First 5x4 from the WeltaFranken 4.5

[Farside]

This one, with the Franken back attached, just a quick and dirty shot to see how the lens behaved. This is the Leitmeyr 4.5 double anastigmat. The shutter decided it didn't want to play anymore and all speeds seemed to be about 1/15th.


No cleaning up, with scratches and crap still present. Scanned at 2400. Shot at f:8.


100pc crop from the centre. Unfortunately the performance drops off rapidly towards the sides, with the outer fifths being a bit rubbish. Definitely a contact printing lens, I think, where the subjects are fairly central.

[rawhead]

Are you using the "taco" method to develop the film in a tank? Because I see a mark very similar to what I got with my very first 4x5 film

[Nesster]

That is impressive clarity in the center, and a very nice result overall. Makes me want to try this someday.

[Farside]

@Rawhead.
Yep, I think it's where the edge of the next taco is touching the back. Oddly, there's no marks from the rubber bands, but they were quite a loose fit on these.

@Nesster.
I'm reasonably surprised at the centre, and hoped for better at the edges, but this lens is a total unknown. On balance, it's probably as good as it deserved to be for the money it cost - ie, it wasn't the cheapy one, but not a Zeiss, etc.

Next up; the other Welta with the Trioplan on 5x4.

Also, I intend to get some 9x12 B&W as I now have nine film inserts and plate holders for all the cameras. Thanks to a kind ebay seller who sold me three and included another three as a gift.