[MF3D.FORUM:229] Sputnik Lenses

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  I read the interesting comments about the Sputnik having no better
resolution than a 7p Belplasca or so. This would follow in line with
what I have read about medium format in general as compared to 35mm.
  The 35mm crowd was crowing about the fact that 35 can equal or some
times better the best of the medium format lenses and resultant photos
as far as resolution is concerned. This has been known for years. BUT,
what separates medium format from 35 is the tonal range reproduction and
reduction in grain due to lower magnification on enlargement. With
large format, the difference is even more striking. As with medium format
, large format cannot resolve more lines-per-millimeter than 35. This
was the subject of quite a lengthy thread on the large format group.
  Bottom line was that large format looked better because of its tonal
range and seeming lack of grain on huge enlargements.
  So the comments about the Sputnik are not a surprise. But I did see
medium format stereo at NSA Green Bay 1999. I was very impressed with
the overall improvement in image quality.
  The Green Bay trip also marked my last use of Kodachrome 64 as
the grain is just too noticeable in 35mm stereo. KM25 does a better
job but has its own baggage as well.


  Yeah, I have been doing medium format now for about 5 years and 4x5
for about 3. All the stereo stuff so far is 35. Waiting on a Sputnik! :)

-Fred Sole