I used to have an aero ektar and I took it to the nuclear imaging lab at the hospital where i used to work to have it checked out. The radiation from that particular lens was scarcely above "background" radiation and over 6" away it was indistinguishable from the background radiation using the equipment that lab had (nor, IIRC were there any emissions from the rear cell) The type of radiation wasn't one of the bad kinds---but of course that can change during the course of time---so I kept it in a box I made from "wonderboard"--a cement impregnated fiber glass building material--until I eventually sold it.
It was an interesting investigation and if I ever have another lens made with lanthium glass cells, I'd go back and ask them to check it out for me (there was no charge as the lab techs really curious about that old lens!)
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
Not happy to hear about the health problems, John. Sadly, that's the reality of things... how things like radiation affects us is very personal, at the end of the day.
Do you mean 6 feet? Because that's sort of what I got. The peak levels were in lower wavelength gamma. I don't want to quote numbers just yet.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
Well... my younger brother (ok.. cousin for you, folks from States), died at age of 13. Last 3 months of his life he spent in bath, full of painkillers, b/c his spinal brain bit was slowly disintegrating and there was no cure for this. All b/c his father went and worked under presumably "safe" radiation levels, as contractor, to make some money before second kid to be started.. So, if there is someone in next house that gives up waves of whatever radiation level - i really really wish this person would see eyes of 13 year old kid dying for no reason..
Thats why i am saying that it might be next generation to pay. And i do plan to have kid or two more, so - i am steering away from that stuff as much as i can.
Thank you for the excellent suggestions and advice. It was very helpful and appreciated!
After giving it more thought, I think I will go for a compromise solution and get a 5x7 with a 4x5 back, so that I can try a larger format with a bit less bulk with the same camera. This way I can get started and see where things lead. I really prefer the 4x5 aspect ratio best, so I can upgrade to 8X10 if I like the look of the 5x7.
I spent a lot of time looking at more portraits on the site and find the 8x10 portraits more appealing.
I think to take full advantage of 8x10 I would set up a space to use it at home, where I can keep it set up. I would still use it in the field, but I can't see myself getting too far afield with it on my own without getting an assistant Things really start to add up when all the paraphernalia is taken into account.
I was thinking of renting, but I'm not sure I'd get a got enough of a feel for things in a short period of time.
I'll keep you posted on my developments.
Thanks again,
Serge
You'll probably like 5x7 a lot. It's big enough to really see the ground glass, and the film, when you can find it, is cheaper.
Garrett
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5x7 would be a nice format, but which camera at which price?
If you are trying to keep your options open, weight down, and re-sale price up, then consider a Ritter 8x10 with reducing backs of whatever size you like. You would have some bulk relative to smaller formats but about the same weight.
You could use 8x10 at home, 5x7 out of the car, and 4x5 backpacking for example.
A lot of the older 4x5 cameras were 4x5s! All you need is the 5x7 back. Check out Agfa Anscos, B&Js, etc... two formats for the price of one!
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
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