Use of X-ray film: technical discussion with example images

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Jim, I'm relieved that you prefer Sergi's models. Anyone that didn't would have to have their head checked.

We got the 12" 4.5 Ektar for Changhwan, the TA. He's going to be doing still lifes. Is it anything like the Kodak portrait lens?

Lee, they are different lenses. The Kodak Portrait lens has one element at the rear and the Ilex 5 Shutter at the front. Still have him shoot it at different F stops to find the sweet spot.

[Tri Tran]

Lee, they are different lenses. The Kodak Portrait lens has one element at the rear and the Ilex 5 Shutter at the front. Still have him shoot it at different F stops to find the sweet spot.

Yours actually is missing the front element but who cares right? Nice shot and nice print .

[SergeiR]

Yours actually is missing the front element but who cares right? Nice shot and nice print .

There is no front element in 403mm kodak portrait lens afaik, at least from all pictures i have seen. Was always puzzled about it.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

These are very different lenses. The Kodak 12" f4.5 Ektar is a Tessar-type lens with both front and rear elements. The Kodak Portrait is an achromat, with only a rear element.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Yours actually is missing the front element but who cares right? Nice shot and nice print .

Tri, right!!! That is why I got such a great deal on it!!!

[Tin Can]

There are 12" and 16" Kodak Portrait lens, Kodak advertised as for respectively 5x7 and 8x10. Is that a good rule of thumb? Will a 12" 305 mm f4.8 Kodak Portrait cover 8X10? Or keep to 5X7?

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Randy, my 305 covers my 8x10 at portrait distances no problem. Great lenses. The 305 is in a Universal 5 and the 405 is in Barrel only. It is a big hunk of glass. One on the Bay right now. Not a bad price either. I stole my Kodak 305 Portrait lens so I'm very happy.

[Tin Can]

I got a good deal on a 12" in shutter also. Shush, we need to talk quietly or Corran will insist I sell it since I have not shot it yet. Not selling, getting ready to shoot it.

I have set it up and gazed through it, but I need a good subject. Soft focus is new to me.

Thanks for the info!

Randy, my 305 covers my 8x10 at portrait distances no problem. Great lenses. The 305 is in a Universal 5 and the 405 is in Barrel only. It is a big hunk of glass. One on the Bay right now. Not a bad price either. I stole my Kodak 305 Portrait lens so I'm very happy.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Most of the recent images I've shot are with mine. Need to take it outside and let it breathe!

[SergeiR]

burned 4 sheets today, wanted to experiment with different dullutions/times/ratings.. Wanted to see if i can get tones close to what i see in Karsh photos (yeah, i got album yesterday.. i am that impressionable)

So, measured f7.1 , shot as f8 on 10 inch Wollensak , rated at iso34 ( according to measuring thingy i needed -1.5 Ev for bellows factor,so i figured its close enough when going from iso100).

Developed in 1+200 rodinal, for 5 minutes with unidrum on motor base. Produces fairly thin negative though. Fair warning. Peak of contrast with 1+200 seems to be around 3:30 in tray (i dorked with tray development before sticking last two into drum).


Scan-130418-0001www by Sergei Rodionov, on Flickr

(PS: yes, it is self portrait, hence certain focusing issues.)