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Thread: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

  1. #1

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    For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    I am planning to establish a table top set-up in my basement with backdrops, staging and appropriate lighting to begin photographing still life compositions, and I am considering purchase of a macro lens(es) for this purpose. There will be a learning curve, but that's part of the plan and the fun. In my research to date I see there are "macro" lenses from the big three or four makers available mostly in 120mm and 180mm focal lengths, but I am wondering which would be the most useful focal length for me to consider as a first purchase? Any other advice you might offer for lens choices would also be appreciated. My camera will be a Linhof Technikarden 45S. Thanks in advance for your help...
    ... JMOwens (Mt. Pleasant, Wisc. USA)

    "If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all." ...Michelangelo

  2. #2

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    What magnification do you want? What shaped objects will you shoot?

  3. #3

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    I quite enjoy my kodak enlarging ektar 125mm. Here is a shot on 4x5, Not sure what the magnification is, but I filled the frame with the watch (39mm)
    Click image for larger version. 

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  4. #4

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    55mm Micro Nikkor lens...reversed, on a Crown Graphic. Watch movement (following the "watch" theme) floating on water surface-tension after water sprinkled with aluminum powder:

    Click image for larger version. 

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  5. #5

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    ...but for your goals and purposes - and considering your model of camera (bellows length-related) I'd recommend something in the range of 120 as a minimum, 180 as a maximum. Delving a bit more into your post...it sounds like if you had to choose between these two, then a 180 might be better.

    Maybe give us a subject scenario. How close? Anticipated magnification ranges could be THE factor...one can run out of bellows awfully quick when a subject approaches life-size as measured on a focussing screen.

    Hmmm...perhaps get your feet wet with a 150mm G-Claron?

  6. #6

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Salomon View Post
    What magnification do you want? What shaped objects will you shoot?
    Bob, Thanks for your clarifying questions, and the responses of John Layton and others. If I understand correctly from past reading/research, I'll need twice the focal length of whatever lens I am using as bellows draw in order to focus at 1:1 - is that correct? Therefore, my TK45 with about 420mm of bellows draw will accommodate 120mm and 180mm out to 1:1 (and closer). As for subjects, I am thinking maybe bowls of fruit, table ware, family heirlooms like antique Christmas decor pottery or individual ornaments, and even as small as the watch face in post #3 above. So subjects from the size of that watch up to about a lunch box, or say my Master Technika camera opened up and with a 150mm lens on it (focused out to infinity) and sitting on a table top. Now hopes this helps.
    Last edited by JMO; 14-May-2020 at 09:48.
    ... JMOwens (Mt. Pleasant, Wisc. USA)

    "If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all." ...Michelangelo

  7. #7

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    Quote Originally Posted by JMO View Post
    Bob, Thanks for your clarifying questions, and the responses of John Layton and others. If I understand correctly from past reading/research, I'll need twice the focal length of whatever lens I am using as bellows draw in order to focus at 1:1 - is that correct? Therefore, my TK45 with about 420mm of bellows draw will accommodate 120mm and 180mm out to 1:1 (and closer). As for subjects, I am thinking maybe bowls of fruit, table ware, family heirlooms like antique Christmas decor pottery or individual ornaments, and even as small as the watch face in post #3 above. So subjects from the size of that watch up to about a lunch box, or say my Master Technika camera opened up and with a 150mm lens on it (focused out to infinity) and sitting on a table top. How hopes this helps.
    180mm Apo Macro Sironar

  8. #8

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    Quote Originally Posted by John Layton View Post
    ...but for your goals and purposes - and considering your model of camera (bellows length-related) I'd recommend something in the range of 120 as a minimum, 180 as a maximum. Delving a bit more into your post...it sounds like if you had to choose between these two, then a 180 might be better.

    Maybe give us a subject scenario. How close? Anticipated magnification ranges could be THE factor...one can run out of bellows awfully quick when a subject approaches life-size as measured on a focussing screen.

    Hmmm...perhaps get your feet wet with a 150mm G-Claron?
    John (or Bob?), Some time back, and after some research here on the Forum and thinking for these purposes, I purchased a nice 150mm APO Ronar. It has an IC of only 135mm at infinity, so doesn't cover 4x5in, but when used at 1:1 the IC is 270mm. What do you think of this APO Ronar versus the G-Claron?
    ... JMOwens (Mt. Pleasant, Wisc. USA)

    "If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all." ...Michelangelo

  9. #9

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    Quote Originally Posted by JMO View Post
    John (or Bob?), Some time back, and after some research here on the Forum and thinking for these purposes, I purchased a nice 150mm APO Ronar. It has an IC of only 135mm at infinity, so doesn't cover 4x5in, but when used at 1:1 the IC is 270mm. What do you think of this APO Ronar versus the G-Claron?
    JM, I have two ancient Klimsch 150/9 Apo Ronars, have had a plasmat type 150/9 G-Claron. In my tests the Apo Ronars were nearly equal, both shot better than the G-Claron. I sold the G-Claron. I now have a dagor type G-Claron, haven't repeated the experiment.

  10. #10

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    Re: For macro lenses on 4x5in cameras, what focal length is most useful?

    Quote Originally Posted by JMO View Post
    John (or Bob?), Some time back, and after some research here on the Forum and thinking for these purposes, I purchased a nice 150mm APO Ronar. It has an IC of only 135mm at infinity, so doesn't cover 4x5in, but when used at 1:1 the IC is 270mm. What do you think of this APO Ronar versus the G-Claron?
    If you are shooting 3 dimensional objects the Apo Macro Sironar would be much better, especially at the edges and corners.

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