305 G-Claron on Linhof Master Technika

[F. William Baker]

Anyone have any experience with a 305 G-Claron or other similar (Rodenstock) len s on a Linof Master Technika? I need to know how much bellows draw when doing t able top product shots to get close to 1/2 life size. I'm presently using a 210 for most of these types of applications. I would also like to use the 305 for p ortraits. Thanks in advance for any and info. F. William Baker - Atelier 5.6 Photography

[Dave Schneidr]

I cannot comment on the cameras you ask about but I use the 305mm G- Claron regularly. To achieve 1/2 life size you will need about 460mm of extension. The G-Claron is like any other lens in that regard, infinity focus when extended to the focal length, life size at twice the focal length. I use the 305 occasionally for studio work doing still lifes in range of 1/4 life size. I use an intermediate standard and a second set of bellows on my Sinar when doing so.

[Jeff Scott]

I used to use that lens on a Technika V; you will not have enough bellows to get to 1/2 life size. At full extension with the bellows tight as a drum you get about 430mm. I'd suggest the 150mm G-Claron for the work you want to do or stick with the 210 you now use.

[Bob Salomon]

Rodenstock Apo Macro Sironar 120mm or 180mm will allow you to do this. They are corrected for 3 dimensional originals from 1:5 to 2:1and will more then cover 45.

[Julio Fernandez]

William: the ~300 mm F is a little too long for the closeups you have in mind with the Master Technika. I have the Apo Ronar 300mm and it it definitely is too long with my MT. I have used the Symmar S 150mm for that purpose and found it excellent. Yes, the G-Claron and other process lenses are optimized for closer distances and as with the Ronar, its distortion is "0", yes, "0" at 1:1. However the 6 element Symmar is almost symmetrical reason why it does so well at close distances. If you already have such a lens in the F150mm try it. The 210 is borderline long but the long bellows extension of the MT compensates for that. Unless you are doing process work that requires absolutely minimum distortion, I'd try a symmar 150mm or the equivalent Rodenstock first as the advantages of the macro lenses may go unnoticed, and besides, these lenses are more versatile. Coverage is not problem at all at close distances with any of those lenses and no reason to consider a macro.

[Paul Schilliger]

Just as a side, with the Technikas it's important not to stretch the bellows too much. When the pleats are too open, the bellows won't work well at containing stray light and the image contrast mig ht suffer. Light bouncing inside the bellows can even fog some parts of the image if there is a bright clear sky or u nshaded light source. A well adjusted compendium can help.