naybody have an opinion about using digital lenses w/ film?

bicycletricycle

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
109
Format
35mm
I want a really sharp lens for my 6x6-6x9 cameras in the 130-150mm range and thought that maybe one of those schneider or rodenstock digial lenses might be the ticket. Also they are supposed to be better wide open which is important to me. Also all the other lenses that are modern in this range are for 4x5, will all that extra light bounce of my bellows and decrease contrast or image quality in some other way?
 
OP
OP

bicycletricycle

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
109
Format
35mm
it will cover a lot of formats, 150mm circle

it has 150 mm covering power.
 
Joined
Mar 23, 2006
Messages
858
Format
Multi Format
At a trade show last year, I asked a Linos (Rodenstock) representative about the differences. One thing mentioned was that a CCD sensor has a more reflective surface than film, so the coating on the rear element is different to account for that. He stated that their newest lenses would work fine with film, though he pointed out that the shorter focal lengths only cover a very small area.

My personal opinion is that unless you plan on getting a PhaseOne, Imacon, JenOptik or Leaf back, skip on these high priced lenses. While they might be better at larger aperture openings, I doubt the difference would be enough to matter for most images. Also, I have yet to see any convincing evidence that you could not use normal modern large format lenses with any of those backs. Comments on the ALPA website seem to confirm my opinion that many modern lenses are quite good for film or any other method of capturing an image.

Ciao!

Gordon
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…