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I've been given the opportunity of buying a Schneider Symmar S 240mm f5.6 lens at a good price. My camera is a Wista DXII cherrywood field camera (5x4 format). I realise that this lens will need almost full extension on my camera to focus it at infinity and that I won't be able to go very much closer. That's fine, but I was just wondering if there are any other considerations I should bear in mind before deciding whether to purchase. For example, I gather the lens is quite large and is mounted in a Copal No.3 shutter. Will the weight of it be an issue at full extension on the Wista?

If any Wista Field users have experience of this lens I would be very grateful for any advice you can offer.

Thanks very much,

Gavin

Gavin, I think your wise to be cautious about the weight and leverage that this lens will apply to the front of the Wista. Personally I wouldnt want to put one on my 45S and the Wista is less sturdy. I think you would find that the amount of tightening you had to apply to hold it would quickly lead to damage on the camera.

If you really need a 240 the Fuji 240/9 would be a better bet as a 4x5 lens. Dennis

I'd agree with Dave--a Copal 3 lens on a Wista DX is not a good combo. I had a Wista DX as my first LF camera, and bought a Fuji 400T (Copal 1) lens--heavier than any of my other lenses. I was shocked when I put it on the Wista, how much strain it put on the front standard.

Look out for a Fuji 240mm f9.0--Copal 0, 52mm filters, big image circle. Much better choice for a Wista DX.

Another good idea for a lightweight 240mm would be a g-claron or similar.

Another heads up for the 240 G Claron, mine is very sharp, light, still fairly bright at f9 and can be picked up at quite reasonable prices.

Paul

I have a couple of 240mm lenses, an Apo-Sironar S, this is another big lens that I wouldn't really recommend for the Wista field. I use it on 8x10, marvelous coverage. The other 240mm is a Tele-Congo, which is great for 4x5, results are pin sharp, it is also light and compact. They don't appear too often but I picked it up on the Bay a few years back for silly money considering its condition and came in a Copal Press #1 shutter, lovely.

Thank you very much, everyone, for your valuable advice on this. I'll have a reconsider in the light of it!

Cheers,

Gavin

You might also look at a Schneider 240mm Tele-Arton. I've had one for years and used it on a wooden Wista without any problems. Not much by way of movements at infinity but take a look at: http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/vin ... -240mm.htm.
Hope this helps.

Does it absolutely need to be a 240mm?

The 210mm 5.6 Symmar-S usually goes cheaper than the 240mm.
The 210mm is lighter than the 240 and comes in a smaller shutter.
It will save you a bit of bellows extension and unless you need to cover 10x8 it will still provide generous movements.

No, it didn't have to be a 240mm. I just chose that as being about the longest focal length practicable with my camera. However, after reading all your helpful comments I've changed my mind and fortunately the person offering me first call on the lenses also has a 210mm Symmar S so I've gone for that.

Thank you all again for your advice.

Best,

Gavin

I've used a Wista DXIII Cherrywood Camera for years now with a variety of lenses under 300mm without any issues that I've ever detected. I'm presently using a Schneider APO-Symmar 5.6 / 210 with a Copal #1 shutter quite a lot and again find it works just fine.

These specs maybe of help.

45 DX III Cherry /4 x 5 inch/

TILTS: Front: 90 degrees forward, 37 degrees backwards, Rear: 90 degrees forward, 16 degrees backwards SWINGS: Front: 15 degrees left, 15 degrees right, Rear: 12 degrees left/12 degrees right RISE & FALL Front 1.4" (36mm) up, 29mm down; LATERAL SHIFT: Rear Only: 16mm left/16mm right CAMERA BACK: International 4x5 Graflok Vertical/Horizontal quick-change type, groundglass with 6x9cm markings INTERCHANGEABLE BELLOWS: No MINIMUM EXTENSION: 2" (51mm) MAXIMUM EXTENSION: 12" (305mm) LENS: Accepts all Lenses in #0 and #1 Shutters LENSBOARD: Wista 96x99mm or Linhof Technika Type FOLDED DIMENSIONS: 8.5 x 6.75 x 3.5" (21.6 x 17.1 x 8.9cm) H.W.D. WEIGHT: DX Cherrywood: 59.5oz (1666g)

You may also want to consider a 240mm F9 Apo Ronar. I have one of these and it is a tiny lens. Although it is marketed as a process lens it performs very well at infinity.

Thanks for the further comments/recommendations. I've settled on a 210mm Symmar S now and I'll be happy with that for a while, I think.

Gavin.

The Symmar S is a highly regarded lens. Good choice.