Search for ultimate sharpness- any tips?

[John McCallum]

There's a nice, quick DOF calculator at http://www.shuttercity.com/DOF.cfm
that's worth a look ....

[noseoil]

A rock solid tripod (my Bogen 3051 and 3047 head weighs 17 pounds) is a must. Try to use the shortest lens practical for a given situation, longer lenses are more susceptible to shake.

I've found Efke 25 to be very sharp. I can't see using a film which resolves more than the paper you are printing on is able to see. The high resolution films are only able to do so much, it is the entire system, from film to print, which makes a sharp picture.

[colrehogan]

I have been using Tmax and Rodinal 1:50 on this project, but I'm open to ideas, is the "Tech Pan" available in 4x5 sheets?
Matt

Yes, Tech Pan is available in 4x5 & 8x10 sheets. As for different developers than Technidol, try looking at the Massive Development Chart for times for other developers. I've used D76 1:1 with 4x5 Technidol and I liked my results.

[Tom Hoskinson]

I'm with noseoil on this one. My preference is Efke 25 semi-stand developed in Pyrocat-HD.

I should add that I have maintained a love-hate relationship with MF and LF Techpan since the 1970's (when it was a Kodak SO film). My favorite developers with Techpan are Bill Anneman's Perfection Micrograin and Diafine (with a 100:1 diluted one shot A bath).

Having said that, I will repeat what I said earlier, atmospherics (and/or vibration) can easily blow the whole high resolution landscape thing.