Hi Andrea,

When I started in museum work, I did not have the advantage of having a
copy of New Methods, but I had been a free lance photographer for 15+
years. In that time I had acquired a Macro lens by Eleitz and a Leica
camera. I also have a close up ring which can allow me to make images on
the 35 mm film in a 1:1 ratio to the actual object. Without the ring I
can got 1:2. Either size allows for incredible detail.

I also use the Technical Pan Film which Kodak creates for copy work. The
speed is slow (ASA 25) but under copy lights that's insignificant. What I
have been able to do with a blue filter, slow exposure, and high contrast
printing to recover faded images on golden brown on yellow sepia
photographs is fascinating.

The Macro lens which Leica has in a 60 mm. I think that is the type of
lens you are meaning when you say a close up lens. Close up attachments
can get you closer with a 50 mm lens at a cheaper price but may or may
not render as accurately.

The difference between 50 and 60 millimeters is not very significant. I
think what New Methods wants people to avoid is the wider angles such as
28 mm (which digital cameras do not equal yet) or the "fisheye lens" of
21 mm because of the distortion inherent in these lens. The straight
edges of buildings, even of the edges of post cards or photographs would
show a noticable curve to the observant viewer.

For color work are you considering Kodacolor transparency because of its
archival quality or digital because of its convenience?

On the copy stand the difference in weight is irrelevant. It depends upon
how are you using the camera off the stand that will determine whether
you need the heavier duty aspect or not. Having a lot of battered,
useless camera bodies at my disposal now, I would go for the heavier
camera for its durability.

If you are thinking of using the camera for objects too large for the
copy board, and that's why the concern about the weight, consider that
you probable want to have it on a tripod when you photograph the larger
works. Again, if you use a tripod, the weight difference is irrelevant.

As you can see, I am kind of old fashioned about my camera technology. I
used digitals as needed for the local newspaper and deplore the detail in
the pictures. For my museum work, I stick to what I know works and lasts
until proven otherwise.

Good luck in your decision.

Mary Kirby
Historic Upshur Museum
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