First 4x5 Macro

Skiver101 · Feb 3, 2017

Hi all.

Well, I have just finished shooting my first attempt at macro photography, and it's true that you never truly know a thing until you actually do it. I have researched, theorised, and took on board all sorts of advice and guidance in advance, but the 'fun' really began when I put it all into practice.

I shot a small coin-sized medallion of unknown provenance, on a (vertical) black cloth background.

The only camera that I have at the moment is my Crown Graphic 4x5.

Last week, I picked up a 'Minolta E Rokkor' 1:4.5 / 50mm lens from my local flea market for £5; it was unmarked and perfectly operational and, after I opened it and cleaned it, the glass is crystal clear. I think it is some kind of enlarging or process lens and I can expect a more contrasty exposure. But as a novice to macro, I was only thinking ''50mm lens on a 300mm rail, that should offer me approx 6x magnification''.

So, after shooting two 4x5 sheets of HP5+ @320, I will develop them tonight in D76 and see how things turn out.
If they are in any way decent I will upload an image, and share some more of this trauma - err, I mean ''learning experience''...

Fingers crossed...

JP

Old-N-Feeble · Feb 3, 2017

I assume magnification was greater than 1:1. Did you reverse-mount the lens?

Skiver101 · Feb 4, 2017

Old-N-Feeble said:
I assume magnification was greater than 1:1. Did you reverse-mount the lens?

Thanks for the reply Tex,

I'm not certain about the magnification calculation (as macro is new territory for me), but the 13/16'' (2.1cm) diameter of the disc measures 3'' (7.65cm) diameter on the 4''x5'' negative. I'll do the Math later....
Although I did re-jig the lens; on my cobbled together lens board, to a recessed position (to get my infinity focus), I did overlook the obvious option of reversing the lens. Thanks for pointing that out.

My aim was to get a reasonable macro image, first shot, for as little expenditure as possible. I think I managed that, and the bonus is; that I learned several practical lessons and now have more confidence in my ability to ''fly by the seat of my pants'', so to speak...

This is the slightly tweeked image that I managed to get - I'm happy enough with it considering the half-assed equipment and wing-and-a-prayer technique that I employed:

JP

AgX · Feb 4, 2017

The term "macro" has another meaning in LF when just referring to object size.

Typically the reproduction scale is used as definition, and with that one much sooner arrives at the macro field in LF than with 35mm.

Skiver101 · Feb 4, 2017

AgX said:
The term "macro" has another meaning in LF when just referring to object size.

Typically the reproduction scale is used as definition, and with that one much sooner arrives sat the macro field in LF than with 35mm.

It seems that this ''macro field'' is a lot bigger than I thought... if you'll pardon the pun !
I'll have to read up more. Thanks.

Old-N-Feeble · Feb 4, 2017

The image looks good to me. The decision to use strong side lighting is a good one as it enhances textural detail in flat objects.

Leigh B · Feb 4, 2017

Skiver101 said:
the 13/16'' (2.1cm) diameter of the disc measures 3'' (7.65cm) diameter on the 4''x5'' negative. I'll do the Math later.

Quick mental calc yields a 4x (400%) magnification.

The real number is about 3.69x.

Nice shot. Well done.

- Leigh

Skiver101 · Feb 4, 2017

Thank you gents.
Here's the set up...notice the Blu-tac chocks on the wheels.

JP

Old-N-Feeble · Feb 4, 2017

Ha ha... that's awesome!!

ic-racer · Feb 4, 2017

Your bellows factor may be off a little. The reproduced print might benefit from a negative with about a stop more exposure. Many fine prints are obtained with a paper exposure that renders the film base almost paper d-max.

Mick Fagan · Feb 4, 2017

Brilliant tabletop photography.

Maybe you should post this onto one of the myriad of Whirlpool forums.

Love the Italian red racing wheels.

Mick.

TSSPro · Feb 4, 2017

Skiver101 said:
Thank you gents.
Here's the set up...notice the Blu-tac chocks on the wheels.

View attachment 172316

JP

Yes to more roller skate usage!

Old-N-Feeble · Feb 4, 2017

Mick Fagan said:
Brilliant tabletop photography.

Maybe you should post this onto one of the myriad of Whirlpool forums.

Love the Italian red racing wheels.

It must be a Footrrari!!

Skiver101 · Feb 5, 2017

Mick Fagan said:
Love the Italian red racing wheels.

Mick.

...Red ones go faster !!

Skiver101 · Feb 5, 2017

ic-racer said:
Your bellows factor may be off a little. The reproduced print might benefit from a negative with about a stop more exposure. Many fine prints are obtained with a paper exposure that renders the film base almost paper d-max.

Crown Graphic 4x5

HP5+ @320

50mm enlarger lens

12 seconds @ f/22

(no shutter)

D76 1+3 - 23 mins.

Rough scan of negative

JP

DC Lohenstein · Dec 18, 2017

Simply the best macro slider!

alentine · Nov 13, 2019

Could not believe this thread is number 15 on the first page of Macro forum and last post since 2017!
Skiver, please let me know what's the lens exactly? Was it reversed? Bellows extension? and upload 100% piece of your scan to test for IQ?
Thanks Skiver for sharing.

First 4x5 Macro

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