300-350 mm lens recommendation...

[Leigh]

Drew,

If you are having a vibration problem, then your tripod is not adequate to the task. You are using a tripod, not hand-holding, yes?

I use a massive Majestic tripod that could easily support my car for an oil change. Get a better tripod.

Most 4x5 cameras just don't have the mass to dampen it.

The lens itself has quite sufficient mass to dampen any vibration. The large 300-360mm lenses are huge.

Your claim that the relatively slow movement of a set of shutter blades that weigh maybe 5 grams would cause
vibration in a lens assembly that weighs 1250 grams simply doesn't work mathematically.

- Leigh

[E. von Hoegh]

Drew,

If you are having a vibration problem, then your tripod is not adequate to the task. You are using a tripod, not hand-holding, yes?

I use a massive Majestic tripod that could easily support my car for an oil change. Get a better tripod.


The lens itself has quite sufficient mass to dampen any vibration. The large 300-360mm lenses are huge.

Your claim that the relatively slow movement of a set of shutter blades that weigh maybe 5 grams would cause
vibration in a lens assembly that weighs 1250 grams simply doesn't work mathematically.

- Leigh

Leigh, tape a laser pointer to your lens and put the dot on a distant wall. You might be surprised at the wierd stuff that will happen at some shutter speeds and extensions.

[Drew Wiley]

My tripods are more than adequate! I use big Ries units directly on the platform - no tripod
head, period! I am 1000% NOT guessing. This is just common sense. A big heavy brick of
a lens at the maximum extension of most field cameras is just plain difficult to support,
and all kinds of vibrations get amplified. Maybe your definition of a sharp image in different
than mine. What works perfectly well on a big 8x10 wooden folder can create sheer havoc
on an F2 at long extensions. I know what I am talking about. I use my Sinar mainly for
long lenses - it's equipped with a 28-inch bellows, though I have more recently converted
it from f2 to a Norma for slightly better support. Big lenses per se don't dampen anything -
they just make the problem worse on a lightwt front standard. Two rail clamps on a long
maple rail will help a Sinar or other monorail (or they make an alum. one - I prefer wood for
its dampening properties) - but this is only a partial solution. It's helluva lot easier just to
use a lighter lens in smaller shutter.

[mandoman7]

Leigh, tape a laser pointer to your lens and put the dot on a distant wall. You might be surprised at the wierd stuff that will happen at some shutter speeds and extensions.

A water glass on top of the 4x5 can reveal vibrations amazingly well. Something I heard about on this forum...

[E. von Hoegh]

A water glass on top of the 4x5 can reveal vibrations amazingly well. Something I heard about on this forum...

The laser pointer will show EVERYTHING, even when the water isn't apparently disturbed.

[Frank Petronio]

I have no doubt Copal 3, Ilex 5, and Sinar shutters vibrate more than smaller shutters. That's why I don't use shitty little cameras made of plastic and toothpicks.

[Bill, 70's military B&W]

E. von Hoegh,
I have not tried the laser pointer trick yet, but I want to thank you for putting the idea in my head. I have a lot of problems with movement with long lenses on my 35 mm.
Bill

[E. von Hoegh]

E. von Hoegh,
I have not tried the laser pointer trick yet, but I want to thank you for putting the idea in my head. I have a lot of problems with movement with long lenses on my 35 mm.
Bill

You're welcome. I heard about it from a biathlon coach.