picking a lens for portraits 4x5

[davemoss]

hello,

 

i want to do some type 55 portraits on my old calumet cc400 camera, but am

trying to make sure i don't get the wrong sized lens. i have a 210mm, but want

something a little more tighter than that.

 

i know there are formulas for figuring out scales and such, so basically, if i

want to get head and shoulders, or head to waist on 4x5, could i get a 300mm

lens to do that? or with that camera, am i not going to have enough bellows

extension to get what i want?

 

i am thinking it could work, but don't know how to go about the math.

 

thanks

[mike_earussi1]

Just measure your bellows draw, add about 20% for 1/5 lifesize image and see what the longest focal length is that your camera can take. I. E. if your bellows is at least 360mm then you can take a 1/5 lifesize image using a 300mm lens.

[davemoss]

thanks, but is 1/5 lifesize about right for that size portrait?

[rob_strong1]

1/5 life size covers a portrait area about 25" high (film is 5 inches, times 5 is 25), enough to cover the head and shoulders.

[davemoss]

got it...thanks!