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Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8

The Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8 is a lens from Goerz. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8

Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8

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Lens Overview — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

The Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8 is a vintage large format lens manufactured before 1950, designed specifically for view camera use with large format sheet film. Mounted via a lens board configuration standard to technical cameras, this manual focus lens brings classic optical craftsmanship to photographers working in the large format tradition. It is compatible with sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10, making it a versatile option across a range of large format camera bodies.

The lens features a central shutter design, which is characteristic of large format lenses of its era and allows for reliable flash synchronization at virtually any shutter speed the shutter supports. As a lens board mounted optic, it can be adapted to a variety of technical camera systems through manual adapters, broadening its usability beyond a single platform. The Dagor designation places this lens within a well-regarded historical lineage of large format optics.

With a maximum aperture of f/6.8 and a focal length of 8 1/4 inches, this lens serves photographers who value the deliberate, hands-on process of large format photography using manually operated, time-tested glass.

Key Features — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

8 1/4" f/6.8 Dagor Design: A classic symmetrical six-element, two-group optical formula known for edge-to-edge sharpness and a characteristically smooth rendering across the image circle.

Large Image Circle: Covers 8x10 sheet film at infinity, giving photographers generous room for camera movements on smaller formats like 4x5 and 5x7.

Multi-Format Compatibility: Usable with 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 sheet film, making it a versatile option across a range of large format camera bodies.

Central Shutter Design: In-lens shutter allows flash synchronization at all supported shutter speeds, a standard feature of large format lenses of this era.

Lens Board Mount: Mounts via a standard lens board, compatible with most technical and view cameras and adaptable to various systems using manual adapters.

Manual Focus Operation: Focused via the camera's rail or bed, suited to the deliberate ground-glass workflow of large format photography.

Lens Specifications — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Architecture
Lens MountLens Board (Technical Camera)
Focus TypeManual Focus

Description — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

The Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8 is a pre-1950 vintage large format lens built for view camera use. Designed around a lens board (technical camera) mount, it is compatible with systems that accept large format barrel lenses and can also be fitted via manual adapters for broader compatibility. The lens supports sheet film in 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 formats, covering the most common large format film sizes used in professional and artistic photography.

A central shutter mechanism is integrated into the lens, providing in-lens exposure control. Manual focus operation is the sole focusing method, in keeping with its large format view camera heritage. With a focal length of 8 1/4 inches and a maximum aperture of f/6.8, this lens represents a piece of optical history well-suited to photographers who appreciate working with classic large format equipment.

Pros — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

  • ✓Compatible with multiple large format sheet film formats: 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10
  • ✓Central shutter design enables consistent exposure control typical of large format systems
  • ✓Lens board mount allows adaptation to a variety of technical camera systems via manual adapters

Cons — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

  • ✗Maximum aperture of f/6.8 is relatively slow, which can make focusing on the ground glass challenging in lower light conditions
  • ✗Lens board mounting system requires compatibility with a specific technical camera — not a universal fit without adapters
  • ✗No weight data available, making it difficult to assess handling and balance on a camera system

Resources & Downloads — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Goerz 8 1/4" f/6.8

What film formats is this lens compatible with?+
The Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8 is compatible with sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. These are all large format sheet film sizes used in view and technical cameras.
How does this lens mount to a camera?+
This lens uses a lens board mount designed for technical cameras, which is the standard mounting system for large format lenses. It can also be used with manual adapters, as it is listed under adaptable mount compatibility.
Does this lens have an autofocus option?+
No. The Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8 is a manual focus lens, which is consistent with its vintage large format view camera design. All focusing must be done by hand, typically via ground glass on a view camera.
What type of shutter does this lens use?+
The lens features a central shutter, which is the shutter type specified in its data. Central shutters are built into the lens itself rather than the camera body, and are common on large format lenses of this era.
When was this lens manufactured?+
The Goerz Dagor 8 1/4" f/6.8 is listed with a year of manufacture of pre-1950, placing it firmly in the vintage category. Buyers should inspect individual copies carefully, as age-related wear or haze may vary between units.

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