Fujinon T 300mm f/8

Fujinon T 300mm f/8 is the true-telephoto LF design at 300mm — uses a telephoto formula (asymmetric design with rear group acting as a Barlow) to achieve 300mm focal length in a more compact lens than a 300 W or CM-W symmetric plasmat. Equivalent to Schneider Tele-Arton.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 300mm (effective; physical lens length much shorter)
• Maximum aperture: f/8
• Image circle: ~196mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with limited movements
• Optical formula: Telephoto (asymmetric)
• Single-coated older; multi-coated later

Use case + rendering

The 300 T is the portable LF long-tele for 4×5 — useful when bellows draw is limited (folding field cameras, press cameras) and a 300mm symmetric plasmat would not fit. Sharp center; corners require stopping to f/22 for usable performance.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G — particularly suited; press-camera bellows often prohibits 300mm symmetric
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic

Related lenses

• Fujinon T 400mm f/8 — longer T sibling
• Fujinon TS 300mm f/8 — TS variant (larger IC)
• Fujinon C 300mm f/8.5 — Compact symmetric alternative
• Schneider Tele-Arton 250mm f/5.6 — Schneider tele alternative