View Camera Technique, 7th Edition

3Image Formation

Almost any lens that can be attached to a lens board, including a pinhole aperture, can be used on a view camera, but for most picture-taking situations lenses specifically designed for view cameras should be used. Considering the many ways in which lenses can differ, photographers often have little specific information about the lenses that they purchase and use. Not infrequently, the focal length and f-number of the maximum aperture are the only quantitative information marked on the lens barrel (with the full set of f-numbers and shutter speeds appearing on the shutter housing). Since relatively few photographers are prepared to conduct comprehensive lens tests, they tend to be influenced in their choice of lenses by recommendations ...