Use of resin filters with Schneider 72 mm

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After dithering for almost a year, I'm close to purchasing a Schneider 72 mm lens for my TK45. The reason for the dithering is that I've been bothered about simultaneous use of color correcting filters and the Center Filter. Brief background - I do landscape photography with transparency film. I own Lee resin filters and holders.

I know about the Lee push-on filter holder, which allows use of resin filters on the lens itself. But the CF is wider than 100 mm, the width of the Lee filters. It seems that if one were to employ movements that cause the need for the CF, then the Lee system would not be adequate.

Based on previous threads on this site, the range of opinion concerning the need for a CF on this lens is complete, from some who always use one, to some who never use one. I'm anticipating that I'll have to reach a decision concerning usage of the CF based on my own experience. My concern is that should I decide that I need the CF, then it seems that I'll have to adopt a filter system other than Lee's to do color corrections.

Do any Schneider 72 mm lens users have any thoughts or proposed solutions for this apparent problem?

Thanks,

-- Bruce M. Herman (bherman@gci.net), December 22, 2001

Answers

Are you shooting 5x7 with this lens? Otherwise I think it is overkill for your application.

-- Ellis Vener Photography (ellis@ellisvener.com), December 22, 2001.

4x5.

Ellis, are you saying that the limits to the movement for this lens exceed what I'm likely to utilize in landscape photography?

Based on some simple-minded geometric calculations, I'd say that you're correct. But those same calculations suggest that I'd push a 75 mm lens to the limit of its range with some aspects of my style, particularly regarding foreground.

Feel free to elaborate if you have the time. If you don't, I'm sure that someone else will.

Thanks,

-- Bruce M. Herman (bherman@gci.net), December 23, 2001.


I am using the Cokin XL series , I have two lenses that need 105 filters, I shoot 8x10 and I have not had any problems with the quality of the image when contact printing. I have not had to enlarge these images but I looked at them with a 8x loupe and the sharpness was indistinguishable from glass filters. The only problem is the cost of the filters, But the range of effects is great, I recommend thes filters highly.

-- ed (zeke@idirect.com), December 23, 2001.

geometric calculations are one thing. Actual practice is another. if you have a good 90mm, how often do youpush it to it's limits of coverage. I have a 90mm f/4.5 grandagon and the only times i push it to it's limits of coverage are when I'm either using it on my 6x17 V-Pan with a lot of rise or when doing architectural exteriors of skyscrapers and am forced by necess esary proximity (to be clear of obstruction to use full rise and an indirect tilt. For the little landscape work I've done I've never found it to be a limitation.

I rarely use a 75mm but what I see when I use it out at the limits is a lot of angular distortion. In those situations I'd rather use a 65mm and crop.

-- Ellis Vener Photography (ellis@ellisvener.com), December 23, 2001.


let me see if I can say that worse! (or: I should know better than to try typing or thinking before having my mornig coffee.)

Geometric calculations are one thing but actual practice is another. If you have a good 90mm, how often do you push it to it's limits of coverage? My standard wide angle is a 90mm f/4.5 Rodenstock Grandagon and the only times I push it to it's limits of coverage are when I'm either using it on my 6x17 V-Pan with a lot of rise or when doing architectural exteriors of skyscrapers and am forced (by necessessary proximity (to be clear of foreground obstructions) to use full rise and an indirect tilt. For the little landscape work I've done I never have found myself to be pushing the limits of coverage on a 4x5 image.

I rarely use a 75mm but what I see when I do use it out at the limits is a lot of typical wide angular distortion. In those situations I'd rather use a 65mm and crop.

For their standard filter system, the kind that uses screw in adapters, Lee makes a 105mm diameter wide angle version adapter. You might have to special order it but it is available.



-- Ellis Vener Photography (ellis@ellisvener.com), December 23, 2001.



Ellis,

I find my self on my knees a lot, not just praying for some success, but when making wide angle photographs, too. The total angle between the front and rear standards when I'm using my 90 mm f5.6 is often 10 degrees or about 0.1745 for those of you who work in radians. Add a centimeter or two of rise or fall to adjust the composition (as often happens when I've made the rear stadnard vertical to keeps the trees looking like trees rather than a floral arrangement), and I'm approaching both the lens' and my limits.

So that's the basis of my concern. But I will admit that the filtration issue is significant, and that failing a satisfactory solution, I'll go to the 75 mm instead. I need to check on the 105 mm option for the Lee filters that you mentioned. I'm reluctant to move to Cokin filters because of the cost of switching systems. Life is full of compromises.

Thanks,

-- Bruce M. Herman (bherman@gci.net), December 23, 2001.


I have used a 72mm for about three years. Te lens provides excellent coverage on 4x5 for both landscape and architectural work. I annot imagine a reasonable application resulting in failure. I have found that the inability of the camera plus WA bellows to be a more substantial drawback than anything else. The TK45S is such a wonderful instrument and has so lage accessory "bin"so to speak, that you should have no problems with that lens+camera+ bellows. As far as filters are concerned,you will have no problems, is you use approipriate equipment.

Don't take this the wrong way, but from what Ihave read and seen from fellow LF photographers, the secret, if there is one, is to realize that you must use a high quality set of tools across the image making spectrum. The lens and camera of your choice are second to none, and no I don't own a TK45- I use two Wisner Technical Fields, one the regulkar and the other the Pocket--. If you opt for the CF and another filter system, in front of or behind the lens you should be able to enjoy the best of all the worlds. Bob

-- Bob Moulton (bobmargaretm@home.com), December 23, 2001.


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