Cletus
22-Aug-2010, 07:11
Good morning all -
SO, I am FINALLY making the move to LF and my new(ish) Shen Hao in on the way, complete with Fujinon 125/5.6, some holders and a lightmeter. How's that for a 'one stop shop'? (I'm totally psych'd, can't wait 'till it gets here!!) Anyway, this is my first foray into LF photogaphy and I have a couple (a bunch) of questions about fresnels for this camera.
I get the basic gist of what a fresnel is for and in fact I think I'm sticking it next on my list of stuff to get, along with a darkcloth and focusing loupe - haven't come up with the order of priority yet, maybe some comment here? But back the fresnel question(s)...
I have seen on several occasions on the 'Bay' and elsewhere, "Shen Hao Fresnel" for this brand of camera. The camera I'm getting is I think an HZX45-II and I've read in a spec somewhere that there's a 'recess' for the Shen Hao fresnel. Is this a special fresnel? I was kinda under the impression that all was more or less created equal in the 4x5 groundglass and "film holder back" department, but can someone clarify this? Do I have to get the Shen Hao fresnel, or can any brand/type typically work here? Are there different types of Fresnels, or just the one basic design? Is there something other than a fresnel, like a better GG, or something else I might rather have? My eyesight isn't what it was when I was 20 and I'm a little worried about being able to focus this thing. I've never actually seen a fresnel before, so I'm making some assumptions here, which brings me to my next question...
Where does the fresnel GO on the Shen Hao? I've read about mounting it in front of, and behind the GG on different cameras, but I'm confused. Isn't the fresnel a piece of glass that has a kind of concave surface on one side (with the circular..things) and flat on the other? Is it obvious how it mounts on the back, or do I need an expert to mount it for me? How would I focus with a loupe on the concave side that isn't flat, or is it flat on both sides? Can somebody enlighten me on this? Do I even NEED a fresnel to make pictures?
As I mentioned, I don't have a darkcloth yet, I plan to use a shirt or something and I want to be able to try the camera out as soon as it shows up. That, and if I have to go out and buy anything much else for it right away, the wife will NOT be understanding! :mad:
I sure'd like to here from some of you seasoned LF shooters about your thoughts on fresnels and focusing...
Regards, Phil
SO, I am FINALLY making the move to LF and my new(ish) Shen Hao in on the way, complete with Fujinon 125/5.6, some holders and a lightmeter. How's that for a 'one stop shop'? (I'm totally psych'd, can't wait 'till it gets here!!) Anyway, this is my first foray into LF photogaphy and I have a couple (a bunch) of questions about fresnels for this camera.
I get the basic gist of what a fresnel is for and in fact I think I'm sticking it next on my list of stuff to get, along with a darkcloth and focusing loupe - haven't come up with the order of priority yet, maybe some comment here? But back the fresnel question(s)...
I have seen on several occasions on the 'Bay' and elsewhere, "Shen Hao Fresnel" for this brand of camera. The camera I'm getting is I think an HZX45-II and I've read in a spec somewhere that there's a 'recess' for the Shen Hao fresnel. Is this a special fresnel? I was kinda under the impression that all was more or less created equal in the 4x5 groundglass and "film holder back" department, but can someone clarify this? Do I have to get the Shen Hao fresnel, or can any brand/type typically work here? Are there different types of Fresnels, or just the one basic design? Is there something other than a fresnel, like a better GG, or something else I might rather have? My eyesight isn't what it was when I was 20 and I'm a little worried about being able to focus this thing. I've never actually seen a fresnel before, so I'm making some assumptions here, which brings me to my next question...
Where does the fresnel GO on the Shen Hao? I've read about mounting it in front of, and behind the GG on different cameras, but I'm confused. Isn't the fresnel a piece of glass that has a kind of concave surface on one side (with the circular..things) and flat on the other? Is it obvious how it mounts on the back, or do I need an expert to mount it for me? How would I focus with a loupe on the concave side that isn't flat, or is it flat on both sides? Can somebody enlighten me on this? Do I even NEED a fresnel to make pictures?
As I mentioned, I don't have a darkcloth yet, I plan to use a shirt or something and I want to be able to try the camera out as soon as it shows up. That, and if I have to go out and buy anything much else for it right away, the wife will NOT be understanding! :mad:
I sure'd like to here from some of you seasoned LF shooters about your thoughts on fresnels and focusing...
Regards, Phil