Re: [Largeformat] Optimal aperture

[Douglas Cooper <douglas@metaversalstudios.com>]

At 04:42 PM 9/4/00 +0000, you wrote:
>since all lenses are different, why
>not test your's to determine optimum aperture.

Good advice.  Nevertheless, the rule of thumb is that most lenses perform 
best at the middle aperture, and often at f/22.  (Enlarger lenses seem to 
be the exception; they're often best 1.5 to 2 stops down from the largest 
aperture.)

Not that this is a substitute for careful testing.  Especially with an 
older lens, where samples deviate (although the Ektars are said to be 
remarkably consistent).

cheers,

Douglas Cooper