Basic 4x5 Lenses: Large Format

[@christophevw2241]

I'm new to 4x5... this video answered 90% of my questions

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Glad it helped! If you need to answer the 10% remaining feel free to ask.

[@SmalltimR]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos - there is so much vital information provided here for newcomers

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! More will be coming shortly.

[@jeremykelly8446]

Just the video I needed to watch. I just bought a ToyoView 4x5g, and was wondering which lenses to get. Thanks!

[@davidschmid8534]

got a schneider 135 on a crown graphic,does not have a T setting on the shutter,how to keep open when focusing? it is a compur,also small green lever on top i don't know what use it is. any help would be great!

[@mixschrecks3839]

Looking for a wide angle lens for my crown graphic without modifying anything. 65mm is the widest? And can I still use the rangefinder?

[@fotolookconde]

Hi Nicos Photography show. I am wondering if a Nikon Nikkor 105mm will suit well a 4x5 Cambo. I read this lens was designed to cover 6x7 and 6x9. I have got a wide angle bellows. I am able to do camera movements with it as the image circle is 155 at f22?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I dont recomend the 105mm. It just barely covers and its not worth it you can find tons of 90mm and a few 120mm too.

[@chriscard6544]

do you recommand vintage/brass lens on 4x5 format ?

[@chriscorey5164]

Thank you for this. I am just starting out in Large Format. Can you recommend some reliable sources for lenses?

[@arenjake7485]

Hey, great video! You mentioned the 5.6 aperture on large format lenses being equivalent to 2,8 so I'm wondering if I'm shooting 4x5 and my Sekonic Flashmate light meter gives me a reading, should I multiply the suggested aperture on the meter by three to get a 4x5 aperture?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

No! 5.6 is 5.6 in light terms. The 2.8 is in apparent depth of field.

[@arenjake7485]

@@NicosPhotographyShow thanks for clearing that up :)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

No problem, its a bit confusing at first but its easier done and applied than explained.

[@andyvan5692]

great video, good tips, here is an important one , if you use a 65 mm or wider on a linhof Technika style camera ( field camera) you CAN NOT focus with the bellows, due to the board at the bottom ( is in the shot), so they make a "focusing adaptor" which is essentially a lens board with a macro- bellows attached, you focus with the knob on the bellows adaptor, and have the lens ALL the way inside the camera shell, so a special angled cable release is required as well, so it can reach inside this rig to attach to the release mounting; and the bed is lowered on the hinge to a special low angle detent so the bed is out of the field of view of this lens.

[@jonathanhornby]

Perfect video coverng the basics in quickly and full of information. Thanks!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@andyvan5692]

I've just got into the sinar system, and one thing to watch, esp. with the F2\P2 is there are TWO wide angle bellows, type 1 is for 135-90 (75 with limited movements), but the TYPE 2 is for 75 and wider , they are the SAME shape, just the type 2 is more pliable leather, to my understanding, so something to watch out for, if buying second hand, as this can limit what lenses you go for.

[@raman5329]

No, not the same shape. Bellows 2 is basically two bellow 1 bags stitched together and easy to recognise.

[@calvinf9218]

Hi! I'm looking into beginning 4*5 wetplate photography, as chemistry and photography have always been very interesting to me. I am going to attempt to build my own camera, but I am 16 and I don't have means to purchase a fancy lens like these. Is there anything that you would recommend such as a certain projector lens or something like that could work for basic portraiture?

[@calvinf9218]

By the way, I've made a scaled-down prototype out of black paper and a magnifying glass as a lens and I can get a crisp image on a wax paper viewfinder when the subject is about 2 feet away.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I would recommend a russian lens, Industar or similar. they sell under 100$ and have no shutter, but for wetplate thats not an issue.

[@calvinf9218]

@@NicosPhotographyShow great! Thanks for the advice. I'll look into that.

[@nickfanzo]

What do you like for close up work like Brett Weston?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

For better results with close up work is a macro lens, they usually do better with high magnification and smaller apertures.

[@hablemosdefoto]

Hi Niko. Need some help. I just go my 4x5 camera can you help me which lens will be the best one for portraits. That will be the main focus for my 4x5 Camera. Thank you

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Toyo view is a great camera to start out with in a 4 by 5 format! I own one, purchased it at a pawn shop years ago with lenses, lenses boards, film holders. I shoot and process black white negative film. My favorite lens is a 210 APO rodenstock.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

It really is a great camera to shoot and enjoy. I have seen the 45a and 45aii and both are amazing. Glad you got a nice package, that 210 APO is something else!

[@Kerberos2233]

cool vid, just a little correction: to convert full frame focal lengths to equivalent 4x5 focal lengths, you have to multiply them by 3.76, not 3. This is because the normal lens for 35mm is a ~43mm lens and for 4x5 a ~163mm lens. (The normal lens is defined as the diamter of the image format)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

What you state is probably true, but as a basic rule of thumb 50mm still is considered the normal focal length. I don't usually go to crazy into details as this is made as a little help for beginners. But Im sure its not 100% accurate. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@Kerberos2233]

Fair enough ;)

[@Jerbod2]

So you're saying a 90mm is 23mm equivalent?

[@DE-iv8if]

I agree! Usually _the Diameter_ of the Image Format is used to define the Normal Lens. Also because the Aspect Ratios in Large Format (or even Medium Format) can be _extreme_ . From a Square 6 cm by 6 cm to 6 cm by 17 cm (about 3:1) . And the Diameter is also used, bc. regardless of the Aspect Ratio of the Film / Sensor, the Lens itself projects (usually) a "Circle" on the Film Plane.. So usually only a Part of this projected Circle itself is used by the Film / Sensor. But the Diameter of a Film Format is the closest to the Diameter of a Circle.

[@HerculesImages]

Thanks Nicos very informative, I have a question I currently use a 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 speed graflex (aka baby speed graflex) 1. What is the formula to find out the focal length 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 ? (you mention for a 4 x 5 you multiply by 3 to find the equivalent in a focal length of 135) 2. What is wide, normal and tele lenses for the “baby speed graflex”? I currently use a 90 mm lens Thanks again

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! To answer the questions, I usually use the diagonal of the format as normal and then lower is wide and higher is long. 2x3 is pretty much a 6x9. I would suggest a 100mm is aprox a 50mm. So x2 of 35mm should give you a close aprox. So your Baby Graflex would be a 65 (wide), 90 or 100 (normal) and 125, 150 (long). But I havent done a lot of that size.

[@adamkozik7289]

I have a Crown Graphic Special 4x5. If I bought a Fujinon lens would that fit into my Grown lens board or do I need a lens board. Next I saw on E Bay Nikon Nikkor lens what do you recommend Fujinon or Nikon?

[@davidweiss7411]

I just bought a Graflex View II 4x5 and assumed I could use a Graflex Optar 135 mm lens from a Graflex Crown Graphic I have. Since buying it, I have read that you cannot really use the movements of the View II with a 127 mm lens - would it be any better with a 135 mm? I am thinking of using it more for landscapes but maybe a few portraits. Basically, I am not sure what lens to use or buy to allow for movements with this new monorail. Please help!

[@neilpiper9889]

I use a Schneider 135mm 4.7 lens on a MPP Micropress 5x4 for everything. Restricted coverage so no shifting.

[@lacementerachannel]

Nice video Nico, thanks for the info. I am actually looking for a 70mm or so for my Chamonix 45H-1. I was just wondering if I am going to need bag bellows or if I'll be alright with the one supplied with the camera. Thanks in advance and keep it up!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Will show you in a video asap.

[@anthonytvanech5293]

Thank you Nico, I really enjoy your posts. I've recently purchased a very nice Graflex Crown Graphic Pacemaker. Can you recommend a one-stop source for misc. parts, accessories, lens and lens boards, in the NYC vicinity? Thank you Nico. Best, Anthony Norwalk, CT

[@Igarpe]

Hola Nico, is the Fujinon W 180 f/5.6 covering 8x10 without any vignetting? Gracias! Salu2

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yes if it has the inner lettering, outside lettering wont cover.

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

I would like to buy my first 4x5 camera, what do you recommend to start and where I can get. Thanks for doing this video now I got an idea how it work 👍

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I would suggest a Graflex. Depending on where you are I can suggest different stores.

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

Thanks for the feedback, I am actually in Miami-Florida

[@jaymathews356]

Hello Nicos & Happy New Year too you & your family. I recently have come across your UT channel & have really enjoyed your tutorials. I do have a question for you. I'm looking to purchase the new Chamonix 45F-2. However; I'm slightly confused with regards to one of the accessories. I had seen your tutorial regarding the new camera, but wanted to ask, does the camera come with the adapter? or is this something I need to purchase when buying. Also, I'm planning on purchasing their CF Sinar lens board #1 for $85.00 which would be for my Nikon 210mm f 5.6 W Copal #1. But I also noticed that they have a CF Linhof lens board #1 for $75.00 - Do you know what the differences are? Thanks for your time & I look forward to viewing more of your tutorials! Peace -J

[@funandgames210]

Hey Nico! I just got a Toyo 4x5 monorail and will be learning tintype, with that, i don't need a shutter, i was wondering if you could give me some guidance on how to get a lens onto the board? Do I still need a shutter and retaining ring to get the lens on?

[@willmccleland2383]

I've used large format cameras before and I'm now looking to buy a 4x5, I live in the Uk but cant find anywhere to buy one, seems to all be usa or china, is there anywhere you know of that sells them?

[@thienhao0910]

There's The Intrepid camera with their field camera or Ebay if you look hard enough too

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Will you have a few option in Europe, Intrepid, Walker, Arca Swiss, Lotus, Stenopeika, Gibellini. Also check ebay and some stores. I can also help you with Chamonix cameras as I have a relationship with them.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

;)

[@dimitrisadamopoulos]

Thanks for this nice video Nico. What do you think about 70mm lenses on a 4x5? Are they difficult to work with? Do you prefer 90mm for wide angle photos? Thanks!!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks DimitrisA! I use a 72mm XL a lot for wide angle 4x5 but it does have a big circle. Most 75mm lenses have some space to do movements but not too many. If you are planning on normal landscape you should be fine but if you are thinking of architecture you should go with a 90mm or a 72mm XL:

[@dimitrisadamopoulos]

Nicos Photography Show thank you Nico!!! Your answer is much appreciated! Keep up the great work!

[@spencerruiz3288]

Thinking about getting back into large format, probably a Toyo, and you are giving me such great info and a great reintroduction to the basics. Thank you! Keep it up!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! Hope you join and enjoy large format again soon!

[@alejandrarosales7836]

I would love to see a video that converts a digital camera exposure to 5x4 film for example if I were to shoot a portrait at f1.4 ISO 100 1/100th of a second how would I translate that information to 5x4 film if I wanted to use a digital camera for proper exposure and composition but the final results in film

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I dont own a digital camera, but it should be fairly the same.

[@Altgottt]

it would translate to f1.4 (if you can find a 1.4 lens) ISO100 film 1/100th shutter exposure is not dependent on format of film or sensor

[@danielemilazzo432]

Si te da tiempo Nico, podrías hablar de los diferentes objetivos de fujinon?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Claro.

[@davidpalermo4695]

On a 4x5 camera how can I calculate (easily I hope!) what long (telephoto) lens I can use on it if the bellow's is not as long as the lens? I don't want to waste spending money on a lens from Japan or someplace far that doesn't work on my camera. I am looking at a couple of 4x5 cameras right now... Chamonix 45F-2 and 45H-1.... the longest bellows is 395mm (On the 45F-2)... I know there are "top-hats" and extender boards but I don't know how to figure out if I need one. I have also learned that if I buy a "telephoto" lens I won't need to extend the bellows all the way out. That sounds better I think but those lenses are probably more expensive. To be more specific I want to photograph an old tree at Point Lobos, CA that is about 30ft away from the path I will set my camera on. (You cannot get closer to this tree as it is roped off). (See photo). Ideally I'd like the tree and everything behind it in focus. This image was made on a 35mm full-frame Nikon D810 using a 105 focal length. The outline is a 4x5 crop. The print is beautiful but I want to go back re-shoot this on 4x5 film. (This example is not edited for print). I'm guessing I need about a 350mm lens? on a 4x5 in order to photograph this tree the way this example shows? davidpalermophotography.com/tree.jpg

[@tamassanta6819]

Hi Nicos, Thanks for this usefull video, I just have a quastion, there are different brand in the large format and also different format such as 4X5" 8x10"...etc. Are all the 4x5 lenses fitt on all the 4x5 cameras (not deppend on the barnds)? There is a board on the lenses for hold them on the camera, is that board size the same on all the cameras which has the same negativ size? Thx:Tamas

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Hi Tamas, its sort of hard to grasp a the beginning but all large format lenses can be mostly mounted on all large format cameras, the big big ones cant go on smaller cameras (due to size and weight). But the lens boards are different per brand and the mounting is the shutter size. So for example a copal 1 lens will mount on copal 1 boards for either Sinar, or Chamonix or others. I hope that helps.

[@tamassanta6819]

Hi, Yes, thanks it did help!

[@albertogarcia1386]

Thanks for the vídeo Nikos. I have been thinking in taking a step forward from medium to large format, maybe starting with the intrepid camera 4x5. Coul you give me an advice on the lense, what are the best budget lenses on 90 or 115 mm, any particular brand? Thanks

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

90mm is your best bet as there are soooo many lenses out there. Check Nikkor 90mm as a great option and also Rodenstock and Schneider. Be aware of the older versions as they dont cover so much and shutters can be faulty.

[@albertogarcia1386]

Many thanks for your message Nicos.

[@The_PotatoLord]

I've been trying to find a manual or tutorial about how to use the self timers on these lenses. I don't want to start messing around and break a very expensive lens. Any help will be appreciated.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Austin will make a video on it. They dont have self timers built in but I have some small ones that you can attach. Give me a week or so to record and edit.

[@edward_grabczewski]

Excellent video and tips. Just what I needed.

[@huzizach]

Hey Nico, thanks for the video. Looking to pick up a 150mm and get into large format. Outside of Fuji and Nikon what other lens brands would you recommend? (both affordable and less so affordable would be good to know) Thanks!

[@Narsuitus]

I shoot the following lenses on a 4x5 monorail camera: 135mm f/5.6 Fujinon 90mm f/5.6 Fujinon 65mm f/8 Super-Angulon 47mm f/5.6 Super-Angulon How does the image quality of my lenses compare to the image quality of high quality medium format lenses?

[@terrywbreedlove]

I shoot MFT and it is 4x3 so when I shoot my 4x5 it is pretty easy for me to visualize the shot . I have Nikkor lenses 65mm 90mm 210mm and will be picking up a 300mm soon

[@filmniyom]

Cool camera👍

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks!

[@dougthomson5544]

I almost always shoot two or three stops down, although I also like to play with f64.

[@jimiwexler1260]

Love the vid! 150 is really closer to a 35mm and a 5.6 aperture is actually f 1.5 equivalent not 2.8

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Never been good with math, i still need to compare myself one day.

[@GiorgioFirpo_IU1BKT]

Great video for a beginner like me on wide format. Many thanks.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Glad it helped!

[@_o__o_]

pleas do vido bout camara. thank

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I will. Thanks.

[@louiswhite4909]

I am considering starting out with a Cambo or Toyo for my first 4x5 Camera. What are your thoughts on these brands?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

They have great cameras. I had a Cambo Legend and it was really sturdy.

[@weskergao307]

Great video! Thank you!

[@Curry952]

Thanks! This video was super helpful! I’m slowly saving up for a 4x5 camera!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

If you need any other info let me know! You will love 4x5.

[@tseumd58]

Nice video thanx

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Tareq!

[@stephenhaines1928]

Thank you very much for your video

[@LScott97]

Great intro video! 👍👍👍

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thank you!

[@jimpurcell]

Very helpful! Great information! Thanks!!!

[@caitanyaballabhadas7707]

informative, straight to the point thank you, kindly well done!

[@rmrfboy]

thanks for sharing mate

[@josephasghar]

Super advice

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Joseph!

[@creepyloner1979]

equivalent dof works the same as focal length. 5.6/3.6=1.5555555

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I would have imagined but not being very technical I wasn't 100%to put it on a video.

[@blakeaghili5033]

very informative

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks!

[@oibal60]

Thanks for this.

[@IainHC1]

Really sorry for this comment.... BUT..... a 35 neg is 35 x 24mm.... A 4:5 neg is not a 4x5" (101.5 x 126mm) negative!! There is a MASSIVE difference between 35mm and a 4x5" negatives!! WAAAAAYYYYY more than you are portraying here.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

A 35 neg (135 format) is 35x24mm like you say. A sheet of 4x5 inch film is much bigger. But when looking into focal lengths its aprox 3x what a 135 lens is. Not saying much more. Did I say something wrong that I missed?

[@IainHC1]

You didn't say anything wrong. It was the graphic that you used to show the difference between 35mm and 4"x5" was way out. It just bugged a little bit. Sorry.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Ohhh, yeah, first time drawing on a video. Could see that beeing a little weird, but it was more for a aspect ratio than size ratio. Sorry

[@IainHC1]

I think I should sit on my hands from now on every time I watch KZbin :-)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Dont! I love getting comments, it always helps improve future content. I see how it could be confusing and will add a *note to help see dimensions are not to scale. :)

[@luistavares6670]

Nice video mate, I am in Brazil carry please I am a amateur photogrpher, just as a hobby, but i take only digital thanks.

[@Notmy00000]

👍👍👍

[@BossHossStudios]

I’m soo confused

[@mjl1958]

f/5.6 --> f/1.6

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! Never been a math guy ;)

[@Jerbod2]

You mention 135 all the time, what is that?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

135 is the name given to 35mm perforated film. The classic 24x35. Just the code name.

[@Jerbod2]

Ah I refer to that as 35mm. My bad. EDIT: You were on point with what lenses people tend to have: 90mm, 210 & 150mm is what I have for now, as a beginner ;)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yeah. I saw 35mm too. But for the record (youtube) i wanted tk say the 'right' name. Glad you got the 3 lenses. Good choice. If you ever need help, let me know.

[@Jerbod2]

Well I scored a Sinar F1 camera with a 150mm 5.6 lens and some 9x12 cartridges for around 80 euros, with a tripod included... that's a damn score. A few days ago I figured I'd do the perspective correction thing, but I tried to focus (far away, so bellows close together) and it didn't allow for movements as the bellows are too tight at that point, so I figured I'll look into bag bellows at some point, not sure if it's worth the investment though. I love the process, I tried messing around with scanning it by photographing it with my a7 and all, but it's so much work, and the stitching sucks as I have trouble getting rid of some vignetting which repeats itself over the whole negative obviously, that I am considering just throwing a few hundred euros at a V700 epson or whatever... I mean they're not available new anymore, so even if I buy one for 500, and take good care of it, chances are I'll be able to sell it for that price again anyway. In a way it's free.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yeah, bag bellows is a good investment. They are not to expensive, but comparing to the 80 euro price you paid it might seem like a lot. Get a second hand V700, they work nicely for 4x5.

[@arcp_]

"Your 210mm f/5.6 lens will look like a 56.7mm f/1.51"

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Great info. So wanna get into 5x4. One day!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Its a blast. Even just contact prints are worth it in my opinion. But ut does take a lot more to use on a normal basis.

[@nickfanzo]

Do it