Mark JK , Jun 10, 2008; 11:06 a.m.
Hello there,
Recently I have purchased a Polaroid 600SE with 127mm lens. However the lens
does not allow me to focus quite close enough to get a tight head and shoulder
portrait. The 150mm is namely called the "portrait" lens of the system. I havent
got it but from what I know the closest focusing distance is 1.5m. So could you
please let me know the slight increase in focal length would make the shot any
tighter at all (the closest focusing distance of 127mm is 1m). I would really
appreciate anyone with hands on experience on both the lens to give some evaluation.
Many thanks
Jim Stenstrom , Jun 13, 2008; 11:29 a.m.
Hi,
I have all three lenses for the Polaroid 600 SE. Originally I had just the 75mm and the 150mm, but purchased the 127mm. The 127mm gets you closer than the 150mm. It was recommended to me that in order to get closer you can use a close-up filter attached to the lens and a ground glass back for focusing. The other way is just to crop the image. The 150mm is considered the least desirable lens of the 3 lenses available. There is a nice review here:
http://filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=779.0
Tony Sansone is also another valuable resource.
Anthony Sansone , Jun 19, 2008; 10:35 a.m.
Mark:
Polaroid made an extension tube that had a special fitting that connected to the RF. With this tube, the idea was that you could turn the
127mm lens into a portrait lens. They are very hard to find and expensive when you find them. As near as I can figure, they were only
available from Polaroid in Holland during the 70s.
One day soon, I will make extension tubes for the 600SE, including one just for portraits. Good diopters will allow you to focus at a set
distance from the subject and fill the frame with the head and shoulders of the subject. However, you will need a ground glass. Suggest
you get the best quality lupe that you can to go with the ground glass. Better to save longer for something like a Schneider 10X or 8X
lupe than to buy a cheaper one. You see much more with the better optics when you try to critical focus.
I have never heard of the 150mm being a portrait lens because the closest focussing is greater than the 127mm. Also, the portrait
image on film will be smaller. The 150mm seems to be the least desired. However, when you take images with a test target, it is every
bit as good as the 127mm and better than most medium format lenses. One thing that does detract from performance of older
equipment is the evaporated helical grease, evaporated lube, and industrial pollution that coats the elements externally and internally.
Much light does not make it through the elements. A good cleaning of all elements will improve images dramatically.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Tony Sansone
Mark JK , Jun 19, 2008; 12:27 p.m.
Hi Tony,
Thank you so much for spending time on this forum helping us!
I'm very much in love with polaroid film the Polaroid 600SE/Mamiya Universal system. I'm very gutted that I cant do a tighter head shot so I'm thinking of getting a 4x5 for this :(. Is there any way you can make an extension that couple with the rangefinder so we dont have to use a ground glass, i will buy that instantly! Even better if you can do a shift and tilt adapter!
Many thanks Mark
