90/4.5 Grandagon N - Sharp wide open?

[Ted Harris]

Most of the testing I did with the Fotoman 45PS was with the 75mm f4.5 Grandagon N. I didn't test wider for both the reasons David mentions and the fact that I doubt many folks who would consider a Fotoman purchase own or would buy lenses wider than 75mm for any other use.

The camera also works fine with a 135mm lens, or anything in between 75 and 135 but, of course, the longer you get the mor eprecise you need to be with your zone focusing. Go for the 75mm. Here is an 'environmental portrait' taken with the Fotoman 45PS on Polaroid film handheld using the 75mm. This image is in the artilce on the camera.

Just for fun .... who can identify the subjects? Hint, both forum members.

[Ed Richards]

And do not worry about sharpness for hand held shooting. Sharpness is not much of an issue for any of the new design lenses, but unless you are on a tripod in ideal conditions, real world shooting seldom gets the most out of lenses.

[Ron Marshall]

Thankyou for your advice gentlemen, it is much appreciated!
For impromptu environmental portraits zone focussing would be the only way -
I'm starting to think of going wider - maybe 47-75mm - What is your opinion on the best value, compact super-wide (in 45-75mm range) which is sharp at wider apertures?

I concur with what Frank and Ted have said, the 75mm f4.5 Grandagon.

[vincent Martin]

Thanks chaps! I will be patient, and look for a good s/h copy - its beyond my budget brand new!
Ted, do you have a larger file of the image you posted? It looks razor sharp!

[Frank Petronio]

The look like goths Ted, hanging out in graveyards and all...

[Ted Harris]

Vincent, it is. Do you have a broadband connection to the internet? I will put a hig rez image up on my web site toorrow. The original is aroud 300MB IIRC. If you can't handle that I can put up a smaller one.

Frnk, they are, photogothaphers (ouch).

[Ed Richards]

Thanks chaps! I will be patient, and look for a good s/h copy - its beyond my budget brand new!

If money is an object, forget the fotoman and go for a used crown Graphic and 90 6.8 angulon. You can probably get both for less than a fotoman, and you might even be able to get the rangefinder set for it. While I know you think you will never have time to focus, I use a rangefinder on an old Technika and you will be surprised how handy it is for grab shots. There are some real advantages of a 90 - the 75 is wide enough that you need to be careful to avoid off angle shots or the wide angle distortion will look like a fun house mirror. You can also use a small 75 on a graphic if the 90 is not wide enough and you like doing this.

[vincent Martin]

Ted, Yes, I have broadband, and I can handle the large file - thanks!

Ed, thanks for your suggestion - I will look into this. I had chosen the fotoman owing compact form, portability and simplicity, but I will consider this alternative. Its crucial I get the right set-up which suits my style.

[Ed Richards]

You can treat a graphic like a box camera and, better than the fotoman, you can fold it up with a small lens inside, making the perfect carry around camera. Works for the Technica as well, you just have to have stronger arms.:-)

[Frank Petronio]

Yeah, just to reinforce what Ed is saying, he speaks truth. Plus cheaper cameras are better on the street, where bad things can happen.

Another good way to build a handheld 4x5 is to cobble together a focusing mount, Sinar/Linhof/Arca/Toyo frame and back, and some sort of handgrip. Everything the Fotoman does, somewhat less elegantly, but with the advantage of being able to build it cheaply from eBay parts.