The Classic Whole Plate Standard Lenses


The following tables originally appeared for 8x10" format users.  In general the data supplied here can be used for whole plate photographers to decide

on future suitability for use, taking note of the image circle requirements and adjusting the available movements listed.  The specifications given in the

tables are intended for a reference for 'scouting' for a suitable classic whole plate lens.   A list of the available focal lengths has been supplied, indicating

that a series of lenses offers several focal lengths which may be suitable.  For example - the Goerz Dagor Series III is listed from focal lengths of 40mm

to 900mm for the f6.8 series and a minimum 177mm focal length would thus be required for image covering power for the whole plate format.

Specific classic whole plate lenses are listed in Page 3.0. 

The following list has been collated from the LF forum from users of both whole plate format and 8x10" formats:

Wide Angle contemporary lenses

The whole plate wide-angle focal lengths range from 90mm - 240mm, with the extreme end, the 90mm focal length,approximating roughly to a field

perspective around 15mm on a 35mm format.   The Schneider Super Angulon 90mm XL f5.6 lens has been reviewed in a brief report on Page 3.11.

The following list and the 90mm XL f5.6 of the Schneider Kreuznach XL series  can be adapted for whole plate photographers with notable restriction

of the freedom of movements.

Acknowledgements and thanks for supplying data: Warren Clark, Michael Grudinowicz, Eric Leppanen, David Karp, Dan Fromm,

Oren Grad, Steve Goldstein, Diane Maher, Emil Schildt, Ole Tjugen, Alex Wei.  Source of tables from Global Matter.net

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Comments, revisions and suggestions welcome.