Which 120mm for 4x5

[VincentM]

Hello,

I am looking into my first lens to mount on my Arca Swiss. I will shoot architecture mostly in B&W.

I see three lenses in this format that would suit my need for movement and my wallet.
The Schneider SA 120, Rodenstock Grandagon-N 120 and the Nikkor-SW 120.

I know that the SS110XL is THE lens but not right now for me, it's too pricey!

Out of the 3 stated above, which one would be the sharpest? and the most suitable?

Thanks

[2F/2F]

Don't forget the Schneider Super Angulon 121mm f/8. They are cheap, and IME excellent. They are also an excellent choice for an ultra wide on split 8x10 (panoramic), and are very wide on 5x7.

[VincentM]

True about the SA 121 f/8 but quite old if I am correct...

[2F/2F]

It's not even close to old in the grand scheme of things, and it performs excellently. I didn't know that you needed a newer lens, and you did mention wallet, which made me want to suggest cheaper, but similar options. If you want to get right down to it, shooting 4x5, or film in general is "quite old" in any application in which the latest and greatest whiz-bang gizmos would make any difference whatsoever. You shouldn't discount things just because they are "old". It makes no sense, especially in analog photography in this day and age.

[Steve Smith]

I have nothing of value to add to this thread other than a question: I have seen Angulons (Super and normal) of 120mm and 121mm. Are there any differences other than a 1mm difference in focal length?


Steve.

[noumin]

You can't go wrong with any of the three lenses you mentioned (plus the 121 SA as well). Lens coverage may be a point when you're into architecture, filter size - if you will, but apart from that, they're all sharp. Maybe take the one with the nicest smile when you look at it ...

[2F/2F]

Am I correct in assuming that 120/121s were designed with 5x7 in and 13x18 cm format as the primarily-intended film format?

I love them on 4x5, personally...a bit wide for 5x7, for most of what I shoot myself (though gives some wiggle room and room for edge damage, I suppose), but it seems rather similar to a 90 on 4x5, so I though that might be its intended role.

[df cardwell]

Of the 4 (Nikkor, Rodenstock, Schneider, FUJI), they are all the SAME.

By that, I mean that by the time you have a print on the wall, whatever micro differences there are between individual lenses would have been absorbed by the film, processing, etc.

Each will cover 8x10 straight on, each has equal performance. Not a one has any flaw that will keep you from performing the most demanding professional photography for the toughest client on the planet.

As for 'sharpest', it is all up to you !

After using these amazing optics commercially, when I moved on to other things I was content to replace them with an uncoated Angulon, which is more than good enough to just make 'art'.

[VincentM]

Ok thanks all for your reply You actually confirm what I thought they are all top lenses (the not-so-old 121 included So in that prospect, I will follow your advice Noumin and get one that will give me the big smile: it will be the Nikkor.

[noumin]

I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Enjoy !