Re: [Leica] lens choice (on-topic)

["Robert G. Stevens" <robsteve@istar.ca>]

Alan:

I think what is important with bigger prints is that you must realize the
viewer will be standing back futher in order to have the proper perspective
on the print.  I am not an art expert, but I think their is a formula for
viewing distance, something like the distance should be no less than the
square of the diagonal distance of the print.  I do not rememer if this is
the correct formula.

To really appreciate the viewing distance problem, go to a National Galery
and look at some of the paintings that are ten feet by twenty feet.  You
have to stand back quite a distance to appreciate the picture.  If you are
too close, it is just blobs of paint.  If a negative is sharp as an 8X10,
it will look fine as a 20X24 if viewed from far enough away.

Regards,

Robert Stevens

>Thanks for the responses about print enlargement size.  All good advice
>about film, tripod, aperture, paper, and extra care with exposure and
>development.  All understood except for the remark by Alf:
>
>>  Keep in mind also, that the size
>> of your enlargement depends on the observer's distance. 
>
>How could I know where the observer will be in relation to the print
>before I make the enlargement?  I have thought long and hard about this
>but I don't get it.  Surely, the distance a person stands from a
>picture depends on his eyesight.  Alf is probably right and I'm missing
>an important point, but what is it.
>
>Alan
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