Phase One XT Rodenstock 50mm f/4 in-depth review

[Vieri]

Hello everyone! Today, I completed the third of a series of four in-depth reviews dedicated to Rodenstock lenses, in particular used in X-Shutter and on a Phase One XT. This third article will analyse the Rodenstock 50mm f/4, covering a classic focal length equivalent of 35mm on so-called full-frame 135 systems.

The XT Rodenstock 50mm f/4 is a truly amazing lens, it definitely didn't disappoint in my tests and getting it in X-Shutter will also offer quite a wealth of automated digital integrations with the IQ4 that I love to have on my tech camera.

You can find the whole review here, if interested:

https://www.vieribottazzini.com/2021/07/xt-rodenstock-50mm-f-4-in-depth-review.html

Looking forward to your comments! Best regards,

Vieri

 

[Ben Egbert]

Wow Vieri, you went to a lot of work here, well written and extensive write up. This is a whole different level of photography.

 

[Vieri]

Wow Vieri, you went to a lot of work here, well written and extensive write up. This is a whole different level of photography.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Ben, much appreciated! Glad you found it an interesting read!

Best regards,

Vieri

 

[JimFox]

I was out camping with the grandkids, so I finally got a chance to read your review. Even though a medium format is not in the immediate future, I always enjoy your reviews as they are so well written.

One question, isn't an f4 on a medium format faster then a f4 on a full frame? I don't recall, but it seems that I recall the aperture isn't equal between the 2 film/sensor sizes?

 

[Vieri]

I was out camping with the grandkids, so I finally got a chance to read your review. Even though a medium format is not in the immediate future, I always enjoy your reviews as they are so well written.

One question, isn't an f4 on a medium format faster then a f4 on a full frame? I don't recall, but it seems that I recall the aperture isn't equal between the 2 film/sensor sizes?

Hello Jim,

thank you for taking the time to read and comment, much appreciated, I am glad you enjoyed the read. About your question, there is some confusion around about this. In short: f/4 is f/4, regardless of the system you are using. E.g., if you are using your camera and your meter tells you that f/4 and 1/125 sec is the correct aperture for a given photo, the same will be true for me and my medium format camera. In that sense, the aperture is the same. However, if you examine the resulting images, your image will show a larger depth of field than mine, since the sensor size is different. Assuming you are using full-frame, and I am using the Phase One IQ4, you will need to multiply by 0.6485 to get the aperture that will return the same depth of field: in this case my f/4 would create the same depth of field as your f/2,6. Hope this helps!

Best regards,

Vieri