4x5: If I don't have a macro type lens, what's the next alternative?

[ericantonio]

So looks like a smaller'ish lens is better for getting close right? (I'm so darn technical man!). So if I don't have a real macro lens (i have plenty in 35mm ), the best I can do is use my 135mm and just go long bellows right? Are there any cheap barrel type lenses I can play around with? I saw these really cool flashes/LED things on Amazon, looks like little antennas for macros. Thought it would be fun to use. They are like 20-30 bucks.

I know the next step is to try my 90mm wide angle, will try that later maybe tonight, but if anyone knows right away that that's a waste of time, let me know.

[djdister]

You should look for a copy camera (process) lens in the 150-200mm range, which can be found in barrel configurations quite frequently. Look for G-Claron, Apo-Nikkor, or similar lenses. Using a wide angle lens like a 90mm for macro work will give somewhat distorted results, which may or may not be what you are after.

[ericantonio]

Y Using a wide angle lens like a 90mm for macro work will give somewhat distorted results, which may or may not be what you are after.

That's what I thought! Thanks for clearing that up.

You should look for a copy camera (process) lens in the 150-200mm range, which can be found in barrel configurations quite frequently. Look for G-Claron, Apo-Nikkor, or similar lenses.

Sweet, sounds like plan for the next year or so. Thanks!!!

[xkaes]

The "on the cheap" ways for very close-up/macro work in 4x5 are:

#1: Add extension if you can -- to whatever lens you are using

#2: Use whatever enlarging lenses you have -- they are flat field and produce great results

#3: Use your 35mm macro lens -- at higher magnifications they will cover 4x5 (see: http://www.subclub.org/fujinon/mygear.htm)

[ericantonio]

The "on the cheap" ways for very close-up/macro work in 4x5 are:

#1: Add extension if you can -- to whatever lens you are using

#2: Use whatever enlarging lenses you have -- they are flat field and produce great results

#3: Use your 35mm macro lens -- at higher magnifications they will cover 4x5 (see: http://www.subclub.org/fujinon/mygear.htm)

Great info!!

Sadly, I sold all my enlarger/wet darkroom stuff.

[Ken Lee]

Macro and process lenses are great, but it all depends on how much you need to enlarge the resulting image, whether you have access to a digital workflow and are competent at sharpening. Ordinary non-macro lenses can be quite good, right up close - and a modern lens is not always required either.

I made this 32x40 inch enlargement from a 4x5 negative shot with a 70-year-old Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar lens, not a modern macro lens by any stretch.

Although sections of the image are purposely blurred, the in-focus areas are perfectly sharp, right up close.

[xkaes]

Great info!!

Sadly, I sold all my enlarger/wet darkroom stuff.

You can get some great enlarging lenses on EBAY for little more than the cost of shipping.

[ericantonio]

You can get some great enlarging lenses on EBAY for little more than the cost of shipping.

Yeah, I had wonderful Kodak ektar ones before in about 135mm size. They were so nice. Will have to start looking for some.

[ericantonio]

Macro and process lenses are great, but it all depends on how much you need to enlarge the resulting image, whether you have access to a digital workflow and are competent at sharpening. Ordinary non-macro lenses can be quite good, right up close - and a modern lens is not always required either.

I made this 32x40 inch enlargement from a 4x5 negative shot with a 70-year-old Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar lens, not a modern macro lens by any stretch.

Although sections of the image are purposely blurred, the in-focus areas are perfectly sharp, right up close.

These are great. I do remember seeing this webpage. Bookmarked now for Vuescan tips!

[Pere Casals]

So looks like a smaller'ish lens is better for getting close right? (I'm so darn technical man!). So if I don't have a real macro lens (i have plenty in 35mm ), the best I can do is use my 135mm and just go long bellows right? Are there any cheap barrel type lenses I can play around with? I saw these really cool flashes/LED things on Amazon, looks like little antennas for macros. Thought it would be fun to use. They are like 20-30 bucks.

I know the next step is to try my 90mm wide angle, will try that later maybe tonight, but if anyone knows right away that that's a waste of time, let me know.

Depending on the magnifiction you target... I'd recommend using reversed an EL Nikkor 50mm enlarging lens for 1:1. Awesome results. Reversed, it covers 4x5. http://extreme-macro.co.uk/el-nikkor-50mm-28n/

Single problem would be shutter, you would need to improvise one.