Is bigger always better?

[Rick58]

Very good observation Maris and Marcelle. Scheimpflug is something I didn't take into consideration regardless of print size. I need to invest in a good 150 or 210mm. The 135 drastically limits my movements. For that reason, many times the Calumet sits on the shelf and I grab the Graphic.

 

[epatsellis]

8x10 contact printed....only (slightly) kidding.

If (big if) you were to expose and develop equally for both negatives, with the same zone I densities and the same contrast index, the RB image will have slightly less tonality and very slightly more grain. I've been shooting with RB's for going on 3 decades now, there's few, if any lenses that will be better. And for those naysayers, yes, I have a Hassy outfit, the RB's tonality and detail make it look far and away a more realistic, "non photo" photographic images.

A couple of things that will help you get the absolute most out of the Optar (and most vintage LF glass as well) include "prefiring the shutter a few times to let the speeds "settle in", shooting at f16 or f22, apertures that most LF lenses are actually optimized for, btw.

 

[Rick58]

It's sounds like you've been standing behind your RB for about the same amount of time as me. That's exactly why I used the RB for a comparision. The glass is superb!
The prefire idea is interesting and makes a lot of sense. Thanks

 

[forest3221]

i agree with you.