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Old 01-28-2008   #12 (permalink)
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Default Re: HARTBLEI Tilt Shift

Quote:
Originally Posted by dougsmit View Post
I believe the 35mm at $1000 is a new model offering refinements like the 12 blade diaphragm. It is interesting that it is nearly double the price of the cheapest Hartblei so I suspect their new direction is toward quality rather than price. If used on a FF camera, I'd question how much movement you could get from a 35mm before running out of image circle. These are such very specialized lenses that each must look closely at intended purpose and pick the focal length that fits.

Sure you can get a decent large format camera for $1000 - a film camera. Add a decent lens that covers enough to make movements work and a digital back and the price bumps up a bit. There are excellent lenses in terms of sharpness that (at least used to) sell for low prices. Thirty years ago I bought my antique Protars which had ridiculous coverage (for the day - 110 degrees), decent sharpness and the speed of f/18 wide open. I do not know if they have gone up too much (modern photographers usually value features they lacked).
Phew a bit technical for me, I've got a rough grip on what you're saying re the sensor size. The large format option sounds like it's worth looking into especially the enormous coverage...110 degrees!
I've been in contact with Hartblei and will post the replies to my enquiries, good for a chuckle:

Dear Anton

Would you mind telling me why and also what alternatives are available, if not also why. I'm intrigued as there are plenty of examples on the internet, with pictures of Canon EOS cameras fitted with the lens and images produced with that combination. I'm very keen to get hold of one as the reviews are very favourable.

Regards again

Clive

Perhaps he thinks I'm in complete ignorance of this lens/camera combination or could it be a hangover from the old days?
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