Using f45 with the 110XL will result in negs with resolution below 30lp/mm - you will be getting nowhere close to what the lens is capable of at that aperture. At f16 (or f22), you should be getting over 50lp/mm compared with perhaps 60-90 with your MF set-up. Are you going to see that as a visible difference with a 10X loupe? No - simply not happening. To discern 50lp/mm + resolution, you'll be needing a more powerful loupe.
You're most likely observing the effects of dramatic differences in microcontrast caused by different formats. On smaller formats, because scenes are "condensed" (more to fit on a smaller frame), that has the effect of making everything look snappier or sharper because the contrast gradients are closer together on a given scene. That's why "wide angle" shots often look sharper on a lightbox - there's more detail and texture closer together than with a normal-longer shot of the same scene.
If you're concerned, get a target and test - it doesn't lie and will give you a very good idea of what parameters are observable at given magnifications.
And if you want to find out about how a hood helps - just shoot a scene with and without under "bright" conditions of a high contrast scene - you will be converted forever.
Bookmarks