Scanning 4x5 film negatives - which macro lens

[moggi1964]

I was scanning with my old Epson flatbed but it died so I bought a lightsource and have a 4x5 film holder.

I have the EM1 MkII and would like to pick up a macro lens to use for scanning the 4x5. 30mm or 60mm. Any recommendations?

[alfbranch]

The 30mm f3.5 would a good contender. Though a 12-40mm f2.8 would work at 100 mm X 125 mm hardly needs a macro lens.

How many sheets do you have?
I could lend you a Laowa 50mm f2.8

[moggi1964]

Thanks alfbranch, I appreciate the offer. I'm shooting 4x5 on a regular basis (I should have made it clear it is negatives I am scanning) so need to buy a lens.

[shenstone]

I would go for the slighttly longer 60mm, less distortion as you are a bit further from the flat plane of the original

[moggi1964]

Thanks for your thoughts

[Graham_of_Rainham]

I did some very old glass negs with my 60mm. It worked perfectly!

[moggi1964]

I'll be doing 9x12 and 4x4 glass. Thanks for that.

[Geo]

Wouldn't have thought it really matters which lens, DOF isn't an issue, neither is AF but you do need sharpness over the whole area.

Nice to se 5x4 still being used, it's what I grew up with.

[moggi1964]

I love using it and seeing the results when it comes out of development.

[Geo]

Monorail? Sinar? There was nothing better for architectural work.

[Phill D]

Why not replace the flatbed scanner and continue your process unchanged? I'd have thought you could get one for the cost of a macro lens.

[moggi1964]

I have considered it but the added versatility of having another lens is swaying me towards that option.

[Phill D]

I'd try it out with whatever lenses you have first. The extra set up and variable lighting/reflections with a camera and lens would tip me in the scanner direction.