Konica Hexanon 300mm

[Papageno]

I agree with the previous post remarks on Hexanon 300mm. 10 / 15 inch Tele Optar or Raptar would be a better choice for Speed Graphic. Similar price, and they fit SG lensboards without problems. At that focal length, sharpness is limited by so many factors (tripod, head, wind, etc.), that the resolution of the lens is very often of secondary importance. Konica process lens may be purchases sometimes very cheaply, but take in mind, that the amount of time and effort required to make them work with SG properly may be quite substantial.
I bought mine for not much more than $100$, intending to use it primarily on 5X7 camera. The big lensboard of my 5x7 camera can accept smaller Wista lensboard.

[Dan Fromm]

I agree with the previous post remarks on Hexanon 300mm. 10 / 15 inch Tele Optar or Raptar would be a better choice for Speed Graphic. Similar price, and they fit SG lensboards without problems. At that focal length, sharpness is limited by so many factors (tripod, head, wind, etc.), that the resolution of the lens is very often of secondary importance. Konica process lens may be purchases sometimes very cheaply, but take in mind, that the amount of time and effort required to make them work with SG properly may be quite substantial.
I bought mine for not much more than $100$, intending to use it primarily on 5X7 camera. The big lensboard of my 5x7 camera can accept smaller Wista lensboard.

Good point, but I don't agree completely. This because what with the adapter's and shutter's thickness and the fact that the lens' rear node is near the diaphragm, a front-mounted lens can be given usefully more extension than the bellows alone will offer.

In several situations I rack my little 2x3 Graphics' bellows all the way out. Doing this makes some people, you for example, quite uncomfortable. I don't understand why it does. As far as I can tell I haven't damaged my cameras' bellows.

Its a real shame that people know about these lenses now. Its a long story, but my 210 cost somewhat less than nothing. At that price, having an adapter made wasn't such a bad idea. But at today's prices buying a decent lens in shutter is usually less expensive than buying a $100-200 "bargain" in barrel and having it put in shutter or adapted for front-mounting.

Cheers,

Dan