Hi Large Format Community!
I've been testing focal lengths for a portrait documentary series I've been working on - 300mm Fuji W, 360 Sinaron-S, 450 Nikor M and 600 Fuji C so far. I've also built a small outdoor portrait studio for my series (12x12 sun-bounce cage on a 16x16 stage with a set-wall as a backdrop.) My set-up and consideration: Calumet C1 on a Gitzo R4 Head with Gitzo 504R Tele Studex Giant Tripod. Weight is not an issue. Bellow extension doesn't seem to be an issue either because the 8x10 C1 has generous and rigid bellow extensions. I'm really aiming for three types of portraits:
a. 3/4 Body Portraits --> to see a similar composition:
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hBqdPD_7M...00/avedon3.jpg
b. Head & Shoulders --> to see a similar composition:
http://www.fazalsheikh.org/images/acamelfortheson.jpg
c. Macro Work - Abstracts on Hands. It turns out that the compositionally my photographs of 'hands' are similarly set-up to Head & Shoulders shots. Similar bellow extensions etc...--> to see a similar composition:
http://www.artnouveau.com.gr/wp-cont...-exhibit04.jpg
I decided that I like two focal lengths so far: 360mm & 450mm. Both seemed appropriate for both types of portraits as well. Now I'm interested in purchasing lenses. What would you guys recommend? I've been renting so far and have read lots of literature pertaining to large format lenses, but much of it related more so to 4x5.
My thoughts:
Will the 360mm Sinaron S be sharp/have good contrast at both 3/4 Body Portraits and Head Shot portraits? How about the 450mm Nikon M? I will test more, but did not have time to finish. Furthermore, what other lenses at similar focal lengths would be suitable for these types of portraits? I am asking because I'd like to purchase lenses ASAP, but may not find the lenses I've tested due to scarcity.
Thanks for reading. Hope to hear back from you all!
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