What do you recommend for a not so sharp 210 mm lens?

[David Beal]

One of the things we offer are b/w portraits of senior adults. I do these in 35 mm or 6x6, but I've been thinking about offering 4x5 as well.

My preference is to soften the image of the subject. I know there are many excellent tack sharp 210 mm lenses available, and that if I opened them up wide I could soften them up a bit, but are there any older lenses which, even at their sharpest, are not so sharp?

Thanks for your suggestions.

/s/ David

[Ralph Barker]

There have been numerous discussions here of the older "portrait" lenses that might be helpful, David. There was also a recent discussion of using lenses wide open.

For your seniors effort, however, there may be additional considerations. Remember, for example, that older folks are more likely to be "bobbers" or "weavers" - meaning that working with minimal DOF can be problematic. Thus, you might also consider the practicality of using diffusion instead of relying solely on lens "character".

[BrianShaw]

There seem to be quite a few Fujinon SF (soft focus) 250 lenses on the market. They run between $300 - $400 at the auction site or places like KEH/Lens-and-Repro.

[Jim Galli]

I have a single coated 190mm Kodak f4.5 Ektar that has a very nice look wide open. The 210mm Voigtlander Heliar is really the finest portrait lens there is for 4X5. For softer yet, the Rodenstock Imagon and the Kodak 12" f4.8 Portrait lens both have selectable softness. The other day I hung an old brass 9" magic lantern petzval on the front of a 4X5 and it really has a neat look. PM me if you want the 190 Kodak.

[Ron Marshall]

Here is an Imagon for sale:

http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/c..._detail&p=1902

[robc]

http://www.cookeoptics.com/cooke.nsf/secondary/ps945

[jnantz]

hi dave

maybe a converted symmar convertible or a 10" veritar ...



john

[Bill_1856]

B&W or color?

[Paul Fitzgerald]

Hi David,

"The 210mm Voigtlander Heliar is really the finest portrait lens there is for 4X5."

I completely agree, I own 3. Don't forget Wollensak Raptars, there is a damn good reason for 'Raptar rapture' and they are available in 162,190, 210, 240, 300mm, have them all.

On the flip side, think about an EL Raptar enlarger lens, they were industry standard for years for good reason. If you are doing B&W VC, you can be doing split filter printing. If you are doing split filter printing, you can be doing split diffusion. With the EL Raptars you can print the blacks and details with grade 5 at f/11-16 and print the flesh tones and highlights with grade 0 at f/4.5-5.6 to soften the skin. The effect is INVISIBLE but noticeable, you can't see whats been done but it's there. It does take some dancing with it to get it down but it's definitely worth the effort.

Have fun with the hunt.

[Christopher Perez]

21cm Voightlander Heliar. It's simply amazing for portraits.