Hello from Brussels!

[andre]

Hi everyone!

I'm thrilled to find such a tremendous resource and spirited people here. Thanks for doing this!

I'm here because I'm curious about switching from MF to LF.
I'm shooting portraits and have recently acquired a very sturdy tripod and head.
Ever since, I'm shooting all my portraits on it. I love the process of setting up, composing, focusing and then stepping back from the camera, look at my subject, look at the light and if everything fits, I trip the shutter. 1/4 of a second is now music to my ears.

I'm thinking that I might be up for the challenge of shooting LF.
I would have to change my developing tank or maybe get this MOD54 thing and also upgrade my scanner from a V600 to V700.

I'm not necessarily after a greater "image quality". But I think that the more care and dedication I put into a photograph, the more rewarding the experience when all turns out well.

Another thought was that I might just get a 6x9 like a Century Graphic instead of LF. That way I wouldn't have to upgrade my process.
But then again I haven't seen much portrait photography done one 6x9.

This is what I have been up to so far:
https://secure.flickr.com/photos/50674652@N06/

Does my thinking make sense to you?
Any recommendations?

Thanks so much!

[Emmanuel BIGLER]

Welcome to this LF photography group and hello from Besançon, France.
We are quite a number of Europeans here to follow the various forums.
I visited Brussels in August, 2011 to see the Jeff Wall exhibition at Bozar palace. Many pictures had been made with a LF camera, and not only Eugène Atget's vintage prints that Jeff Wall had selected for this exhibition ;-)

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I have a 6x9 view camera, the Arca Swiss 6x9 monorail.
Regarding 6x9 press cameras and related lenses, I cannot but recommend to have a look at Dan Fromm's encyclopaedic article, available as a bi-lingual document, in English and French !

In French:
http://www.galerie-photo.com/1-optiques-6x9-dan-fromm.html
http://www.galerie-photo.com/2-optiques-6x9-dan-fromm.html
http://www.galerie-photo.com/3-optiques-6x9-dan-fromm.html

In English:
http://www.galerie-photo.com/1-lens-6x9-dan-fromm.html
http://www.galerie-photo.com/2-lens-6x9-dan-fromm.html
http://www.galerie-photo.com/3-lens-6x9-dan-fromm.html

[Ari]

Welcome, and nice portraits.
Shoot in any format using gear with which you feel comfortable.
It may take a few attempts to get where you want, but in the end, all that matters are your photos.
It took me a few years, and a few cameras, to get to the point where I feel very comfortable shooting portraits on 8x10; so much so that 4x5 is now used only for buildings and such.

[Andrew O'Neill]

If I were a portrait photographer, I would definately use LF. If you have the urge, then go for it.

[andre]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

[andre]

So, yesterday it finally happened!
My local dealer had a used Sinar F2 with 150mm and holders for an ok price and I got it :)

Now I have to still figure out how to load and unload the film with my small changing back and then I'll shoot tonight my first LF portrait.

[Peter De Smidt]

That's a good choice! The Sinar system is modular and easy to use. The F2 is very capable, and it's not that heavy. Enjoy!

[Tim Meisburger]

I used a changing bag for several years when I started, and still do when I'm on the road, but at home I find it easier to go into a dark closet or windowless bathroom for changing. Just do it at night with the outside room lights off and its plenty dark.

I went to Brussels once for a conference. Before I left I googled it and the first page said "Brussels-City of Lace", and I thought that not too interesting. But the second page said "Brussels-City of Chocolate" and I thought that could be good (and it was). Then the third page popped up with the title "Brussels- City of Beer". Truthfully, I cannot remember what the conference was about, but I do recall eating and drinking very well on the company dime, and hope to visit that fair city again some day.

Good luck!