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Large Format Advice
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Hi,
I’m considering buying a large format camera to experiment with what a larger format camera can offer. I don’t really know too much about this type of camera, but see several people here are using them.
I am mainly interested in exploring large format for some portrait, landscape and architectural use, and would like to dovetail its use in with some zone system learning.
I can’t change my enlarger set-up, so am leaning towards 5×7 which I could easily contact print. 8×10 is an option too, but too heavy for my intended usage. Also, I would like to develop the discipline of getting the exposure right in the negative, through metering to get the shadow density I want, and through development to get the highlight detail and contrast range I want.
Any advice welcome, as this type of camera is a new one on me, and also I don’t want to break the bank, if possible,
Thanks in advance,
Damien
Damien,
FYI, just moved your post to here as I think it might get more attention in the film section.
No worries Mark, I thought the same when trying to decide where to post it :)
Hi Damien, read up on Monorail versus Field cameras to see which suits you best.
Monorails are suited to studio work as they are usually bigger and heavier than Field cameras and have more movements. Field cameras are more convenient for landscapes as they fold up and are easier to carry etc. The fact that they have less movements would not be such a big deal for landscapes but for architectural photography they may restrict you a bit. You need to decide what you will mostly use the camera for.
I can’t recommend any make or model over another as my experience is limited to college use years ago and I have not used any LF since.
If you know anyone who owns a LF camera it would be good to try theirs if they don’t mind.
Peter
Hi Peter,
Yes, think it is a field camera I’m on the lookout for. Have started to educate myself in the ways of view cameras, and for my combined indoor and outdoor usage, I think a field camera for the lower weight is the way to go, in addition to the beautiful wood finishes on most of these cameras.
Found a good article on rogerandfrances.com (http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps%20large.html” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;) outlining the different formats, which confirms my opinion 5×7 might be an ideal format for my dabbling. I’ve seen a previous article on their website outlining the nature and practical uses of the different view camera movements available, and must try track that down again.
I’ve done a bit of rudimentary research, and it seems large format cameras are not the cheapest thing in the world, less so 5×7 cameras which are not as popular it seems as 5×4 or 10×8. Must persevere, as surely there are cheaper view cameras than $2,000+..
Anywho, thanks for the food for thought :)
Damien
Take a look at http://www.shen-hao.com” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false; I was out photographing today with a guy who was using one of their 5×4, I couldnt believe how light it weighed.
Hi Damien
Just thought I’d throw my opinion into the mix as it may be of some use, I’ve been shooting with a crown graphic 5×4 press camera for the last 2 years or so and find it a great camera to use, my particular camera is equipped with a coupled range finder which makes it a joy to use whilst out and about plus whacking it on a tripod makes it great for studio stuff also, I’m not so up on the 5×7 stuff but could highly recommend a graphic camera search eBay for graflex and you’ll see a large selection of great kit in great condition for reasonable prices, eBay is good as most of the cameras on there will come with a couple of film holders and possibly some other extras that will make it easier for you to get shooting straight away. As you’ve already mentioned the kit can be expensive to start out so maybe reconsider 5×4 and give it a look. If you live near Dublin your more than welcome to have a look at my kit and see if it might suit you before you part with cash, you also mention wanting to look into the zone system have you looked at this site http://btzs.org/” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false; a little bit of an extra spanner into the works but they have great resources over there and worth a look.
whatever you decide be prepared for further costs down the road should you start shooting colour and e6. Developing yourself is not that expensive.
Fintan: thanks for the site, will check it out. Had come across those Shen Hao cameras as light weight, and also relatively inexpensive cameras. Found a UK dealer as well (http://www.foto-arte.co.uk/5x7_Cameras.html” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;), but to be honest was hoping to find an even cheaper method of entry, as I’m only planning to dabble at the moment. Do you know of any good places for used large format cameras ?
Dermot: thanks, I am based in Dublin, so may take you up on that offer. Had looked at the crown graphic style cameras, but would like to dabble with camera movements as opposed to just benefit from the larger negative. I am going to try resist 5×4, as it’s not an option to upgrade my enlarger, and contact prints from 5×4 would be just a tad too small for my intended needs.
Thanks also for the zone system link. I am slowly and surely delving into black and white on a technical level, and as much as I don’t want to rule anything out at this stage, don’t see myself dabbling with colour in the near future.
Damien
Hi again Damien
Just so your aware the graphics do have movement with the bellows and tilt bed, not to the same level as rail camera but you’d be suprised at just how much movement there is. there’s also 5×7 graphics out there and the support system for graflex gear is really good, a lot of people have used them over the years so there’s good support network out there.Hi Dermot,
That is interesting, hadn’t been aware of that. Must check it out,
Damien
I was lucky enough to buy a 4×5 Monorail Cambo with two lenses a few months ago for 300 quid. Came with a whole bunch of film holders too … basically everything I needed. I am not too up on 5×7 but a buddy of mine has a Sinar 4×5 and he got some sort of 5×7 back/accessory for it which means he is now shooting 5×7. So .. I dunno … maybe there is a route into 5×7 this way?
Hugh, yes been doing a bit of research, and believe that is a possibility, but generally the solutions people have touted to do so involve adding extra weight to the set-up, which I want to keep as light as possible as I will be toting it about on my back/ shoulders outddors.
Would you mind me asking where you managed to get your Cambo? Have started to keep an eye on the APUG classifieds, and the classifieds here on adverts.ie, and of course here on PI.
Am looking at the Shen Hao cameras too which seem nice, but are a bit pricey new, for a large-format dabbler like me :)
How are you finding large format, by the way ? I saw your posts in the last few months, and am curious as to how you’ve been finding it,
Damien
I got a burke & james 5×7 last year, it’s pretty managable with 2 or 3 film holders. These are availabe quite cheaply, They are not very well made so one would have to be cautious in buying. As for movements, they are all present but the implemtation is poor. The construction is wood and the locking mechanisms are woeful. As such I really just use it as a rigid camera to produce large negs for contact printing, as is your intention. All three of my 4×5 optics give wide open coverage on this format.
The geared focussing is pretty rough, It may sound like i’m dissing this camera but if you can tolerate it’s shortcomings it’s a very economical route into 5×7. Regards John
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