camera won't be in its most stable position.

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[extraparts]

When you use a convertable lens you are only using half of the optical system. (Unless of course you buy a set of elements and you always use two, but mix and match to get different focal lingths) That creates a problem with corrections like cromatic aberation. (red rays focusing to a different place than blue). In order to compensate for this in B&W it is suggested that you use a yellow filter when using a single element. (If you don't let the full spectrum in, you don't have to worry about them focusing in different places.) The Wisner web site has a lot to say about this as he still sells element sets based on the Protar design.

I think it is good advice to ask yourself what is your favorite lens in the format you are using now, and convert to 4X5. I.E. 50mm in 35 becomes 175 in 4X5.

There are enough new things in large format without having to adjust to a new perspective at the same time.

Neal

[hartwell_a_m]

The lens you have is just fine for about 90% of what you will probably be doing and having the convertable lens is great because you got two lenses for the price of one. I have a 135mm and a 270mm lens these lenses work for most of my photography though for studio portrates I'm planing to buy a 150 or 180mm lens soon.

[Padeye]

Thanks for all the good feedback and clarification of the drawbacks of a convertable. I think I'll start with the best 135mm I can find but may not neccessarily get a convertable. I'm also looking for a good 6x7cm back as that will work well for portraits with the 135 and I'll be shooting more chrome for that anyway. I'll need to add to that but I think it will give me a good start to start playing with the movements on the crown so I know how to make use of a Graphic View when I get one of those.