Schneider Kreutznach 210/5.6 Enlarging Lens: A Step Too Far?

Taking the dog for a walk is a great way of finding solutions to problems. Particularly when your not even thinking about them. I realised I had every thing I needed to get the necessary extension to try the full frame camera with this lens. Two bellows connected by extension rings. When I got home I gave it a try. Total extension ended up being 440mm, focus distance was 320 mm ( just over 1 foot)> Now this is starting to border on the ridiculous but I am getting a little more than 1-1 magnification. Some vignetting is creeping in on the corners but with round subjects who cares? Here is the same coin but on the full frame sensor:



And F stop.....with this lens and set up who needs to worry? I have no idea what the real F stop value is.....it is very slow but the depth of field is huge!! I think an ant could be captured with out stacking!

I should have tried this double bellows approach before: Here is a 41 diameter coin. The focusing distance was close to 900mm( I didn't measure this time). I also sorted out my lights..instead of pointing them at the coins I switched all four on and pointed them at the ceiling so the light is bounced down to the coin. Again unedited ( the coin was raised above the base board)

rmpsrmps I couldn't fit that in the house. Well I could but she who must be obeyed would have other ideas!!

I spent some more time testing it by photographing Silver dollar sized coins. then editing the results as I would normally do.

The long focus distance really makes lighting a breeze. I am now getting some of the most effective lighting out of the simplest setup. however I have to stand to see the Camera screen and operating the Stackshot control becomes a pain. I had been putting off getting the tethering software( Phase 1 pro) for my Sony A7r. I think in the New year I will purchase it. The first test shot was a gold coin ( gold is often a good test). By the way all the photos have been scaled down to 160mm by 160mm instead of the standard output of 340mm by 340mm.



the Next test is of a diabolical to photograph reverse of a 1745 MTT. the toning and cabinet rubbing drive me nuts. This is a reasonable rendition:



Then there is this toned 1888 medal, This has to be the most accurate capture of all the colours( and scratches which I had not noticed before) I have managed ever.



Silver and gold are great but of course there is copper. Heres the copper trial strike of the above medal: