A Heads Up re: Lensboard Size

Reinhold

Advertiser
Joined
Aug 20, 2003
Messages
911
Location
Washougal, Washington
Format
Multi Format
Don't overlook the importance of a big board. Size matters.
If you haven't noticed it; ULF collodion/wet plate photography is gaining momentum.
A lot of cameras have undersize boards, limiting the choice of fast lenses needed for photography using slow emulsions.

A new Meniscus lens using 150mm diameter optics is about to enter production.
This lens should make the collodion/wet plate folks happy.
Head & shoulder portraits on 20x24 wet plate: (without flash, just think of it...).
16x20 and larger paper negatives for everyone will be easy.
"Big Screen" mobile and portable camera obscuras, oooh...

If you're buying a new camera for collodion/wet plate, be certain to specify a 200mm/8' board.
If you're making your own camera, build it with a 200mm/8" board.
If you're making a camera obscura, make it with a 200mm/8" board.
If you can handle it, make the board 250mm/10" like the big fellows.
Cameras centered around smaller boards (Sinar, for example) will not qualify.

Just a "heads up".
Reinhold

www.re-inventedPhotoEquip.com
 

jp498

Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2009
Messages
1,525
Location
Owls Head ME
Format
Multi Format
9" is a seemingly common size, as used on the old century studio cameras and my B&J 8x10 Rembrandt.
8" is on my 14x17 empire state camera and someone elses B&J Rembrandt 8x10.
 
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