In the epistle "Mard Gras (Matt)" scribed 04-06-98 22:35,
Hap Newsom did thus proclaim to Matthew Kiwala:
Hap!
HN> MK>Older view camera lenses are measured in inches as that was the
HN> MK>standard. 8" is a 210mm, a 'normal' for 4x5. So this would be around a
HN> MK>400mm lens. Depending on what size camera you put it on, it's either a
HN> MK>normal, or a slight telephoto.
HN> 
HN> 
HN> I thought a 127 or 135mm lens was normal for 4X5. Are you sure on the
HN> 210mm? I've been told that is a short tele for 4X5.
A 127mm - 135mm would be the rough equivalent to a 35mm lens on a
35mm camera - wide normal. A 210 would be a slightly long normal
like a 55mm lens on a 35mm camera. The actual normal lens would
be about 160mm or about 6.4".
A 43mm lens is actually the mathematical "normal" focal length on
a 35. If I remember correctly, going to 50mm lenses made it cheaper
to make a normal lens that would allow the mirror to swing up on
an Exacta, and the tradition has continued. For the most part, even
Leica - with no mirror - made mostly 35mm and 50mm normal lenses.
One a little short, and the other a bit long.
larry!
... I'm too sexy for my Nikon, too sexy for my Linhof...
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