vincent_alpino

Thanks for all the great answers everyone...will look into CLA services in LA and start

scanning ebay for the Acute Matte D. Thanks again

Thanks for the quick responses, I attached a pic of the screen, and as you can see, the lines

are different then anything I see in the Hasselblad compendium...anyone know?

Hello all,

I recently bought a 503cw (used) and love everything about it, EXCEPT the focusing screen. I'm not sure if

it's third party or what, but in looking at its markings I can't find anything like it in Hasselblad's system

compendium book.

The problem is its got this strange thing where I can see nothing on it at certain elevations, but when I

lean really close I can see a vignetted image (while using a 60mm f3.5 CF Distagon on it) that is nearly

impossible to focus. It reminds me in a way of the ground glass on my Linhof, but horrible to work with.

The previous owner kept the camera in immaculate condition, so I'm assuming the focusing screen isn't a

cheap part, but maybe specific for some application? In any case I was just wondering if anyone might

know what this screen would be or any suggestions for replacement. Thanks, -Vincent

Hi Everyone,

I've been using Efke 100 Sheet film for about six months now, doing my own developing in a Jobo. I

guess at some point when I started testing it I was happy with the soft results I was getting and

standardized on it. I've used various combinations of Pyrocat HD (stand, not jobo), Microdol, dilute X-Tol,

etc. In any case in looking over the work, I want to try to get away from the softness I've been getting in

the images. I don't know if my taste has changed, or my prescription got better, but there's a kind of

flatness there I'm really starting not to like.

In scanning the forums I keep seeing Rodinal mentioned everywhere. I used it for years in the past and

liked what I got with APX films, but found it blocked up on films very sensitive to processing, which I've

read is true about Efke 100, 50, 25 etc. In any case I was thinking about either it or D-76 to get a more

"Normal" neg, and was wondering if anyone had any advive on a starting time/temp range to begin tests

with the D-76, and if anyone would post any examples they may have of development in either?

Thanks,

-Vincent

Thanks to everyone for the input. Again, I just wanted to get a feel for what people are

using with success, in terms of their notice of slight clarity improvements, so that I could

possibly investigate some specific lenses, i.e. possibly borrow them from friends, rent, etc.

I understand someone else's favorites might not be best for me, but it helps to narrow

down the field a bit by reccommendations. I also understand the term "Landscape" lens is

really a matter of aesthetic/artistic choice, but it again helps to think about how others see

it.

I agree with the comment on testing, as my current lens seems best at f11. The current

desire to find an additional lens is based on wanting to shoot at f22 and smaller.

Any other thoughts on the subject would be great to hear as well, just for sake of

consideration and expairimentation. For example, hearing a lot about film plane flatness

and precise allignment with the ground glass position, I looked into Linhof universal

holders, hearing often that they are unmatched in this area. Yet later I found that by

taping my sheets down on a run of the mill Toyo holder, I got better results. Again, just

curious about what has worked well for others.

Thanks again,

-Vincent

Thanks for the tip, I've been looking into various "120's" so far, but will have to check out the

110 for sure.

"Well actually that is exactly what you are doing :) You are serious need of reading this:"

Ok I read it, and I agree. Having said that, I don't think assessing someone's photographic

practices can be done by reading a brief question on a forum. Furthermore, having spent

countless hours refining my practices, I have noticed several improvements (or perhaps

preferences) over the years by equipment/chemical changes, etc., and I'm certain others

would agree. So now that we've drifted completely off the original topic of this post, I

again would like to ask anyone out there who has had noticable improvements with any

particular lenses in terms of optical clarity to speak. Thank you-

-Vincent

Well, thanks for the advice, but I am not new to LF and am not seeking a magic lens. I simply

would like to know what people are using with superior results, which are absolutely

measurable facts. I've read much about superior production runs for specific manufacturers,

superior element design, etc. All of which can be quantified and attributed to different lenses

designs, evolutions, quality, solutions for abberation avoidence, etc. It's not that the results

I'm getting are not sharp, but rather that I'm striving for optimum. Thanks to all for the

responses, please continue to let me know...

-Vincent

Hello Everyone,

New to the forum. Just wanted to hear some preferences for large format lenses (4x5) for landscape

photography. I shoot a Technika IV that currently has a Schneider Symmar 150 (came with it) on it, and am

wanting to replace the lens. I, probably like everyone, am trying to get maximum sharpness, clarity,

definition, and depth of field in large landscape and architectual situations. A friend of mine has

reccommended the Artars by Goerz, or simular Apochomat lenses, and I'd really like to hear what vintage

lenses, or contemporary ones people are using. Thanks,

-Vincent