Since opening up the Large Format Questions email a few weeks ago, there’s one question I’ve received from viewers above all the rest. It goes a little something like this,

“Where do I start with barrel lenses?”

This topic can branch out easily, so to make it a primer for barrel lenses, we’re going to talk about: what are barrel lenses, how can I put them on my large format camera, how can I control them once on there, and what should I look for in one of these lenses.

Petzval and Projection lenses in video provided by photographer Ed Gately:   / ewgately  

480MM F3.8 LiesegangJanar (Rubber Band/SuperGlue Mount)
Buhl Optical 9" (229mm) f2.5 (Red Lens with Custom Machined Flange)
Darlot Petzval 6" f3.8
Universal Iris Lens Clamp (3080mm iris)
Packard Shutter No5 4"

Link to Packard Shutters still made (including electronic servo versions) https://packardshutter.com/

Custom guillotine shutter and footage courtesy of photographer Shane Balkowitsch of Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, ND: http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/wetp...

Steve Maher is the maker of this shutter, and can be reached for purchase details at: [email protected]

Large Format Photography Forum Lens Resources: https://www.largeformatphotography.in...

SKGrimes Custom Machining, Lens, and Shutter Solutions https://skgrimes.com/

Get a Frickin' Tripod Shirt: https://teespring.com/getafrickint...

Questions? Send me an email: [email protected]

Content by Mat Marrash: https://www.matmarrash.com

#largeformat #filmphotography