In the days of Kodak High Contrast Copy film, I determined the resolution of my Leicaflex 50mm Summicron and 90mm Elmarit R lenses with USBS targets placed at 76 focal lengths from the nodal point of the lenses. At this distance the maximum resolution that can be measured is 240 l/mm. The Summicron achieved this resoution at f4 in the very center of the field! And the resolution was distinct, meaning I did not have to strain my eyes to see the spaces between the lines. I tried to see at what magnification this level of resolution could be manifested/used in printing. So I placed the negative in my enlarger and used my Omega grain magnifier to examine the resolution target at 24X with the enlarger lens aperture set at f4.5. I could just make out the target lines, and concluded that this level of resolution would never be seen in a print unless is was feet across and I could find an enlarging lens that could resolve over 240 l/mm at that magnification.(posted 8759 days ago)This test, and others I conducted over the years, was a great education. With high resolution lenses, the effects of diffraction can be readily determined. Already at f8 resolution is degraded, and this is especially apparent at f11 and smaller. But at f11, the resolution (i.e., 68-80 l/mm) across the field with high grade lenses is very uniform, and the contrast and illumination is also uniform. With most general use films, practical resolution is 68-80 l/mm, so this aperture is fully capable of using the maximum potential of most fine grain films.
So, resolution and fine grain is fine, but what kind of gradation will the new film provide? If it is like most high resolution copy films, it won't be that hot. But I hope that it is!
Eilert Anders