Miscl. Meniscii

[Jim Galli]

A thread for images made with a single meniscus lens whether expensive, like Portland or cheap like found in the trash as these first 2 are....

Please post your work with these hyper-personality lenses.


http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/1929_Phaeton/HomeMadeLens-Dagor/ModelAWeepeingWillows_1s.jpg
model a, weeping willows

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/1929_Phaeton/HomeMadeLens-Dagor/ModelAWeepeingWillows_2s.jpg
model a, weeping willows ii

The lens was a rescue and is really proving to be a pleasing picture maker. It was the main optic of an old Korean war era tracking telescope where I work. A co-worker had taken it apart to clean it up after 55 years in the weather and the main optic was very hazy (still is). Since he had a NOS one in the locker he had discarded this one and when I looked at it, it was obvious that it was a meniscus like the front of a petzval. I put it in pocket and later checked it's focal length, 375mm f5. A very useful size for LF. After everyone had gone home I checked several ABS waste pipe fittings and found that it was very close to fitting into a 3 inch male adapter. I chucked the male adaper into a lathe and turned until the optic would fit nicely.

These were done yesterday afternoon with the Kodak 2D 8X10. Wide open is all she's got.

[papah]

These are fresh from this week-end, on my Linhof III and CameraFusion digital back:

http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/lenses/Unnamed%20Meniscus%20Open.jpg
Maker Unknown, ~12 inch, wheel-stop removed

http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/lenses/Underwood%20Meniscus%20Open.jpg
Underwood Meniscus ~10 inch, iris removed

http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/lenses/Imagon-no%20aperture.jpg
Imagon 200mm, wide open, no diffusion wheel

[Steven Tribe]

Very Interesting - but not a surprise!

[goamules]

Excellent thread idea Jim! This was posted elsewhere too. 8x10 paper neg with Taylor Taylor Hobson Rapid View lens, at about F7.5.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4823899893_5ac693f386_b.jpg

[mandoman7]

A thread for images made with a single meniscus lens whether expensive, like Portland or cheap like found in the trash as these first 2 are....These were done yesterday afternoon with the Kodak 2D 8X10. Wide open is all she's got.

MacGyver of the Desert! With a great eye to boot. These two compositions really work for me, Jim.

[kissssss]

So nice! I just wonder how the ground glass viewing was when you focused... blur and glare same the results?

I took the front group of Voitgtlander Euryscop no.2 out, looked on the ground glass and saw it seam glare and blur but I couldn't focus to sharpest ability.

[Jim Galli]

So nice! I just wonder how the ground glass viewing was when you focused... blur and glare same the results?

I took the front group of Voitgtlander Euryscop no.2 out, looked on the ground glass and saw it seam glare and blur but I couldn't focus to sharpest ability.

Yes, doubtless that non image forming light, or glare, is part of the formula. I always bring the focus clear in front of the object and then just let it go back in.


These are fresh from this week-end, on my Linhof III and CameraFusion digital back:

Love that underwood. All are great.

[Stephane]

Back from the holidays, so here we go:

Lancaster 340(?) without the barrel
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4837438973_e563322071_b.jpg

Suter Landscape Lens
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4838037024_51d8058c2b_o.jpg

Overcame crowd shyness with 8x10 sinar... Lancaster quite closed (bright day), red filter to separate church roof from sky (and burned red tourists from beach). Collioure, France (my home).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4838037420_d1bd63308d_o.jpg

[Diane Maher]

Stephane,
I like how in that last one that the man is looking at you, but he is the only one who even notices you. Nice shot!

[JoeV]

Drive train, rusted old chain and sprocket "gifted" to me by my brother-in-law from Tuscon.

8"x10" nested box camera, 150mm binocular lens stopped down to 17mm aperture, camera f.l. extended to ~310mm for effective aperture of f/19, 2 second exposure on preflashed grade 2 paper negative.

~Joe

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4854506959_922c7a7a85_b.jpg

[JoeV]

Monster, clay figure crafted by my grandson, the arms and head articulate.

8"x10" nested box camera, 150mm binocular lens at f/20, 2 second exposure on preflashed grade 2 paper negative.

~Joe
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4855125988_2792df56d6_b.jpg

[Stephane]

Lancaster out of its barel. Intense back lighting.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4867847887_7cc02ee424_b.jpg

[Andrew Plume]

Stephane

That's terrific - it wouldn't be the lens from a Lancaster that you bought from.......would it..........?

andrew

[Stephane]

Stephane

That's terrific - it wouldn't be the lens from a Lancaster that you bought from.......

andrew ...you?
Thats the one! Nice glass, small size. Meniscus lenses are great for their softness or sharpness. Also, you only need one lens cap :)

[Andrew Plume]

...you?
Thats the one! Nice glass, small size. Meniscus lenses are great for their softness or sharpness. Also, you only need one lens cap :)

Stephane - great - very pleased that it's with a very 'creative home'

best


andrew

[papah]

New-to-me Darlot Pill-box, Linhof, Camerafusion Digital back:
http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/lenses/Darlot1-BW.jpg

[Scott --]

Great. Now I need a meniscus lens. :p

[Scott --]

Posted also to the "Cemeteries" thread:

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/smpsweeps/0049.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/smpsweeps/0048b.jpg

Rearranged half-a-Petzval, about 9" FL and f/7.7.

[Jim Graves]

A no-name 240 mm miniscus Whole Plate printed in carbon

http://home.comcast.net/~mary.j.graves/Soft Focus Carbon web copy 2.jpg

[Darryl Baird]

Excellent thread idea Jim! This was posted elsewhere too. 8x10 paper neg with Taylor Taylor Hobson Rapid View lens, at about F7.5.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4823899893_5ac693f386_b.jpg

Garret, what's the focal length of this lens? I love the soft/sharp filament and how the texture of the metal is rendered. ... like it a LOT

I think I'd like to buy a lens like that... what are its marking?

-Darryl

[goamules]

Darryl,
This one was a 10 inch Taylor Taylor Hobson. I say was, because I did sell it on this board, because I have another one. Look up the TTH "Rapid View Portrait", "Rapid View" (same lens, just the iris only goes down to f11) or later when Cooke remade them because of demand it was called the "Portrait Achromat". Dan's article here (http://www.antiquecameras.net/softfocuslenses2.html), or there is info on the Cooke site. It was a very famous lens, generations before the Veritos and such. It was probably one of the first true Soft Focus lenses, purpose built.

Here is one of mine:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4768691034_6c2c0ea58e_o.jpg

[Jim collum]

4 various meniscus (menisci? )

From Mr. Galli

shot thru the Betterlight


http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/1/2/2010922_001.jpg

http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/1/2/2010922_002.jpg


http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/1/2/2010922_003.jpg


http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/1/2/2010922_004.jpg

[Stephane]

4 various meniscus (menisci? )

You got nice pictures for sure...
Are these originally meniscii, or are parts of a lens?
I presume is is 4x5 format, so what where the FL?

[Jim Galli]

I think I like the third one best. It has the best contrast and color and the shimmering gold behind the 'pot' really pops. Interesting.

[jan labij]

Loved jim collum's images----hints of my favorite impressionist school of painting. I had never thought of using a single lens this way. If I am ever able to afford one, I had in mind longer land scapes.

[ustas]

"the cut" Imagon 300mm 13x18 scan neg

http://ipicture.ru/uploads/101004/10430/Rf3b3OlJSS.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

[Jim collum]

You got nice pictures for sure...
Are these originally meniscii, or are parts of a lens?
I presume is is 4x5 format, so what where the FL?

the FL varied from 6- about 9"

[eddie]

"the cut" Imagon 300mm 13x18 scan neg


great shot!

[Jim collum]

One of Jim Galli's offerings to me... very back focused (but everything in the images is optical, rather than digital)

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showpost.php?p=635245&postcount=831

[Jon Wilson]

Donnelly mist taken with a Galli Meniscus

[ustas]

Thanks eddie!
Jim, very interesting images especially in colour!
Jon, nice picture too!
It seems, Galli`s "creations" are in the right hands :)

here is one more, named "bleeding", taken with Imagon 300mm

http://ipicture.ru/uploads/101006/10430/RnxP2Kmtz7.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/MisclMenisci/12Darlot/12DarlotMenis_JoshuaTreeS.jpg
joshua tree

12" Darlot Landscape uncorked

[Jim Galli]

'nother one, same lens.


http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/MisclMenisci/12Darlot/Window12DarlotMenisSa.jpg
window, campbells chevrolet

[Stephane]

12" Darlot Landscape uncorked

Woaw! That's amazing, crazy effect!
French meniscii... hopefully one will come my way.

[Jon Wilson]

Here is a link to some images taken with a couple of meniscus lens...Galli Meniscus et al. The most recent ones were taken at Yellowstone a couple of weeks ago. http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=11871902
Jon

[Maris Rusis]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1431/5165526112_da6f6a12c0_z.jpg
Glasses and Pears

Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant111 FB VC, image area 24.7cm X 19.5cm, from a Fomapan 200 negative exposed in a Tachihara 8x10 camera with a 400mm single meniscus lens set at f11.

[ustas]

Glasses and Pears

Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant111 FB VC, image area 24.7cm X 19.5cm, from a Fomapan 200 negative exposed in a Tachihara 8x10 camera with a 400mm single meniscus lens set at f11.

beautiful shot! love it!

[papah]

I've recently modified an Imagon by replacing the strainer with an iris, an idea I got from Mark Sawyer, I think. Went for a walk yesterday with the Imagon on my Linhof and CameraFusion digital back:

http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/Imagon/Arboretum-03.jpg

Twelve shots from the walk are here:
http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/portfolio/#/content/029-Arboretum/

It's a magical meniscus, and I don't have to worry about the highlight patterns that the strainer aperture often gives.

[Jim Galli]

I've recently modified an Imagon by replacing the strainer with an iris, an idea I got from Mark Sawyer, I think. Went for a walk yesterday with the Imagon on my Linhof and CameraFusion digital back:

Twelve shots from the walk are here:
http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/portfolio/#/content/029-Arboretum/

It's a magical meniscus, and I don't have to worry about the highlight patterns that the strainer aperture often gives.

Mesmerized! I never thought I would covet a CameraFusion digital back, but.....

there goes the 10th commandment.

[ustas]

I've recently modified an Imagon by replacing the strainer with an iris, an idea I got from Mark Sawyer, I think. Went for a walk yesterday with the Imagon on my Linhof and CameraFusion digital back:

It's a magical meniscus, and I don't have to worry about the highlight patterns that the strainer aperture often gives.

Truly mesmerized!
I love the Imagon too! This image was taken without strainer disk
http://ipicture.ru/s1.uploads/20101114/gqEpcPMD.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

[Emil Schildt]

Mesmerized! I never thought I would covet a CameraFusion digital back, but.....

there goes the 10th commandment.

mesmerized, yes...

But.....

when I see they have been exposed digitally, I can't help feeling a little dissapointed.

Maybe because it shows something I can't do, and something I will never be able to do...

One thing though: the slideshow of the rest of the pictures makes me want to try out colour photography (I only wish I had places this colorfull........).

At this school - right now - there is a short course in painting. I know the short course students would love to see this!!
They all look a little like impressionistic paintings!

Beautiful - but out of my reach...

[Emil Schildt]

Truly mesmerized!
I love the Imagon too! This image was taken without strainer disk
http://ipicture.ru/s1.uploads/20101114/gqEpcPMD.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

beautiful!

Ustas: what lens don't you have?......:cool: :rolleyes:

[ustas]

beautiful!

Ustas: what lens don't you have?......:cool: :rolleyes:

Well... with certainty I can say, I have no Struss lens(
I shuold be a good Struss Pictorial lens owner I swear! :)

It`s funny, but I start thinking about colour shooting too :)

[Mark Sawyer]

Beautiful work with your Imagon, Bruce! Just the right match of optics-to-subject-to-mood. With that sort of imagery, I guess I can forgive the digital back... ;)

And Ustas, I've really come to look forward to seeing your work!

[papah]

Beautiful work with your Imagon, Bruce! Just the right match of optics-to-subject-to-mood. With that sort of imagery, I guess I can forgive the digital back... ;)

And Ustas, I've really come to look forward to seeing your work!

Thanks, Mark. Here is one from today, with my Darlot pill-box:
http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/PinkhamSmith/Darlot-1.jpg

digital capture...

[Stephane]

Sophie through a 24" Sutter Basel Landscape Meniscus out of barrel (f/8). I really like its settled softness.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5195663307_497cc0cf26_b.jpg

[Jim Galli]

Thanks, Mark. Here is one from today, with my Darlot pill-box:


digital capture...


Sophie through a 24" Sutter Basel Landscape Meniscus out of barrel (f/8). I really like its settled softness.



Wow! & Wow! I've got a 24" Lancaster that I've never played with. Need to.

[jan labij]

Hey papah, that color shot really blew me away. I've never shot color (other than 35mm), but maybe I better start.

[renes]

Sophie through a 24" Sutter Basel Landscape Meniscus out of barrel (f/8). I really like its settled softness.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5195663307_497cc0cf26_b.jpg

Wonderful softness, most of all I have seen with your lenses.

[papah]

Hey papah, that color shot really blew me away. I've never shot color (other than 35mm), but maybe I better start.

Thanks, Jan. Here is the last shot of the day with the Imagon:
http://hemingway.cs.washington.edu/posts/Imagon/Imagon-1.jpg

Stephanie: the portrait of Sophie is fantastic! Soft, with definition! I'm in love!

[ustas]

Wonderful softness, most of all I have seen with your lenses.
I agree with that! Perfect portrait!

[ustas]

http://ipicture.ru/uploads/20101122/Roo72lPh.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

Kalosat. 13x18 Ilford FP4 PLUS

[Jim Galli]

http://ipicture.ru/uploads/20101122/Roo72lPh.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

Kalosat. 13x18 Ilford FP4 PLUS

Very beautiful and I'm curious. What part does the quartz glass play here, ie. how would this look different done with an identical meniscus that was made of ordinary glass?

[Stephane]

Sorry to deceive you, but my name is Stephane, not Stephanie. This means I am a guy. People have made the mistake before, so I ended up in a woman's dorm for few nights. Damn me, I was too young to grasp the opportunity... Then it happened again few times, but I was married.

[Ramiro Elena]

I get people confused with my last name (Elena) even when they're right in front of me holding my ID.
Anyway its your lens what counts here (the one in your camera, not the one in your front pocket.)

[ustas]

Very beautiful and I'm curious. What part does the quartz glass play here, ie. how would this look different done with an identical meniscus that was made of ordinary glass?

Thanks Jim!
I understand your curiosity, but the idea to take another shot with a different meniscus didn`t come across to my head.

[papah]

Sorry to deceive you, but my name is Stephane, not Stephanie. This means I am a guy. People have made the mistake before, so I ended up in a woman's dorm for few nights. Damn me, I was too young to grasp the opportunity... Then it happened again few times, but I was married.

Oops, my apologies.

It's still a wonderful portrait...

[Maris Rusis]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5185649159_b981347b60_b.jpg
Bottles and Tumbler

Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 VC FB, image area 24.7cm x 19.6cm, from a Fomapan 200 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension view camera fitted with a 400mm f7.5 single meniscus lens.

[ustas]

http://ipicture.ru/uploads/20101123/48Ugqvfv.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

"A seashell"
Kalosat f/6.3 4x5 Fujicolor 160NS

[jan labij]

Yes the portrait of Sophie is drop dead gorgeous. I like the seashell also. What has kept me away from color is the + or - 1/2 degree in the processing. I can't control the temps that well!!

[ustas]

http://ipicture.ru/uploads/20101126/MAK360Iw.jpg (http://ipicture.ru/)

"There was a time"
Kalosat, wide open,
13x18 Ilford FP4+

[Stephane]

Urna, as seen through a E.Anthony that Milan sold me.

Maybe 12", f/8?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5226955994_5812b91805_b.jpg

[Stephane]

Urna

Sutter basel landscape meniscus out of barrel f/8
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5226956364_5372ec1735_b.jpg

[goamules]

I really like seeing all your different iterations of soft. Very fun for us all!

[Stephane]

Thanks mister!
It is fun for me too! I enjoy the interaction with models very much, and I also like the results (otherwise I wouldn't post).

[Ramiro Elena]

It is fun for me too! I enjoy the interaction with models very much.

That's a good thing, for some of us not good with people it's a real hassle. I have an argument with my lady everytime I try to photograph her :S

[ustas]

http://s2.ipicture.ru/uploads/20101208/jzjITYOX.jpg (http://s2.ipicture.ru/)

"Rest in Peace"
Spencer-Portland wide open
8x10 Fujifilm Acros 100

[Stephane]

E. Anthony out of barrel (f/8). About 300mm.

Guro with the moos
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5232029753_de0aab3648_b.jpg

[Emil Schildt]

E. Anthony out of barrel (f/8). About 300mm.

Guro with the moos


THIS I LIKE!!

Gotta love humour in photography...

[Emil Schildt]

Tried out my "new" Taylor, Taylor and Hobson RV meniscus type lens.
Full aperture (removed from barrel)

my garden:

http://www.apug.org/gallery1/files/4/8/8/7/have2.jpg

an owl....

http://www.apug.org/gallery1/files/4/8/8/7/ugle1.jpg

[maurits]

First test with a no name funky old meniscus I found...

http://www.rexmundi.nl/photo/meniscus_01.jpg

Adox CHS 25 5x7" - I didn't use the sieve on the lens, only the barrel.

http://www.rexmundi.nl/photo/_DSC8518.jpg

Over the weekend, I will try some old buildings.

Cheers, Maurits



.

[eddie]

Nice shot Maurits.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Natalie, with only the rear elements of a Gasc Chaconet.

Jim

[walter23]

Vancouver's Granville Bridge with an old box camera meniscus on my speed graphic:

http://visualfiction.org/zenphoto/albums/4x5new/sm-img011.jpg

And a tree (don't much care for this one; the high contrast makes the soft focus look weird).

http://visualfiction.org/zenphoto/albums/4x5new/sm-img010.jpg

[Jon Wilson]

Here are my first attempts with my 9 inch Struss...I know it can produce great images...I look forward to seeing what images I can produce with this lens.

Jon

[Jim Galli]

Here are my first attempts with my 9 inch Struss...I know it can produce great images...I look forward to seeing what images I can produce with this lens.

Jon

Good stuff Jon. I love the Struss lenses. Wish I could have had the 21" that came and went. Your tones look great. They're sharper than you think. Details are all there, but very pleasingly soft too, and the out of focus areas are wonderful.

[Jon Wilson]

Thanks Jim. The Struss lens is a gem! I too wish I could have had the coin for that 21 inch Struss. I wonder who ended up with it? Anyone here on the forum? Jon

[renes]

My first meniscus photo.
6" lens f/6.3, took out from shutter of Kodak No.3A Authographic camera and fitted to Compound shutter and than to my Bergheil 6x9 (hope you do not mind it's not LF).
Plus-X and D-76.

I took similar shots with Heliar and Aplanat but my wife liked this menisci most.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8435/menisci.jpg

[Jim Galli]

Who could blame her. Beautiful portrait of a lovely lady.

[bobpin]

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu222/bobpin/Documentary/BigWong.jpg

Unknown meniscus on 4x5 camera, HP5+ processed with 510-pyro 1:300 16mins

[renes]

Who could blame her. Beautiful portrait of a lovely lady.

Thanks Jim.

I chose this one, the same lens:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2563/menisci2.jpg

[Maris Rusis]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5284664592_5d10b024bb_b.jpg
Agave and Herbs, Soft Focus

Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 VC FB, image area 19.6cm X 24,7cm, from a Fomapan 200 8x10 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension field view camera with a 400mm f11 single meniscus lens.

[mdm]

Agave and Herbs, Soft Focus

Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 VC FB, image area 19.6cm X 24,7cm, from a Fomapan 200 8x10 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension field view camera with a 400mm f11 single meniscus lens.

That is really very good Maris. Leaves like flames. Thanks for posting.

[Ramiro Elena]

This is with the front cemented doublet from my dad's Petzval. It converts to 300mm ƒ5 aprox. Shot with the 5x7 Sinar

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5326930662_9cdf72837e_b.jpg

[Jim Galli]

This is with the front cemented doublet from my dad's Petzval. It converts to 300mm ƒ5 aprox. Shot with the 5x7 Sinar



Nice!

[Mark Sawyer]

This is with the front cemented doublet from my dad's Petzval. It converts to 300mm ƒ5 aprox. Shot with the 5x7 Sinar


I agree with Jim, quite lovely! I notice the highlight "glow" seems to radiate to the outward side from the center of the frame. Would this classify it as coma rather than spherical aberration?

[Ramiro Elena]

Thanks. This is with the front piece reversed. The spherical aberration with its normal orientation is very evident. I want to try it with a portrait. I like how the flowers in the shadow project a dark glow.

[Paul Fitzgerald]

"This is with the front cemented doublet from my dad's Petzval."

You may want to try the other cell alone also, it would be even softer.

[Ramiro Elena]

"This is with the front cemented doublet from my dad's Petzval."

You may want to try the other cell alone also, it would be even softer.

The air spaced doublet in the back or just one of its components?

[Paul Fitzgerald]

"The air spaced doublet in the back or just one of its components?"

The whole air spaced doublet.

Sorry to be late, have fun with it.

[Stephane]

Diva Grotesque
Thought I post it in this thread, as a magnifying glass can be considered as a meniscus.

360/3
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5336105786_198a98d1d0_b.jpg

[Stephane]

Benedicte, though the front element of a 16" Vitax at f/6.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5400583563_94d3009afa_b.jpg

[Ramiro Elena]

Surprisingly sharp!

[Stephane]

Yes, but look at the pearls... Maybe I should have pulled the rear more towards me, but it was at maximum bellow extension... The meniscus have a roughly 666 mm FL (nice number?).

[eddie]

playig with some soft focus lenses. i am trying to dial it all in. neg exposure and printing exposure seems to really have an affect. a few of my wide open shots were a bit too much so i need to shoot some more sheets.

but for now here is an 18 inch spencer port-land on 4x5 at f8

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/3/5/7/8/5/0/webimg/444851403_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/3/5/7/8/5/0/webimg/444851415_o.jpg

[goamules]

5x7 Tri-X Kodak 405.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5472252081_16b1c4fd46_b.jpg

[Jon Wilson]

5x7 Tri-X Kodak 405.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5472252081_16b1c4fd46_b.jpg

Very nice Garrett. Jon

[Jon Wilson]

playig with some soft focus lenses. i am trying to dial it all in. neg exposure and printing exposure seems to really have an affect. a few of my wide open shots were a bit too much so i need to shoot some more sheets.

but for now here is an 18 inch spencer port-land on 4x5 at f8

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/3/5/7/8/5/0/webimg/444851403_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/3/5/7/8/5/0/webimg/444851415_o.jpg

Looks like fun lens Eddie. Was that one of the large neighborhood cats that was bothering you? Take it down with a with 270? Jon

[taulen]

Gave this meniscus thing a chance.
Its a pretty large convex lens element, about 10cm in diameter, and aprox 100mm in focal length. But too mount it I glued it to a cheap lens-board. So its aproximately an f2 lens.
So here it comes.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5518232671_8a9c0f5175_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/taulen/5518232671/)
Hennessy XO cognac - 4x5 (soft focus) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/taulen/5518232671/) by taulen (http://www.flickr.com/people/taulen/), on Flickr

[Scott --]

Jonny, that is sweeeet!

[Pipit]

My first tried with the 4" Achromatic meniscus after getting it from Jim. Both shot on Shanghai Film. Not yet done with my darkroom rebuild so the scans are from my negatives.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk46/PipitJ/LF2011-16.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk46/PipitJ/LF2011-17.jpg

[taulen]

Jonny, that is sweeeet!

Thank you so much Scott =)

[eddie]

My first tried with the 4" Achromatic meniscus after getting it from Jim. Both shot on Shanghai Film. Not yet done with my darkroom rebuild so the scans are from my negatives.]

that second shot reminds me of tonsai and railey beach. where is it?

[Pipit]

that second shot reminds me of tonsai and railey beach. where is it?


Eddie you has a very good memory. Yes, it's Railley beach, Krabi. :)

[eddie]

Eddie you has a very good memory. Yes, it's Railley beach, Krabi. :)

excellent. do you live there? i have very good friends living there. we need to talk. i love Thailand. i lived there for most of a 7 years stint. i will be back in july -oct of 2011. lets meet up.

eddie

[Pipit]

excellent. do you live there? i have very good friends living there. we need to talk. i love Thailand. i lived there for most of a 7 years stint. i will be back in july -oct of 2011. lets meet up.

eddie


I'm not living in Krabi but my hometown is "Phang Nga" which is very near by. I normally work in Bangkok but go back there quite often. Do let me know when you come so we could meet up.

[ThePhilosopher]

One of Jim's Meniscus Lenses+Expired Plus-X (I really wish I hadn't clipped off her foot in the second shot):
http://www.bartkophoto.com/Alex/Alex_F_0003.jpg
http://www.bartkophoto.com/Alex/Alex_F_0002.jpg

[taulen]

One of Jim's Meniscus Lenses+Expired Plus-X (I really wish I hadn't clipped off her foot in the second shot):


I like these :D And you are right, shame with the feet =/ Good work tho =)

[Jim Galli]

Some great stuff going on here.

A new one done today;


http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/4sale060907/135F7Gundy_10.jpg
the long hood

A little uncorked Wollensak Junior 135mm f7 on 4X5

[David Aimone]

Thank you Jim! Your little meniscus in Efke/Pyro-MC
http://www.davidaimone.com/img/s1/v20/p263076212-4.jpg

[Kirk Gittings]

Very nice Jim.


Some great stuff going on here.

A new one done today;


http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/4sale060907/135F7Gundy_10.jpg
the long hood

A little uncorked Wollensak Junior 135mm f7 on 4X5

[David Aimone]

Thanks again, Jim!
http://www.davidaimone.com/img/s1/v20/p1066591662-4.jpg

[David Aimone]

Same lens as the portrait and flower below, but in a landscape setting. I'm not sure the aperture used, thought it was wide open but I'd find that hard to believe. If so, it's sharper at a distance than I thought it would be!

http://www.davidaimone.com/img/v20/p336751867-4.jpg

[Stephane]

Nice one! At least you wont get droplets on the front element!

[Stephane]

Alina, through Steven's Port-Land 18" @ f/6

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5077/5815787350_559a521422_b.jpg

[David Aimone]

Another image with my Mr. Galli setup, wide open:

http://www.davidaimone.com/img/v34/p866647083-4.jpg

[Jim Galli]

OK, how do I do this without seeming to be self serving :cool:

That is a gorgeous image.

[ImSoNegative]

Here are a couple i shot today testing out this meniscus lens i bought from Jim, i used it on a 5x7 korona view

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6448068991_588700979d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28713901@N04/6448068991/)
testing out a meniscus lens on 5x7 II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28713901@N04/6448068991/) by J. Golden (http://www.flickr.com/people/28713901@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6448069167_063071e3f3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28713901@N04/6448069167/)
testing out a meniscus lens on 5x7 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28713901@N04/6448069167/) by J. Golden (http://www.flickr.com/people/28713901@N04/), on Flickr

[ImSoNegative]

lots and lots of newton rings on that last one

[jcoldslabs]

Just posted this in the "Still Life" thread but it seems more appropriate here. (Sorry, I'm new. If cross-posting is a no-no just smack me upside the head!)

Portra 160 4x5, expired 2001. Single element loupe as the lens. Pacemaker Speed Graphic.

Texture/grain artifacts are a result of my unfamiliarity with the scanning equipment (Microtek i900).

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Dying%20Tulips.jpg

[northcarolinajack]

This is an abandon house from an abandon mill village so common in North Carolina 70 years ago. I have been enjoying the Scovill len.

Camera – Old Speed Graflex with Scovill Lens shot with Ilford HP4 process in HC110

Jack


www.facebook.com/pages/Jack-Harris-Photography/109348465760954

[Mark Sawyer]

Just posted this in the "Still Life" thread but it seems more appropriate here. (Sorry, I'm new. If cross-posting is a no-no just smack me upside the head!)

Cross-posting is only acceptable if the image is wonderful. Yours qualifies! :)

[Axon990]

http://i.imgur.com/fuH4t.jpg

My younger sister, where she can be found most hours of the day.

Front element from a pair of binoculars duct-taped to a Seneca 4x5 camera, with the ground glass slightly out of alignment (hence the out-of-focus face). 20sec exposure on Fotokemika Varykon RC paper cut to fit in a holder. Developed in D-76 for ten-ish minutes in a primitive non-heated darkroom.

[jcoldslabs]

Cross-posting is only acceptable if the image is wonderful. Yours qualifies!

Mark,

High praise, thank you. I am very happy with the image--a happy surprise upon scanning the negative. I did very little to the scan other than remove dust. The color saturation for such old film surprised me. Admittedly, there may have been some "auto" settings on the scanner at play here that I have not yet changed. I'm getting better, though. Scanning is an art I have yet to master.

As a relative newcomer to these forums I am happy to report my image posts have been received with warmth and kindness. I hope to return the favor over time.

Jonathan

[goamules]

Struss Pictorial Lens 9" on 5x7 FP4. I'm really glad I took some time to work with this lens over Christmas.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6584427861_c8bbea04dd_o.png

[Jon Wilson]

14 inch Dallmeyer #2 Rapid Landscape with the barrel removed (meniscus). The Yellow Lilly was too washed out for me, but this should be an interesting lens.

[Jon Wilson]

Here are a couple of shots taken with my 9 inch Struss.

[goamules]

Good to see some soft focus in color, Jon. Hey, you might want to post the Struss shots in the Struss thread: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=78953

[Jon Wilson]

Good to see some soft focus in color, Jon. Hey, you might want to post the Struss shots in the Struss thread: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=78953

Thanks Garrett. I will do so. Do we have a Spencer Port-Land thread started? I picked a 9" inch on recently. :D

[eddie]

Thanks Garrett. I will do so. Do we have a Spencer Port-Land thread started? I picked a 9" inch on recently. :D

Yup. Get to it. Ask ken lee.

[adamc]

I picked up a few meniscus lenses from Surplus Shed and stuck them on the front of my Speed Graphic using a contraption made from plywood, wood glue, and black paint. These are from the 250mm. Both are around f/4.


http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6037/7002738721_0f4e2afcef_z.jpg
scanned neg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/7002738221_b7b093008f_z.jpg
scanned neg

[Mark Sawyer]

Lovely work, and a lovely effect from the lens, Adam.

[adamc]

Thanks Mark!

[Darryl Baird]

excellent sharing and info...

do you have the part numbers handy?
I love SS, but their catalog is daunting to browse through.... fatigue sets in about 20 pages deep. ;)

-Darryl

[adamc]

Darryl ,

Here's the info from my invoice:
SKU: L7135 Lens: PMN, Dia: 46.8, Focal: 250, Coated, $4

It took a few attempts to come up with a design that works well, and I was looking for a lens that gave me a nice flat/even image at infinity. Some other lenses gave me really funky results - and not in a good way. This one is nice.
I attached a couple pictures of the setup too, I made two boards with 2 holes each for apertures, placed about 3/4 inch in front of the lens. They work well with no vignetting, and they are close enough to f/6, f/8, f/16, f/22 to accurately meter.



71066 71067

Adam

[cdholden]

Adam,
I like the "aperture box". It's not self-contained like the wheel design of old, but still just as functional, and probably easier to make... also easier to add other boards for "stopping down" further.
Good work!

Chris

[adamc]

"Aperture box", I like it!
I couldn't think of a good name for this thing, but that's perfect. Thanks Chris.

[Reinhold Schable]

Many do not realize is that Photography's very first designed lens was/is the Wollaston Meniscus, as invented by William Wollaston (England, 1812).

Upon first viewing the ground glass one is greeted with the challenge of focusing such a primitive objective.
There's a "learning curve" involved with a Wollaston Meniscus.
Here are two examples of a 285mm lens at f:5.6 and f:11, shot on 5x7 FP4.

The configuration of the 285mm lens is the same as the 190mm shown on a Speed Graphic lensboard.

More about these lenses here:

www.Re-inventedPhotoEquip.com

Reinhold

71085 71086 71087

[buggz]

Sinar f2 - simple meniscus lens in Polaroid shutter - 3sec. bulb "guess"
Lens build from Jim Galli.
Crop from scanned 4x5 instant FUJI FP-100C45

"Kitty Dreams"
http://www.cornbread.com/~buggz/KittyDreams-03.jpg

[Jim Galli]

Sinar f2 - simple meniscus lens in Polaroid shutter - 3sec. bulb "guess"
Lens build from Jim Galli.
Crop from scanned 4x5 instant FUJI FP-100C45

"Kitty Dreams"
http://www.cornbread.com/~buggz/KittyDreams-03.jpg

Nice to see a color shot with one of those. Notice how there's no color fringing. Nice glow but the achromatic effect of the 2 cemented glasses cancels the color fringe you get with a 'simple' meniscus like a 2F99.

Put tags around your url for it to come up here.

[buggz]

Ahh, so, it's cemented pair, I will edit my metadata template, thanks.
I really like this, I only opened it in ACR, spot removed the dust, and cropped.
I tried my CS5 digital workflow, didn't like the results from any of the actions.
It doesn't need any stinking PP.
I like it.
I now REALLY NEED to learn to load 4x5 sheet film, AND get a meter device.

[adamc]

Here is another one from yesterday evening. I used my "aperture box" with a yellow filter.
I have yet to print any of these, I'm wondering if they'll lose their appeal without the backlighting of the computer monitor...We'll see this weekend.


Minnehaha Creek, bridge
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7049103225_b4993dd31d_c.jpg
scanned neg

[Kirk Gittings]

Damn man-that is gorgeous.

[cdholden]

Indeed.
On the right paper, I think this would make a very nice print.

[adamc]

Thanks guys! It means a lot coming from you.

[Ramiro Elena]

That lens you made is fantastic. It would be cool to stick it behind a shutter.

[cdholden]

Or on a board, in front of a Sinar shutter.

[jcoldslabs]

Testing out an old loupe as a lens, taped to some cardboard on the front of my Speed Graphic. Shot on ten year expired Portra 400.

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Loupe-Seedling.jpg
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Jonathan

[David Brunell]

"Minnehaha Creek, bridge"

WOW adamc, pictorialism at it's best. Really, really good.

[SergeiR]

Wollaston lense 285mm , Adox 25 4x5, hand shutter

-1-
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5191/6911881578_db5a0be362_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/6911881578/)
Bench: Experiments with Wollaston Lense (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/6911881578/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

-2-
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5155/6911881718_b8742ecfa5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/6911881718/)
Morning: Experiments with Wollaston Lense (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/6911881718/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[buggz]

4x5 Sinar f2 - cemeted pair meniscus from Jim Galli - Fuji Instant
Swirlly background, wee...
http://www.cornbread.com/~buggz/RedRose.jpg

[Jon Wilson]

7679076791Picked up what appears to be a 16 inch Darlot achromatic pill box lens. Here is a quick picture taken in the yard with this lens without the barrel with an estimated f6 and with the barrel at an estimated f12. These are a couple of quick scans of the WP film with my Epson 4870. Thoughts appreciated. Thanks. Jon

[jcoldslabs]

This afternoon I taped a small Series VII close-up lens to a piece of cardboard and taped that whole business to the front of my 2D 8x10. To my surprise it has a 19" focal length. This was just a test in the back yard, but it has potential.


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Back-Yard-CU-Lens.jpg



And here's a detail crop of the foreground:

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Back-Yard-CU-Lens-DETAIL.jpg

Jonathan

[Mark Sawyer]

This afternoon I taped a small Series VII close-up lens to a piece of cardboard and taped that whole business to the front of my 2D 8x10.

Nifty! :)

[jcoldslabs]

Nifty! :)

It kinda was! I love not knowing what to expect when I start out. The exposure was ten seconds so most all of the tree branches and leaves blurred from the wind, but at least the exposure worked well enough to test the lens. Now to find a forest with some nymphs running around....

....OK, not running around. Sitting still would be better with exposure times like these!

Jonathan

[Ramiro Elena]

Testing out (sorry Mark) a front piece of a Petzval mounted on a Compound #3 shutter on the Eastman View Nº2.
The focal is around 270mm and the widest opening of the shutter (marked in the scale as 41mm) leaves it at ƒ6,5.
I really wanted the top of the canes to be in focus but I could not figure out the movements correctly. I shot another sheet at ƒ30 or so but most of the magic was gone, at least through the ground glass. I was excited about having a diafragm in this lens but it might not be actually a good idea anyway. Having shutter speeds is nice though.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8145980479_2605172916_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabato/8145980479/)
Meniscus (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabato/8145980479/) por rabato (http://www.flickr.com/people/rabato/), en Flickr

The lens and shutter:

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223661_10151118050158937_723786305_n.jpg

[Steve M Hostetter]

97483 135mm @f4.5 on 4x5" txp 320

[Jim Galli]

Thanks for waking this thread up Steve. One of my favorites.

[Steve M Hostetter]

your quite welcome Jim :) same here!

[Steve M Hostetter]

111124 Bad hair day, 4x5" chamonix 45n-2 135mm f4.5 meniscuc 1/100 sec wide open . Shot in one of my favorite places Atterbury IN

[evan clarke]

7-1/2" Conley Meniscus

[Miguel Coquis]

Conley Meniscus[/QUOTE]
Very, very beautiful (master piece...)!!!
MAC

[evan clarke]

Conley Meniscus
Very, very beautiful (master piece...)!!!
MAC[/QUOTE]

You are too kind, thank you. This was ugly brown twigs with bright light on them. Never make it with a sharp lens. Cheers, Evan

[Steve M Hostetter]

Evan, very special indeed bravo

[AtlantaTerry]

I have a collection of soft focus filters and lenses but have not created anything with a meniscus since the early '70s when I taped one onto the end of a Nikon bellows and created some experimental 35mm slides.

So let me ask a question from the experts gathered here: how does a photo created with a magnifying glass compare to one created with a meniscus?

The reason I ask is because my local Lowe's Home Improvement stores are selling some nice large 3X glass magnifying glasses for US $3.13 and I thought I might want to try using one. I am thinking of taping the one I purchased to a piece of black foamcore cut to fit my Cambo front standard. Then I will use my hat as a shutter.

Crappy cell phone photo of the store display (it is in the hand tool section of the store):
137383

[Mark Sawyer]

So let me ask a question from the experts gathered here: how does a photo created with a magnifying glass compare to one created with a meniscus?

The reason I ask is because my local Lowe's Home Improvement stores are selling some nice large 3X glass magnifying glasses for US $3.13...

Sounds mighty expensive to me... :rolleyes:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?35097-A-new-line-of-Chinese-pictorial-lenses!

[jp]

I have a collection of soft focus filters and lenses but have not created anything with a meniscus since the early '70s when I taped one onto the end of a Nikon bellows and created some experimental 35mm slides.

So let me ask a question from the experts gathered here: how does a photo created with a magnifying glass compare to one created with a meniscus?

The reason I ask is because my local Lowe's Home Improvement stores are selling some nice large 3X glass magnifying glasses for US $3.13 and I thought I might want to try using one. I am thinking of taping the one I purchased to a piece of black foamcore cut to fit my Cambo front standard. Then I will use my hat as a shutter.

Crappy cell phone photo of the store display (it is in the hand tool section of the store):
137383

I'd go to the dollar store and get one without the clear frame. One with a metal/plastic frame that can come off easily so you can have just the lens.

I went all out and even added an iris to mine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd5iU1NDYWA

[AtlantaTerry]

I'd go to the dollar store and get one without the clear frame. One with a metal/plastic frame that can come off easily so you can have just the lens.

I went all out and even added an iris to mine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd5iU1NDYWA

JP:

That US $3.13 magnifying glass is very easily removed from the metal frame. All one has to do is unscrew the handle!

What I discovered in experimenting with the US $3.13 magnifying glass from Lowe's Home Improvement stores and the US $1 magnifying glass from Dollar Tree stores was the focal length of the $1 lens is about three times that of the $3 lens. I may have to use my bag bellows on my Cambo with the shorter focal length lens.

As I have not put either on my Cambo yet, I have no idea how wide their coverage is or how sharp their images are.

It's funny that you should include a link to how you converted the spaghetti measure into a lens iris because a couple weeks ago one of my local grocery stores was having a close-out on them for about US $2.50 so I purchased every one that I could find for my SF lens projects.

I have been cutting Cambo and Sinar lens boards out of black foamcore boards using OEM lens boards as a template. I made one Sinar because I have a Sinar to Cambo lens board adapter that an eBay vendor made in his woodworking workshop. I do not believe I will make any more of the Sinar versions because the adapter is a couple inches thick which means the lens is sticking out from the front standard. This means, of course, that I have less bellows on my Cambo to work with. And if a focal length is short that forces me to use a bag bellows. No big deal, just something to consider.

I also found a nice real glass magnifier at MicroCenter computer stores for about US $6. It has a nice black rubber handle that goes up to the lens and surrounds it. Inside that is a red ring that holds the actual lens. The red and black look very cool. I used my Dremel power tool fitted with a cutting disk to cut off the handle and grind the stub to the point where an observer would not know there had been a handle. I used a black Sharpie marker to paint the exposed red plastic that was inside the handle so the lens is completely surrounded by black. I used hot glue to affix the lens to a 77-82mm Step Up Ring. I hot glued a 77mm filter onto the foamcore lens board that had a hole cut into it that was a bit larger than a Copal #3 opening. By using hot glue to attach lenses to 77mm Step Up or Step Down Rings, I can add or remove any of my SF lenses to the 77mm ring on the lens board.

Next I will be gluing Step Up or Step Down rings to the front of my SF lenses so the 77mm side faces forward. That way they will all be able to have common attachments added such as lens hoods. I plan to mount one of the spaghetti measure apertures to a Step Ring so it will have a 77mm thread on the back side that will screw onto any of the lenses. The front side will have a Step Ring that gives me a 77mm thread so I can attach a lens hood.

The next thing I want to experiment with making is a drop shutter which, as you likely know, is simply a box with a slit you mount in the light path which uses gravity as the shutter energy.

[captainscot]

137472

Found this one in a barn...8x10 Deardorff, 335 meniscus @ f4.6

[Randy]

I purchased a diopter for the eyepiece on my Nikon F2 as it has been getting difficult to focus without my reading glasses. I got one that was to powerful, a +2 when what I needed was a +.5 - decided to take a picture with it before selling it on ebay.

It's about the size of an US dime with a F/L of about 13". Came to about f/22.

Shot on 8X10, full neg scan.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/img609a.jpg

[Ricardo de Oliveira]

I'll post that even with the major boo boo: miscalculated the tank level. First timer...
Got a Positive Meniscus, 142mm focal lenght, at Surplus Shed. Mounted behind a Copal OO., first shot wide open, second f.16 aprox., Arista Edu 100 in Rodinal, semi stand. I think the contraption has potential.
137672
137673

[Stephane]

In Oslo. 9" Port-Land @f/5.6

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/604/21363245146_925eea5263_b.jpg

[HCST]

7-1/2" Conley Meniscus

Very nice photo.
Tomas

[MMELVIS]

Banyan Trees , the lens is around a 300mm
143884

[Stephane]

Guro through a Port-Land 9" at f/4.5 in Marrakech.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1553/24154820571_7274e3d3da_b.jpg

[Stephane]

Port of Essaouira (Morocco), way over-exposed, through a Port-Land 9". They had a scene nearby in the Game of Throne (season 2?).

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1572/23884547139_405c6899d3_c.jpg

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Stephane, love the Port-land work. I'm getting to know my 15" Port-land. I think mine was shot around F-6 or so.

[Stephane]

Sure Jim, the Port-Land makes nice images! I also have a 11.5" and an 18"! Love the meniscii in general to take outside...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

An 18" you have to love that! You have a nice range of focal lengths. I only have one at this time but I agree I do love the meniscii for work outside.

[Andrew O'Neill]

Very nice, Stephane!

[David Lobato]

Last Saturday, magnifying glass 13 inch focal length meniscus on 8x10 Deardorff, black hat shutter, f4 aperture with the lens board's Copal 3 hole. 13 inches/333mm is -3 diopter?

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55432652/Jade%20Meniscus%20Lens%20002%20400LFF.jpg

[David Aimone]

Stuck one element from a movie projector lens onto a lens board and happy with the results!

145629
145630

[Jim Galli]

Both David's. Very nice! Like granny's hair in the picture offset by the white hair on the cat other end. Aimone, was the movie projector one of the old petzval types and you used the front doublet?

[Scott --]

Not sure if these qualify, but as there are some magnifying glass images, here are a couple from a $1 7" lens a while back:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15473590262_5211a0d823.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pzmci1)img313 (https://flic.kr/p/pzmci1) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/12916063655_92e0e4fdfa.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/kFmcJF)img206 (https://flic.kr/p/kFmcJF) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/), on Flickr

[plaubel]

""Miscl. Meniscii ""

Can anybody tell me please: what does "Miscl." mean?
Meniscus plural is clear to me.

Thanks,
Ritchie

[Jim Galli]

Non standard abbreviation for miscellaneous. Sorry.


""Miscl. Meniscii ""

Can anybody tell me please: what does "Miscl." mean?
Meniscus plural is clear to me.

Thanks,
Ritchie

[plaubel]

Jim, I have learned so much about crazy and not crazy lenses from you; thanks for this, and thanks for the translation of miscl, too.

Ritchie

[David Aimone]

I <think> it was a front element from a brass Super Snaplite Kollmorgen Optical projector lens.


Both David's. Very nice! Like granny's hair in the picture offset by the white hair on the cat other end. Aimone, was the movie projector one of the old petzval types and you used the front doublet?

[ImSoNegative]

One I shot the other day, 200mm Imagon

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1621/23735747774_030508f6ab_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CarUSA)Darla (https://flic.kr/p/CarUSA) by john golden (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126756312@N03/), on Flickr

[Jim Galli]

I <think> it was a front element from a brass Super Snaplite Kollmorgen Optical projector lens.

That's basically what my Secret Weapon lens on my pages was. Is. I still have it. So many lenses, so little time.

[David Aimone]

I had NO idea Jim. Bought it on a lark from the auction site a few years back...

[oldlincoln]

Jim Galli said: "Non standard abbreviation for miscellaneous."

We don't see you doing much of anything in the 'standard' way, Jim. One of the reasons I look forward to your posts!

[Stephane]

Guro through a Pinkham & Smith SA.
From dollar lens to some other price range...
Film is Retropan 320 from Fomafoto.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1605/24218300189_ffe54477cd_b.jpg

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Stephane, now this is beautiful! Thanks for getting this back on track.

[Maris Rusis]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1472/25056956865_38f7d1dd4c_b.jpg
Sunny Couch, Soft Focus Portrait

Gelatin-silver photograph on Ilford VC FB photographic paper, image size 19.6cm X24.4cm, from a 8x10 Fomapan 200 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension field view camera fitted with a Wollaston Meniscus 450mm f9 lens. Signed, stamped, and annotated verso.

[Stephane]

View from my desk, P&S semi-achromatic
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1645/24924362664_a22e7580a5_b.jpg

And half way between work and home along the Akershelva river in Oslo. Through a Kalosat 16"
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1653/24928165493_59a6d16244_b.jpg

[David Aimone]

148199

Done! 2" diamter meniscus lens, estimating around 200mm f/4 wide open, f/9 or so set to less pasta! Easily covers 5x7 it seems as well...


That's basically what my Secret Weapon lens on my pages was. Is. I still have it. So many lenses, so little time.

[Stephane]

17th of May is constitution day in Norway, and Norwegians wear proudly their national costumes. Here is Glowing Guro that special day in the botanical garden through a Pinkham and Smith Synthetic 16".

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7156/27087728171_8c59f7b146_b.jpg

[Ootsk]

Speed Graphic..single element lens. Tri-X in Rodinal.
151110

[Randy]

Reinholds Wollaston (http://www.re-inventedphotoequip.com/Lenses.html) 190mm @ f/8 on 4X5

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/img703a.jpg

[thesilverfox]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/mdarlow/img371-2_zpswi5pdt3f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/mdarlow/media/img371-2_zpswi5pdt3f.jpg.html)

[Maris Rusis]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4043/5165386718_5bcb8136e7_b.jpg
Forest, Soft Focus.
Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 FB VC, image area 16.3cm X 21.2cm, from a 4x5 Tmax100 negative exposed in a Tachihara model 45GF camera with a 300mm f11 single meniscus lens. Titled and signed recto, stamped verso.

[Peter De Smidt]

That's wild, Maris!

[scheinfluger_77]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4043/5165386718_5bcb8136e7_b.jpg
Forest, Soft Focus.
Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 FB VC, image area 16.3cm X 21.2cm, from a 4x5 Tmax100 negative exposed in a Tachihara model 45GF camera with a 300mm f11 single meniscus lens. Titled and signed recto, stamped verso.

You can just about fake IR with a treatment like this, nice job Maris.

[Maris Rusis]

Thanks Peter De Smidt and scheinfluger_77. I've never been able to get this exact effect again. Soft focus is a crazy mixture of subject, lighting, lens, and aperture; many variables.

[t0aster]

First go with a single meniscus. Found it in some kind of spot light/projector at a second hand shop. I only wish I had managed to save the the l wheel with the stops cut in it.

Aside from some newly arisen development and light leak annoyances I'm quite happy with the result.

Crop from 8x10 paper negative.

~f/7
8x10 Ilford MGIV RC
Ilford Universal PQ

[Stephane]

5 min walk from my place in Oslo, one of the many bridges crossing over the Akerselva (struss pictorial).

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8045/28352706100_92f4436892_b.jpg

[Maris Rusis]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1431/5165526112_da6f6a12c0_z.jpg
Glasses and Pears
Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant111 FB VC, image area 24.7cm X 19.5cm, from a 8x10 Fomapan 200 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension field view camera fitted with a 400mm single meniscus lens set at f11.

[Stephane]

Guro through a P&S Synthetic wide open f/4.5. Light on the face only bounced from a white background, so backlit with crazy glow.
Using this lens wide open is challenging as any highlight is blown out and turns everything into mush.This is the reason for trying only bounced off light. Next step would be to underexpose slightly...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/427/31604833240_894b363d5f_c.jpg

[jp]

Stephane, I like your soft focus photos.
I haven't seen your negative, but perhaps rather than less exposure, less development might tame the contrast.

Here's a photo from Imogen Cunningham from 1910 with a gentler but similar lighting to yours if you're looking to refine this.
http://iphf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dream_Imogen_Cunningham_1910.jpg

[Stephane]

Thanks jp for the advice and example!
The negative is processed at 16degC in diluted rodinal. The reason is to tame those highlights, especially since all my negs are over exposed by about 2 stops.
So maybe i should start changing the way I do things when ysing this lens. Eventually it will be working just fine....

[chassis]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/732/31364492513_ab212e4ff9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PMzdUi)
Glasses (https://flic.kr/p/PMzdUi) by _uplift_ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65283600@N07/), on Flickr
Toyo 45AII
11 inch f/7 Galliar meniscus
TXP in D-76

[Jim Galli]

I LIKE it. Very well seen. Makes me stop and stare.

[chassis]

Thanks Jim, and thanks for the lens! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[Stephane]

Guro through a Pinkham and Smith Synthetic 16" @ f/4.5. This time dimmest possible setting on the lights, and exposed normally.
Super glow with good definition and no strong highlights.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/477/32114268581_afe1b2fcb1_b.jpg

[chassis]

Nice portrait Stephane!

[Reinhold Schable]

Looking thru a new 135mm f:3.2 Wollaston Meniscus…
A 4x5 paper negative, shot at f:3.5 (almost wide open).
The film-to subject distance was about 760mm (30”), the bellows extension was about 160mm.

160383

Reinhold

More here:
http://www.apug.org/forum/index.php?threads/135-f-2-3-soft-focus-lens.143617/

[Stephane]

Elias thought the same P&S Synthetic, but at f/8. Much more manageable!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/664/31751518354_8fd9148184_b.jpg

[Stephane]

At Oslo Central Station with a Port-Land 18" wide open.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3791/32716169773_5b43a8bbe2_b.jpg

[Stephane]

Through a Porrt-Land 9"

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2817/33966626901_f7a556cfb6_b.jpg

[Peter De Smidt]

I love the mood, Stephane!

[Miguel Coquis]

Through a Porrt-Land 9"

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2817/33966626901_f7a556cfb6_b.jpg

Nice "creamy" clouds !
Enigmatic/mystery mood.
I enjoy it much, Stephane.

[Stephane]

Thank you Miguel
Short exposure and red filter helped with the sky...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Stephane, great use of the Spencer Port-land.

[HorstS]

164236

PlauPecPro 5x7 NN Meniscus 180 f/4 on Fomapan 100 with Moersch Tanol
Scan from neg, finished in PS


https://www.facebook.com/horst.schmier

[HorstS]

164237

Technika V NN Meniscus 180 f/4 with Heliopan 715 on Rollei IR 400 S in Moersch Tanol
Scan from neg, finished in PS

https://www.facebook.com/horst.schmier

[Maris Rusis]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4023/5186273942_fcd62b356c_b.jpg
Funeral Bouquet, Artificial Flowers
Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 FB VC, image area 24.2cm x 19.5cm, from a Fomapan 200 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension 8x10 view camera fitted with a 400mm single meniscus lens.

[chassis]

Nice image Maris. Condolences regarding the funeral.

[HorstS]

164264

PlauPecPro 5x7 E.A. Meniscus 270 f/5.6 on Fomapan 100 with Moersch Tanol
Scan from neg, finished in PS


https://www.facebook.com/horst.schmier

[Reinhold Schable]

168150Playground.
500mm Wollaston Meniscus, f/8
Paper negative, Dektol 1+20

Here's the lens:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?140498-335-4-6-amp-500-6-9-Soft-Focus-Wollaston-Meniscus-Lenses

Reinhold

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/2017/MisclBandW/08-12-17Woodie_38_GClar-dagor/MirroscopeWoodieS.jpg
dream cars?

Been far too long since I posted here. Ceiling fell down in my dark room, and my JOBO was broke. This is done with a non achromatic meniscus from an antique mirroscope camera.

8X10 Eastman / Packard shutter / Efke 100 Cirkut cam film cut for holder.

[jp]

Love that glowing chrome and what it adds to the dreaminess.

[chassis]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/2017/MisclBandW/08-12-17Woodie_38_GClar-dagor/MirroscopeWoodieS.jpg
dream cars?

Been far too long since I posted here. Ceiling fell down in my dark room, and my JOBO was broke. This is done with a non achromatic meniscus from an antique mirroscope camera.

8X10 Eastman / Packard shutter / Efke 100 Cirkut cam film cut for holder.


Very cool car, nicely positioned under the tree and the lens signature speaks for itself. Good to see your work Jim!

[Holdenrichards]

Classic Galli Style. Excellent.

[Jim Galli]

Love that glowing chrome and what it adds to the dreaminess.


Very cool car, nicely positioned under the tree and the lens signature speaks for itself. Good to see your work Jim!


Classic Galli Style. Excellent.

Thank you all for your kind encouragements.

[David Karp]

Nice Jim.

[Stephane]

Ivar through a Plasticca 400/4

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4441/36347598572_5fc89d97d1_b.jpg

[HorstS]

This was taken with a nn 180 @ f/.6
172182

[HorstS]

Same location , same lens172183