The Nikkor M 450mm F9 lens is a great bargain lens for most ULF photographers, especially if you need a lens in shutter. You will typically find this lens mounted on a Copal 3 shutter.

Quick Specifications

Max Aperture F9, Min Aperture F128, Image Circle at F22 440mm, Angle of Coverage 52, Weight 640g/1.41 lb., Front Filter 67mm.

In terms of coverage, I know it covers at infinity on my 16×20, but very little room for movements. I typically stop down to F90 or even F128 with this lens on the 16×20 and I have plenty of coverage at infinity.

If your background is not in ultra large format photography, then you are probably thinking that F90 and F128 sound extreme and will lead to serious diffraction issues.

To set your mind at ease, the equivalent focal length of the Nikkor 450-M in 35mm terms is equal to about 33mm, and an aperture of F90 is equal to about F6.7.

If you photograph landscapes, you quickly learn that you want lenses and shutters capable of these types of apertures.

I use this as a normal lens on my 8×20 camera. I created a video where I showed full coverage on the 8×20 wide open at F9. Here is the link to the YouTube video.

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