Sergio Ortega
1-Apr-1998, 16:22
I am looking for a lens to cover the 12x20 format and I am getting conflicting a dvice from several dealers/experts specializing in older, used and classic lense s. Strangely, it always seems that the perfect lens for this format is the one the dealer happens to have for sale.
I woulld like to buy a moderately-wide focal length for the 12x20 format, someth ing comparable to a 210-250mm in the 8x10 format. The area of greatest controve rsy seems to be coverage; opinions vary wildly as to the covering power of parti cular lenses.
Assuming the image circle of a particular lens is sufficient to cover 12x20, wit h some movements, how about its sharpness and other characteristics? What sho uld I consider? Which ones should I rule out? What would be a fair price? Any good sources?
Also, I've been reading numerous complaints about older wooden film holders in t he smaller formats: light leaks, poor fit, etc. I've only used new holders in b oth 4x5 and 8x10. Assuming I can find used 12x20 film holders, should I be wary of these? Any recommendations as to style, make, age, cost? I guess I'm real ly asking whether I'm stuck paying about $500 a piece (or more) for these things new?
Also, the issue of film availability. In the past few years I've only seen ads for Ilford FP4 in 12x20 dimensions. Now I no longer see this film advertised. What film(s) is/are still available in this format? Any sources? Would I have to special order, in large amounts? If any of you have thoughts on the contin uing availability of films in this size, I'd appreciate your comments?
And lastly, up to now I've been using large sheets of a graphic-arts type film f or my interpositive enlargements from 4x5 negatives, for contact printing platin um/palladium prints in sizes of about 16x20. Has anyone out there used these ty pes of graphic-arts films in-camera? If so, how did it respond in comparison to "regular" films?
Thanks for your thoughts and advice, Sergio.
I woulld like to buy a moderately-wide focal length for the 12x20 format, someth ing comparable to a 210-250mm in the 8x10 format. The area of greatest controve rsy seems to be coverage; opinions vary wildly as to the covering power of parti cular lenses.
Assuming the image circle of a particular lens is sufficient to cover 12x20, wit h some movements, how about its sharpness and other characteristics? What sho uld I consider? Which ones should I rule out? What would be a fair price? Any good sources?
Also, I've been reading numerous complaints about older wooden film holders in t he smaller formats: light leaks, poor fit, etc. I've only used new holders in b oth 4x5 and 8x10. Assuming I can find used 12x20 film holders, should I be wary of these? Any recommendations as to style, make, age, cost? I guess I'm real ly asking whether I'm stuck paying about $500 a piece (or more) for these things new?
Also, the issue of film availability. In the past few years I've only seen ads for Ilford FP4 in 12x20 dimensions. Now I no longer see this film advertised. What film(s) is/are still available in this format? Any sources? Would I have to special order, in large amounts? If any of you have thoughts on the contin uing availability of films in this size, I'd appreciate your comments?
And lastly, up to now I've been using large sheets of a graphic-arts type film f or my interpositive enlargements from 4x5 negatives, for contact printing platin um/palladium prints in sizes of about 16x20. Has anyone out there used these ty pes of graphic-arts films in-camera? If so, how did it respond in comparison to "regular" films?
Thanks for your thoughts and advice, Sergio.