richard_fateman

<p>I just picked up at a charity "white elephant sale" some Epson paper size Super B (13x19 inch) to use with an Epson R2400 inkjet.<br> S041143 "photo paper" (glossy) 40 sheets<br> S041339 "archival matte paper" 12 sheets<br> In the past I have been happy with S041327 "premium semigloss photo paper", but I haven't really tried lots of alternatives.<br> Question: Is this 41143 paper going to be a problem in terms of stability/ (using ultrachrome inks)? I gather that it is lighter weight than premium, which I think I can live with...<br> (I paid $10 for all that paper; maybe it is time to get some cheaper ink...)<br> Thanks for any info</p>

<p>There are several issues here.<br> 1. As Henry said, you shouldn't be taking portraits with a closeup lens because of distortion. Head-on you get big noses because the nose is closer. If you want to use more of the film then you could look for a telephoto attachment, not a closeup lens.<br> 2. The rolleinar set (or equivalent) does not do a perfect job -- even if the framing is approximately right, the angle at which you are viewing is different. That is, if you were trying to hide a double-chin, and were looking through the top lens, it might be hidden. But the lower lens might see it. Using a tripod and cranking the lens position up and down will "fix" this, but at substantial inconvenience, even with the device that Chauncey mentions. It works for a totally stationary subject, not so much for a portrait.<br> 3. It may be way more efficient to get a different camera, maybe with a zoom or mildly telephoto lens. A film 35mm SLR. A medium-format TLR with a telephoto lens is another possibility. I don't know if there are telephoto accessory lenses that you can use with your Ricoh; quality may suffer.</p>

<p>The Rolleigrid was not very effective, being a rather crude arrangement. And yes, the Fresnel lens makes it harder to focus, which is why the screens often have a focus aid e.g. microprism in the center.<br> An alternative is to use the "sports finder" in dim light, or the weird Rollei range-finder attachment in conjunction with the sports finder. Or the binocular attachment (can't be used with a fresnel ground glass).</p> <p> </p>

<p>If you want the LEAST expensive way, an auxiliary close-up lens screwed on to the front would probably be less than $200. I dont know if you can get one to go close enough, and this is not as high quality as extension tubes. Bellows for $300 sounds like a bargain, but maybe I'm out of touch with current prices for rollei 6008. You also get TTL metering with 6003 and 6006. Which would save much $$.<br> Richard Fateman</p>