This guide has been compiled with a view to helping newcomers to the Whole Plate format decide on

a lens to start imaging work. 

Which focal length should I start off with?

Whole Plate format images form an image area of a diagonal of approximately 259mm - 262mm

depending on the kind of whole plate format holder used.  On average, a diagonal of 259mm is

satisfactory for most users.  This entails that the focal length chosen, then needs to have an image

circle of at least 259mm.  Coverage can also be expressed in degrees; for clarity, the image circle

values in millimetres is retained where possible.

The following tables include overviews of available lenses however is by no means exhaustive. 

Alternatively,qualitative data, such as an  empirically aggregated list of lenses used by contemporary

whole plate photographers can be referenced. Field reports may be more useful than a list of

theoretically useful lenses, predicted from the  optical design  and/or  manufacturer' data.

A normal focal length for a 35mm format user equates to approximately 43mm.  This figure is

derived from the diagonal of the 24x36mm diagonal.  In practice, some users may feel more

comfortable with a standard '50mm' lens.  The standard 45mm 'pancake' lens or the 50mm standard

'fast' lens opens up a unique format choice for 35mm users.

A normal focal length for a 6x6cm format user equate  to approximately an 80mm focal length. 

Some users prefer the slightly longer normal-telephoto perspective of a 100mm lens.  The difference

between an 80mm relative to a 100mm on 6x6cm format, is similar to the difference between

perspectives on a 43mm and a 50mm lens however the advantages of a faster aperture are already

diminishing with even slight increases in the focal length away from the standard'.

For 4x5" large format work, a standard focal length approximates to 150mm.  Some users may prefer

the slighter longer normal-telephoto perspective of a 180mm focal length. 

For whole plate format work, a standard focal length falls around 10 3/4 inches for a classic lens, or

around 270mm for a modern design.   There are perhaps a greater number of vintage lenses of 10

inch designation than modern lenses of 270mm designation.  Older lenses also carry the [8 1/2 x

6 1/2 inch] whole plate designation.    The choice of a standard lens for whole plate format extends

from 240mm - 300mm with marginal differences in field perspective, best decided upon by the

photographer.   The advantages of a focal length greater than 240mm for either classic or modern

lenses lies in the degree of freedom of choice available to the whole plate photographer with less

tight tolerances for image circle coverage.

The advantages of a 300mm focal length over a 270mm include greater availability/numbers of

300mm lens designs and types from different manufacturers, as well as a (usually) greater image

circle to work with.  With older classic lenses, definition/sharpness in the periphery of the imaging

field may be significantly curtailed and thus a 300mm lens offers more flexibility for use. In practice,

the difference in focal length between 270mm and 300mm is relatively minor, as with 'standard'

lenses for 4x5", 6x6cm and 24x36mm formats.

For clarity, the lenses have been categorised as either 'modern' or 'classic'.  Roughly, this schema is used

as a guideline and breaks down particularly when lenses with a lengthy lineage are revised or modified

during the course of its refinement.

The Standard Focal Length - Contemporary Lenses [240mm - 300mm]

Systematic overview:

One of the best resources on the internet has been compiled by Michael Gudzinowicz, originally intended

for 8x10" format users.  Although dated by modern standards, it presents a systematic and comprehensive

overview of many lenses [click on the table to enlarge]: the image covering power has been listed in the

tables to provide reference for coverage with movements. 

Generally, contemporary lenses are single or multi-coated; available in modern shutters or barrel versions if

designed originally as process lenses for process and reprographic applications.  The latest designs use low

dispersion glass.  Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikkor, Fuji and Zeiss [Docter Wetzlar Optic] all offer modern lenses

with this scope.  The 240mm may be considered as a wider-normal lens choice.  The Earthlink website should

also be referenced.

Alternatively, standard focal lengths can be selected from the manufacturer search of the four major companies

listed on the Global Matter website in addition to Zeiss's subgroup, Docter Wertzlar Optic lenses and checking

for the image circle.

Manufacturers overview:

     Zeiss Docter Germinar Lenses