close(r) up options?

[SteveM(PA)]

Today I was presented with an opportunity to photograph a record album cover for a friend. It would involve shooting a sculpture of found objects that my friend (and boss!) is making. It will probably be a couple square feet in size. He would like me to explore different frame-filling ways of shooting the sculpture, and although my iiif is the "best" camera I own, I think it is not right for this job. I do, however, have a Summicron DR, but no M-mount body, BUT could easily be persuaded to shop for a user M3. The DR would get me up to nearly a foot of distance, as opposed to my collapsible cron's 3.5 feet. Also I'm still not quite clear on what the Visoflex might do for me. Okay, it can effectively turn my iiif into an SLR, but what exactly does that spell in terms of close up shooting? I'm thinking a cheap digital with a decent macro mode and photoshop will be the ticket, but if at all possible, I'd like to play with vintage gear here.

 

[FPjohn]

Viso

Viso

Hello :

A visoflex 1, with chimney finder, will permit you to use your 111f, perhaps the Zorki, or a CV "L" as a SLR. The DR head will make an excellent macro on a novoflex bellows. A semi permanent setup for static photography could cost less than $100 to $200. Good luck and the best in the new year.

yours
Frank

PS A digicam or SLR, not to mention a scanner, is a straight forward solution-perhaps not as much fun.

 

[Branestawm]

As an alternative I see your list of cameras includes a Rolleiflex. A set of +1 close up lenses would give a field of view of about 1 foot square and should be less costly than a Viso set up. The square format might suit the final use of the pics too

 

[jlw]

A cheap digital with a macro mode will get you a close-up picture, all right, but good luck finding one that doesn't have noticeable distortion. If the found objects in the sculpture involve straight lines, this will definitely show up in the result. You can tinker endlessly with the Filter>Distort>Lens Correction in PhotoChop CS2 and eventually chase most of it out, but it's easier to shoot with a decent lens in the first place.

 

[FPjohn]

As an alternative I see your list of cameras includes a Rolleiflex. A set of +1 close up lenses would give a field of view of about 1 foot square and should be less costly than a Viso set up. The square format might suit the final use of the pics too

This is also excellent advice.

yours
Frank

 

[Sonnar Brian]

A Nikon F with Micro-Nikkor 55mm F3.5 will run ~$150 these days. 100% framing, interchangeable view-screens including the "E" screen with gridlines.

 

[SteveM(PA)]

hmmm these are all interesting options, and I am carefully researching each one. I have my little heart set on the viso, if I can find one. I sort of "gave" my 'flex to the ex as an xmas gift, so it's out of here, but if I can find a rolleinar for cheap I'll borrow it. And it is fun digging through all those Nikons on the bay...hmmm...thanks everybody!