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Thread: Bellows draw conversion info

  1. #1

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    Bellows draw conversion info

    Hi All, I'm looking for a way to mathematically estimate how much bellows draw I will need on an 11x14 camera for certain lenses at certain magnifications. Anyone have a kind of "cheat sheet" or an equation they can share with me?

    Thanks!

  2. #2

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    Re: Bellows draw conversion info


  3. #3
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Bellows draw conversion info

    Note that bellows calculations operate on the "Flange Focal Length" of the lens, not its optical focal length.

    You must get that number from each lens's datasheet.

    For lenses that are significantly longer or shorter FL than "normal", the FFL can be substantially different.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  4. #4

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    Re: Bellows draw conversion info

    Quote Originally Posted by Leigh View Post
    Note that bellows calculations operate on the "Flange Focal Length" of the lens, not its optical focal length.
    Just to clarify, this is true for setting the base extension, but for additional extension and magnification and exposure adjustment, the optical focal length is used. As a simple example:

    A 200mm optical focal length lens with a flange focal length of 100mm. It needs 100mm of bellows to focus on infinity, but it needs an additional 200mm of extension, not 100mm (300mm total) to focus at 1:1.

  5. #5
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Bellows draw conversion info

    Quote Originally Posted by xkaes View Post
    Just to clarify, this is true for setting the base extension, but for additional extension and magnification and exposure adjustment, the optical focal length is used.
    That's true, however...

    The desired answer is the distance of the lensboard from the film, i.e. the length of the bellows.

    That is the FFL plus the extension due to close focus.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  6. #6

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    Re: Bellows draw conversion info

    Thanks all!

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