I'm tinkering with the idea of building my own "kind-of-large" format camera (i.e. 6x12) and a lens that has caught my eye is the 65mm f/4 Nikkor SW. As per this spec sheet its image circle at maximum aperture is 110mm, i.e. 20mm shy of actually covering a 56x118mm frame. Stopping down, it obviously covers with plenty of room to spare.
I don't have any first-hand experience with large format lenses, but it is my understanding that:
a) the indicated image circle is often more of a guideline beyond which vignetting and resolution may be considered unacceptable for critical work (the notable exception being Rodenstock lenses)
b) the larger apertures of these lenses are intended to be used for focusing them on the ground glass and not for taking pictures with
Can you confirm the above? If so, how is the resolution and drawing character within the image circle wide open?
For context, the camera I am planning to construct will be a rangefinder with one lens fixed to it. I plan to use it both for handheld portrait and travel photography - where I will often use a wider aperture - as well as locked down on a tripod for landscapes using the optimal aperture for the lens.
I called out the 65mm Nikkor since it fits my ideas the best, but I am also wondering how Schneider's and Rodenstock's lenses are doing wide open. Specifically, I am considering the 58mm Super Angulon XL, the 55mm Apo Grandagon and 65mm Grandagon N. I have found samples online for most of these, but all of them are using the lenses "properly", i.e. stopped down.
Thanks a lot in advance for chiming in with your opinions and experience!
I don't have any first-hand experience with large format lenses, but it is my understanding that:
a) the indicated image circle is often more of a guideline beyond which vignetting and resolution may be considered unacceptable for critical work (the notable exception being Rodenstock lenses)
b) the larger apertures of these lenses are intended to be used for focusing them on the ground glass and not for taking pictures with
Can you confirm the above? If so, how is the resolution and drawing character within the image circle wide open?
For context, the camera I am planning to construct will be a rangefinder with one lens fixed to it. I plan to use it both for handheld portrait and travel photography - where I will often use a wider aperture - as well as locked down on a tripod for landscapes using the optimal aperture for the lens.
I called out the 65mm Nikkor since it fits my ideas the best, but I am also wondering how Schneider's and Rodenstock's lenses are doing wide open. Specifically, I am considering the 58mm Super Angulon XL, the 55mm Apo Grandagon and 65mm Grandagon N. I have found samples online for most of these, but all of them are using the lenses "properly", i.e. stopped down.
Thanks a lot in advance for chiming in with your opinions and experience!