Hello,
The reason I am interested in Large format is to create landscape photographs that could be enlarged to nice size wall prints (30x40). Which of the two large format cameras would I want to purchase; a field camera or a view camera. Some people have suggested to read "How to use the View Camera.", would this book also be any benefit to me if I am using a field camera instead of a view camera?
Thanks, Barret.
Field cameras are much easier to use on (and carry to) location than monorails. Fewer movements (or less range in movements) than a monorail, but very similar in operation (ie. the book will be beneficial). Regards,
Life is never so simple, it seems, as to offer either-or choices. How about a mono-rail view camera meant for use in the field? Like the Toho:
http://www.badgergraphic.com/search_product2.asp?x=1031
I love mine. Best of both worlds with full movements on both ends, and it weighs less then 1.25 Kg (2lb, 12 oz) which is very helpful in getting to those landscapes so you can take the photographs ;-). And, for me at least, it's quite easy to use.
Absolutely, a good book on using a view camera will be useful, and applies to all large format cameras (all the common ones anyway). And so will these webpages:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/ http://www.largeformatphotography.info/matos-begin.html
Bruce Watson
Of course there is no completely right answer to this, my opinion is to start off with a field camera: Its lighter, will likely have adequate movements, and infinitely more portable. This is from someone who started LF photography with an interest in outdoor landscapes, but due to fate ended up with a 4x5 Sinar Norma monorail camera.
After I had done enough to realize that I needed a field camera, ordered a Wisner field camera, and love it, particularly for carrying into the backcountry. I still carry the Sinar in its hard-sided case in the car, and sometimes use it for roadside shots where I might want some of the more extreme movements it provids.
Being one to not learn my own lessons, earlier this year when I got bitten by the 8x10 bug, I recently bought an old Toyo 810G.... If you see some guy struggling with a giant heavy grey case strapped to a huge backpack frame up some trail in Colorao cursing himself, that would probably be me. Its a great camera though!
You need to answer two questions. First, how practical do you want to be? The monorail design is a modern improvement on the old-fashioned flatbed design. It is easier to use, is far more stable, has more movements and is much more versatile. It is the obvious practical choice. And yet, many of us buy cameras purely because they are beautiful. If you want something to fondle on a cold winter evening in front of the fire, a mahogany field camera wins over a metal monorail every time. (I have an Ebony, named Veronica.)
Second question: how far do you plan to get away from your car? I worked for several years out of Hollywood, shooting automobile brochures, fashion and Max Factor cosmetic ads. We were all over the Mojave, Owens Valley and forests and hills. But never more than fifty feet from our 4WD location truck. We used a monorail. Business is business.
And yet, many contributors to this site seem to eternally walk the length of the Appalachian Trail with an 8x20 outfit. Uphill both ways. For this, every ounce is important. If you are planning to take off cross country and can’t afford a mule, the field camera is your only choice.
Field cameras are view cameras. The distinction you have in mind is between a field camera which usually folds up into a compact box and a monorail camera which has the functioning elements of the camera set up on a rail. In a field camera, there is usually a bed, instead of a rail, which folds out with the front lens sliding outward on the bed. But both in monorails and field cameras there are many variations of the design, and in some cases it is hard to tell the difference. Since you are interested in landscape photography, you don't want a heavy studio monorail, but as Hogarth pointed out, a Toho would work fine. Others have pointed out the advantages of a simpler folding field camera.
The book Using the View Camera will apply to either type of camera of view camera.
Take a class or a workshop so you can actually use one. Read. Make friends with a local photographer. Half the fun is figuring out what you want to do.
Consider a 4x5 Crown Graphic as a starter.
Wilhelm (Sarasota)
For landscapes, there are very few advantages to a monorail. A compact, lightweight field camera should be able to do what you require 99% of the time. For that dreadful 1%, you can always blame missing the perfect light. You can buy a new Tachihara or equivalent for under $700 - it's probably the way to go. But beware - I look at my large format gear and see $$$$$ lying in a comparatively compact bag that produces very few images. OTOH, they are the images that soothe my soul! It's a slippery slope.
Here are some books that might be helpful
User's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone
Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga
Using the View Camera that I wrote
Here is a web site with several free articles
www.viewcamera.com
Take your time and consider what features are important to you (weight, bellows length, etc before you buy a camera. The press type cameras are cheap and readily available but some people find them very limiting.
If you have any questions post them here or send them to me directly.
steve simmons
publisher, View Camera magazine
largformat@aol.com
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