Charles Sleicher Resolution Chart 15 July 2008
A superb test target...
Testing your lenses for sharpness or your tripod for steadiness has never been easier than with the Charles Sleicher resolution test chart.
This is my preferred target when testing for lens sharpness, tripod stability, or any time you need to assess optical results with a target that offers high contrast, ease-of-focusing, and flatness.
Mr. Sleicher provides an outstanding description of how to use the test chart here, posted with permission.
This is an actual photo taken of a frequently-used copy of the chart. Click on the photo below to see a high-resolution version (large!):
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost? The unmounted chart is available directly for $34.00 + $3.04 postage by sending a check to Charles Sleicher at 5002 Harold Place NE, Seattle, WA 98105. You might want to email him first to verify that he still offers it.
What’s the best way to mount the chart? Mount it on 1/2" black Gatorfoam (see next question). Do not use white GatorFoam, as this might reduce the chart contrast. A good photo lab should be able to do this for you at a cost of about $70 or so.
What is GatorFoam? GatorFoam is an archival-quality mounting board which offers excellent stiffness and flatness—vastly superior to materials such as foam core board. It will not warp or bend, and is reasonably durable. Fine-art photographers sometimes mount their prints on this material. You will not find a better material for mounting the test chart than this (at least not at comparable cost). It is relatively expensive, and the mounting requires a special mounting press; it’s not a do-it-yourself material.
Will it warp or bend? No. But it will bend slightly, then break (snap) if sufficient force is applied.
Is it perfectly flat? No, but it's very, very good. Few mounting materials are this stiff and this uniformly flat.
Is it heavy? No, quite light.
How long will it last? Excepting abuse or damage, you should never need to replace it. Scratches, tape marks, dents, etc do not render the chart any less useful, though excessive exposure to sunlight can fade or discolor it.
Are there other sizes? No. The only size available is 36 X 24 inches (approximately).