Recommendation for lens for 4x5; equivelent to 28mm in 35mm format?

jeffreyg · Jan 23, 2012

I agree as some have said that it is difficult to equate one format to another especially with the larger formats. For example a quick look at a Nikon LF lens chart will give two degrees of coverage one at maximum f/stop and one at minimum f/stop. I assume that in between the coverage varies accordingly. Also image circle could be a factor if significant camera movements are necessary. With 6x6 format you get diagonal and horizontal coverage figures. If the number of lenses one can get is a factor then I would think that the one that can handle the needs it will most frequently be used for is the way to go.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

keithwms · Jan 23, 2012

I highly recommend the 90/8 super angulon.

MattKing · Jan 23, 2012

Michael R 1974 said:
So let's say I'm converting a focal length in 35mm to 4x5, and I assume I will crop the 4x5 negative down to the 35mm aspect ratio. What is the conversion factor?

The long dimension on your 4x5 negative is 5 inches = 127mm

The long dimension on your 35mm negative is 36mm

The conversion factor is the ratio between the two long dimensions: 127/36 = 3.528

So your 28mm lens needs to be replaced by 3.528 x 28mm = 98.8 ml on the 4x5 camera - say 100mm.

Compare that with the situation where you were usually using your 28mm to create 8x10 prints - i.e. actually using just a 24mm x 30mm portion of each negative.

The long dimension on your 35mm negative is 30mm

The conversion factor is the ratio between the two long dimensions: 127/30 = 4.233

So your 28mm lens needs to be replaced by 4.233 x 28mm = 118.5 mm on the 4x5 camera - say 120mm.

Marvin · Jan 23, 2012

The Kodak Professional Photoguide has a nice little chart that lets you find the equivalent focal length for different formats and it goes from 35mm to 8x10. I don't guess these are available new anymore but can be found on ebay.

ic-racer · Jan 23, 2012

Michael R 1974 said:
So let's say I'm converting a focal length in 35mm to 4x5, and I assume I will crop the 4x5 negative down to the 35mm aspect ratio. What is the conversion factor?

I agree with what MattKing posted, but also realize that that is only for infinity focus. Once you start cranking the focus on a close object the angle of view decreases. This angle of view decrease is somewhat difficult to calculate because it is proportional to the format size and subject distance. So a lot more math is needed to get equivalent focal lengths at non-infinity focus.

Real life example> I can focus my MINOX to one foot and the angle of view change from infinity is very small. If I focus my 8x10 camera to one foot, the angle of view changes to about one-half. This will have a massive effect on you calculation of equivalent focal length.

ic-racer · Jan 23, 2012

Michael R 1974 said:
Thanks ic-racer. I figured I'd start with an infinity assumption, but I guess as usual it is never a simple thing...

There was a thread over on the Large Format forum about selecting lenses for portraits. I wound up putting together a spreadsheet that incorporated subject distance in addition to format diagonal and focal length. It shows how focusing in for a portrait with an 11x14 camera and 'normal' lens can diminish the angle of view to the same as what you'd get with a 35mm camera and an 85mm lens. (there is only one unique subject distance where that is the case).

keithwms · Jan 24, 2012

Worrying about what exact LF focal length matches another in 35mm format is probably not going to take you anywhere useful. The first things to do is to look at the lenses that are available- the common focal lengths are the ones to look for, as you will have (1) more choice and (2a) there is more competition between different brands and (2b) you're more likely to find the right price.

I previously recommended a look at the Schneider 90/8 SA. The reason is that it is in the ballpark field of view (big aspect ratio difference notwithstanding, because there are many different ways to compute 'equivalents'), and it's a very nice lens at a good price. There are also many other 90s out there. If you go looking for a 100mm or an 80mm or something... very thin selection, if any.

Recommendation for lens for 4x5; equivelent to 28mm in 35mm format?

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