Massive Overkill 6X7 (MO67) project

Ian Grant said:

OK fair enough.

I was surprised to find my 105mm f3.8 Ross Xpres covers 5x4 as does my 105mm f4.5 Tominon, how sharp they are at the edges I've yet to find out.

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You mean "covers 5x4 centimeters", right?

Because if you mean the Ross Xpres for the 6x9 folders, well, i own one and it may appear to cover a big area but it struggles to keep things tack-sharp out of a 6x6 area !!! And i've tried re-adjusting the focus with a ground glass. Inside the 6x6 area everything is very sharp, though.

The weakest link is often the roll film back itself. Not all roll film holders are created equal in terms of film plane flatness. There is also a distinct risk of heavier or thicker backs tugging the rear standard a bit out of precise focus if the camera is not built like a rock. It is much
easier to achieve and hold precise focus with full-sized sheet film holders. And you end up with a much bigger negative too, which is far
easier to print. So I personally think it is easier to learn view camera photography with full sheet film before scaling down to roll film holders.
The only major advantage they have is portability and of course, being much cheaper per shot.

EdSawyer said:

What do you need to get to 4x5 images? I have some filmholders I would donate to the cause if it would help.

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Thanks for the offer. I'm actually about to send some money to a member of another forums (he may be here lurking, too) for a lens and he said he would throw in film holders and even some film so that would put me over the edge so to speak.

Getting closer by the day...

PCC said:

I'm actually about to send some money to a member of another forums (he may be here lurking, too) for a lens and he said he would throw in film holders and even some film so that would put me over the edge so to speak.

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Oh boy, are you in for some fun when that stuff turns up

flavio81 said:

You mean "covers 5x4 centimeters", right?

Because if you mean the Ross Xpres for the 6x9 folders, well, i own one and it may appear to cover a big area but it struggles to keep things tack-sharp out of a 6x6 area !!! And i've tried re-adjusting the focus with a ground glass. Inside the 6x6 area everything is very sharp, though.

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Yes the Xpress from the 820, image circle illuminates 5x4 inches . I also have a spare Ross 107mm f3.8 Ensar which apart from being unclothed is identical, seems to be a prototype of the 105mm Xpress SN 1007. I don't expect sharp edges and corners but will try it out of curiosity.

I agree with Drew's point about it's better to learn with 5x4 rather than roll film so it's good to see the Op is getting a lens and film holders.

Ian