Is a Fresnel Necessary?

[Vaughn]

I have never cared for fresnels. I find that the same advantage that frenels give can be achieved sufficiently without them by keeping my eye on the same path that the light travels to the GG (by looking at the GG towards the center of the lens).

But then I am weird -- I like cut corners on my GG, also. (for easily checking for image cut-off by camera movements and/or lens hoods).

Vaughn

[IanG]

I agree with Bob, I find a fresnel helps enormously and I much prefer to use a camera with one fitted. With a fresnel I rarely need to use a focus cloth and it's very much easier to work handheld.

In 45 + years in photography I've never heard of or come across focus shift with filters, except with IR films and their approriate cut off filters. Thet aren't lenses

Ian

[Vaughn]

I agree with Bob, I find a fresnel helps enormously and I much prefer to use a camera with one fitted. With a fresnel I rarely need to use a focus cloth and it's very much easier to work handheld.

In 45 + years in photography I've never heard of or come across focus shift with filters, except with IR films and their approriate cut off filters. Thet aren't lenses

Ian

I have heard of focus shift using glass filters behind the lens, but not in front of the lens.

Vaughn

PS -- I like being under the darkcloth! LOL!

[alanbutler57]

Many thanks for all of the information. I knew getting into LF would be completely different vs medium and digital, just didn't realize how different. The re-mounting of the GG was very difficult as the retaining clips barely engage it, so, it probably would be best to get it replaced if it isn't too expensive. More to think about!