Newbie for the 1st LF: I have been fed up, how about you!

[Dongyun Hao]

Wow, I did not know before there are so many helpful LF men here. Thank you very much for your all invaluable guidance. I knew this forum before but did not ask (or unable to ask) anything before reading through it. Ok, let me tell you why I want to get into LF and what I am going to do with it.

I have used 35mm to MF up to 6X7 for many years, the increase in film size has really attract me to go bigger. I have been think for long to get a 6X9 RF such as FUJI 690. It was recent that I occationally poped into the LF forum and realised that the LF is just what I have been looking for. It can overtake the FUJI with a lots more pluses so far as what I routinely shoot is concerned. Why?

The perspective control( bellow movements) is really the No1. attraction to me to go LF, this maybe the main (if not the only) reason that the LF has existed until now. I think I am a traditionalist and really love the cosmetics and indeed the way of LF, the ultimate way of photography. I am not the kinda speedy shooter but like to compose very carfully before pressing the shutter. I have/had owned more than 15 different types of cameras from 35mm through 67, but none of them is an AF SLR, most of the time I go out and shoot them on a tripod with cable release. After reading Q.T.Luong's PAGE (really informative for getting into LF), I got to know that LF has rollfilm capability. This has solidified my thought of going to LF,. DO your guys think these sound rational to you or not? BTW, I have ordered the Strolel's book from Amazon but will take some time to reach me.

What I am shooting? I shoot landscape and often use standard and moderate long lens over wide angle lens. I also shoot indoor potraiture and still-life. I have a home-made simple studio. I will take your guys advise on going for a used one to start with. I also take a lot others advise and not going to invest much on a body but lens(s) which can be used on other LF when one day I upgrade. Someone suggest to get a Speed/Graphic press camera, but I have seen at eBay for a similar investment one can get a 4X5, even old Linhof Kardan...

Anyway, let me narrow down the selection a bit:

(1) budget arround $500 for an used body excluding lens/shutter; (2) 4X5 flied (biggest possible movements) or monotail; (3) moderate light weight allowing me to bring it out (with car); (4) Rollfilm back available (67, 69,612)

I would appreaciate very much for your suggestion of some candidates and I will start to look arround.

Best regards

Dongyun

[Tony Brent]

I have to second (third) the comments about a Speed Graphic as a good entry point into large format photography. If you think you will need more extensive camera movements that the Speed Graphics provide (limited) I would suggest taking a good look at calumet's Cadet monorail camera. It is very close to what you would pay for a Speed Graphic.

The nice thing about the large format cameras is that they are not "systems." Instead you can put just about any lens on just about any body and come up with what you need. You can start with a good lens and an inexpensive body and spend more as you determine where you want to go.

Good Luck.

[Vinod]

Hi Dongyun:

If you are very serious about still-life you will be quite glad if you bought a monorail. The added benefit is learning the full set of movements and using them. I would consider an older Sinar which can be had for 700 to 1000. A bit bulky in the field but you can manage for a while. If you don't like it you can sell it for pretty much the same buying price.

When you are truly ready to upgrade and find that you like monorails, you should probably go for any of the Arca-Swiss cameras which are portable for outdoor use and have great ergonomics.

[Ron Shaw]

By the way, the Speed and Crowns are 4x5, and can also take roll film backs. For nature, outdoors use, I would recommend a field type of camera over a monorail (much easier to use in the field, in my opinion). For indoors (studio) work, I would recommend a monorail, where the increased movements are a benefit, and you are not setting up and breaking down a lot like you are in the field. AAhhh...choices!

[Patrick Raymore]

Just get with some one who shoots large format on a regular basis. There is no substitute for seeing and doing.

[Erik Ryberg]

Earlier I told you to get a Speed Graphic but now I think you should get a monorail. It will be much better for indoor still lifes and in some ways for portraiture, too, and if you aren't going too far from the car, you can haul around a monorail just fine. I did it for years. (One trip for the camera, one for the tripod . . .)

There are plenty of good inexpensive monorails. I still have my Graphic view monorail camera because I can't bear to part with it for the price they bring (200$ in good shape). What a great camera for 200$!! All the movements and plenty of bellows, and sturdy. If you are going to insist on the roll film back, be sure you get a "Grafloc" style back or a roll film holder like the Calumet that can fit into a spring back. You might consider getting a Readyload back and forego the roll film back altogether, too.

[Dongyun Hao]

Well, thanks a lot for you all! I have studied all your responses carefully. But it appears that you all do not like recommend some specific piece(s) to me. I know this may be due to my unclear purpose for an LF to you. To be frank, it is not clear to myself either before realistically playing with one, as some of you said. I know, the ideal camera might be the new Toyo VX125, but it is not affordable to me. Ok, I locate a couple of models here, see if my understanding to your advise gets the correct way. This would be the last Q, since I am going for shopping arround this weekend, see if I can get something back. I will let you know.

For monorail: Linhof Kardan Color 45s or Arca Swiss 45 model-II or III

For field type: Toyo 45A or Tachihara

These are all old medels and price fit within my budget. What I want know are (1) general comment(s) from; (2) weight and size of them; (3) availibity of accessories or compatability to their later models.

Thank you very much!

Dongyun

[Kevin Kemner]

Dongyun,

For an entry level monorail you should consider the Toyo 45cx. Its very capable with full movements and part of a system which can be heavily expanded. Base price is around $550. In my opinion it provides more room to grow than other systems in the same price range.

Good luck.

PS-don't forget the processes that follow taking the picture, such as printing.