Re: Ilex Photoplastic images
The old "hollywood" style of portraits were using hard focused lights, and a soft lens, then further retouch work was done on the 8x10 negative to idealize the face.
Re: Ilex Photoplastic images
I will scan a portrait shot with fairly contrasty tungsten light. I will pull out the 1K spots one day and make some shots. It's true that hard light is what these were designed for. Even as late as 40 years ago when I started in commercial work we lit most of our portraits with spots and a photogenic portrait light that was very directional and had a hard center and soft edges so it could be feathered.
Re: Ilex Photoplastic images
Don, that lens has a grand look to it. I've never had one, and in fact avoided them because they're almost always incomplete. I'd only be interested in this version I think. Anxious to see more.