Can a close-up filter be successfully used on a view camera? I have a 150mm lens on my Arca 6x9 with the standard 20cm bellows, I would like to use this lens for some close-up work. However; at full bellows extension my lens to subject distance is still not quite close enough, can a close-up filter buy me another 6-8 inches "i.e. closer lens to subject distance"?

Bob P.

-- Robert Pellegrino (bob.pellegrino@learjet.com), September 16, 2000

Answers

A close up lens shortens the focal length of the lens it is put on. If you put one on your 150mm lens, you will be able to focus closer, just as if you had a 135mm or 120mm lens instead.

-- William Marderness (wmarderness@hotmail.com), September 16, 2000.

A close up filter can be used with large format easily and with good results *much* of the time. Test it to see if it works for you. I have used the Nikkor and Canon multi element close up lenses on my 4x5's with good results. They are 52mm thread and fit a 300 Nikkor M lens just fine and the results look good and make sharp prints. But, putting either on the 8x10 or larger is a big league disappointment. They look great in the center and then go into the outhouse big time as you get about 3 inches from the center. Bad enough to need a two holer to dump the negs into. I suspect some will be better than others and the only good way I know to make sure they work for you is to test a few and pick the best one. I have purchased from Calumet in the past and by going to their stores I have been able to try a lens or filter, choosing from a number of them, process the film & then picking the one that does the best job. I have yet to run into a problem with either of these two above mentioned close up filters with the 4x5.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), September 16, 2000.

Thanks for your input, I've ordered both a +1.0 and +2.0 diopter filters for my 150mm lens. I'll give them a try and hope for the best, it's certainly much cheaper than buying a longer bellows. Thanks. Bob P.

-- Robert Pellegrino (bob.pellegrino@juno.com), September 17, 2000.

Bob, have you ordered the two elements ones? The single element have a lesser quality. In Nikon's range, the doublets are the 3T & 4T in 52 mm and the 5T & 6T in 62 mm. The single elements are essentially designed for short focal lenses. The cost of these lenses is marginal (30 bugs) compared to other close-up solutions!

-- Paul Schilliger (pschilliger@smile.ch), September 17, 2000.