Evaluating Meniscus Lenses using Paper Negatives.

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

Cool, thanks!

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

I love the results that they give.

htmlguru4242 said:

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

I love the results that they give.

Click to expand...

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.

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.

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

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