the main value in shooting test charts is comparing the differences in films/sensors/lenses/fstops, etc not the absolute numbers.
You have to be careful not to "taint" the tests though with poor techniques like inconsistant lighting, focus errors, unstable tripods, exposure and development errors, etc. JCO -----Original Message----- From: Don Sanderson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2004 6:56 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: USAF target and resolution tests As I was reading this post I was printing off a copy of the test chart on my new HP 7960 inkjet. By the time I read the comments below I realised that all the chart will tell me is how well the ist D and my lenses take photos of test charts! I really don't plan on becoming a test chart photographer. Some of my lenses such as the Super Tak 85/1.9 will never see the test chart anyway. Don't have to, I fell in love with that lens after only 3 or 4 images. I do see a use for the chart in evaluating relative performance of zooms at different FL's, or perhaps trying all the stops on a lens under controlled conditions. Add the fact that I find testing lenses rather fun. Other than that I tend to agree with William, the test that counts is the real world images. I'm still glad that I printed the chart though, my $179.00 printer made me get out an 8x loupe to see the finest detail it could print. Now that's impressive! If it's better than my eyeballs, it's good enough for me. ;-) Don > -----Original Message----- > From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2004 5:09 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: USAF target and resolution tests > > > > Maybe it's because I spent so many years in the game, but I just > don't care about this sort of thing any more. I just go out and take > pictures and I don't go looking for trouble. > If the film/ lens/ digital sensor/ whatever makes pictures that I > find pleasing, then I am happy with the equipment. I can't be > bothered with trying to squeeze the last possible drop of performance > out of something. That's too much like work. > If small format, be it digital or film, won't resolve enough for a > situation, I pull out a larger camera. > > I just don't think the difference between doing it right, and going > to extraordinary measures makes a whole lot of difference. > William Robb
