I'm hoping for some feedback from users of ultra-wide lenses since I'm about to buy my first ultra-wide for 4x5 (Rodenstock 55mm APO Grandagon). When I used to shoot full frame DSLR I spent a lot of time between 16 - 20mm and so would like to emulate that perspective in 4x5. I have a trip planned to Zion in November and so want to get started early in learning the "ins and outs" of using an ultra-wide on 4x5. I must admit that I'm a bit nervous given the apparent difficulty in using these optics, so here are my newbie questions:
1. Do I really need the ultra-expensive ( ) Rodenstock CF (2.5x FF) to go with the ultra-wide, or can I get away with the less expensive Heliopan (3x FF); about $200 less.
2. I'm a big fan of polarizers and had settled on the Singh Ray slim mount warm tone and color enhancer polarizers when shooting DSLR. Unfortunately, Singh Ray only manufactures threads up to 82mm. So I need a 86mm alternative to go on top of the CF. But do I need a thin mount filter, or can I get away with a regular mount (for which there are more polarizer types available)? Any preference for Heliopan vs B+W?
3. I am currently using an Arca Swiss F-Field camera and was wondering if a Maxwell wide angle focussing screen is critical for the evaluation of corner sharpness (apparently evens out the illumination when using wide angle lenses). Up to now I have been using a Schneider 4x loupe for evaluating focus, but also have the Silvestri, which due to it's ability to tilt should help with the redirection of light rays for focusing. But will this be enough on the OEM screen.
4. How much will I need to stop down to get full coverage? Is there any focus shift in the corners? I can't imagine one focuses these lenses wide open. Do you focus with the CF in place, or add it after focus is achieved?
5. How much is it going to cost me to shoot these ultra-wides
I know I'm going to visit this thread in a year from now and laugh at these questions, but any help on technique for getting me started with these optics would be much appreciated.
Jeff
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