Evaluating Meniscus Lenses using Paper Negatives.

[Reinhold]

First time users of meniscus lenses are often challenged by the learning curve required to use these lenses effectively.
Interpreting the image on a ground glass and quickly seeing the results in a final print is important in the learning process.
Paper negatives can reduce the "feedback" time between composing on the ground glass and evaluating the lens.

This is only a "quick & dirty" (and cheap) method.
It's not intended to be a treatise on making a "perfect" paper negative.
A series of test exposures takes only a few hours:
-- Use RC paper (any kind).
-- Trim paper to fit the film holder.
-- Pre-flash.
-- Expose in camera. (Use ISO ±3~6)
-- Develop. (1+10 stock Dektol, ± 6~8 min)
-- Evaluate.
--15~20 min dry.
-- Scan & invert.
--- or ---
-- Contact print a positive
-- Repeat as necessary.

The photos:
: Tape a strip of thick paper to your trimmer as a gauge.
(Makes trimming paper to fit a cut film holder easy).
: Pre-flash;
Set lens @ f:32, expose to give a barely visible outline of a coin placed on paper.
: Negatives; Use diluted and/or old print developer, 5~8 minutes.
Aim for a "strong" negative image.
: Examples of evaluating my new 335mm Wollaston lens

Reinhold

www.Re-inventedPhotoEquip.com

 

[buggz]

Cool, thanks!

 

[htmlguru4242]

Forgive my ignorance, but what about these lenses makes them so tough to use?

I love the results that they give.

 

[michaelbsc]

Forgive my ignorance, but what about these lenses makes them so tough to use?

I love the results that they give.

For starters they're very low contrast. And not terribly sharp, especially away from the center.

So they're difficult to focus, or at least i find them so. But they give you a great "old-timey" look because that's what they used way back then.

 

[markbarendt]

I agree about both reduced contrast and focussing being the issues.

I've been flirting with trying Harman's direct positive paper along this line, maybe with my next order from Adorama.

 

[htmlguru4242]

I cannot help but wonder what Infrared film without an AH backing might look like through one of these lenses! Maybe too soft?

 

[Reinhold]

Another tactic is to use X-ray film for making low cost film negatives.
Working under a red safelight makes developing by inspection a breeze~

Contrast variables when using meniscus lenses opens another way of seeing...
Low cost X-ray film makes shooting many aperture and contrast variables a snap.

Reinhold