Macro Lenses for LF

[anton orlov]

You guys are awesome - reversing a lens due to switching around the distances never occurred to me. Reversing something like my 180 should work too, right?
Then again I also have some Rolleiflex SL66 lenses.... Good optics there.

[anton orlov]

Now, I kinda assume that reversing an LF lens would also make sense, right?

[Dan Fromm]

Anton, a lens can be optimized for only one magnification. Lenses for general purpose use are optimized for low magnifications, i.e., large subject in front of the lens, relatively small sensitized surface behind the lens. Shooting above 1:1 puts a small subject in front of the lens and a relatively large sensitized surface behind it. So, to get the benefit of a general purpose lens' optimizations when shooting above 1:1 the lens should be reversed.

If the lens is perfectly symmetrical, for example an Apo Ronar, then there's no reason to reverse it when working above 1:1.

[anton orlov]

Thank you Dan and everyone!

Let's see what this 20x24 Scovill Portrait Climax can do. With its 6ft bellows draw things should be pretty interesting.