New member from Leicester (England)

[MickAitch]

Hi, I'm thinking of going LF after many years of 35mm, MF and, latterly, digital. I plan to learn what I can before taking the plunge, so I'll be doing a lot of reading here rather than contributing to the discussions - although I may start to ask questions after a while.

I thought it best to join up and introduce myself rather than just lurk.

Cheers

[Luis-F-S]

Welcome, may want to look into some LF books while you're at it rather than just really on what you read on the web. As we all know, only "thruth" is spoke here................ L

[MickAitch]

Ha! It MUST be true, I read it on the internet!

Yes, books too - but this place came recommended so I'm relying on the knowledge pool here and (I hope) my ability to spot the difference between real info and hyperbole.

Cheers.

[Tim Meisburger]

Its not too difficult. The easiest way to learn is to get a camera and have at it. The process of shooting has a number of manual steps that are performed automatically by most modern cameras. Its easy to forget one and ruin a shot, but don't worry;everyone does that. If I remember correctly, to take one shot you should:
1. visualize the image
2. Set up the tripod and mount the camera
3. Open the lens
4. Open the aperture
5. Rough frame and focus.
6. Adjust as necessary to get the image you want by changing location, camera height or lens
7. Apply any needed movements (shifts or tilts)
8. Use a loupe to get fine focus (and don't forget to check that you have sufficient coverage in the corners)
9. Meter the scene and select aperture and shutter speed
10. Actually remember to set the selected shutter speed and stop down the lens
11. Close the shutter
12. Insert a (loaded) film holder
13. take the shot (oops, you forgot to cock the shutter. Do that now and shoot again, and hope nobody notices)
14. Remember that you forgot to pull the darkslide, so do that now, then
15. Take the shot
16. Pull out the holder
17. Un oh, you forgot to reinsert the darkslide, so do that now (with the dark bar out, so you know that side has been exposed)
18. Insert the holder with the unexposed side facing the subject
19. Take the shot (oops, forgot to cock it again). Take the shot.
20. Reinsert the darkslide, then pull the holder, and you are done!

Have fun.

Best, Tim

[Tin Can]

Hi and thanks for not lurking!

Very refreshing and uncommon. I came here to learn LF almost 5 years ago with no knowledge and some might say I still know nothing. But I did not lurk and I post one Hell of a lot. Many don't like that Too bad it's how I learn.

We do like questions and we also like folk that research.

But I suggest you get something cheap to start playing with ASAP. Few stay with their first camera, lens, film, process or any aspect of this sport.

Have fun and welcome! Read the Info page it has a lot there.

[MickAitch]

Thanks for the welcome chaps. It's always good to start the day with a smile. Thanks for that Tim .

Summer holiday coming along in a couple of weeks so I don't think I'll be buying any starter kit until that's over, the way the £ is going it'll probably cost me a small fortune just to eat while were away.

I'm thinking Graflex might be the way in. It seems to be the gateway drug of choice.

Cheers.

[IanG]

Welcome Mick. If you want to come and look at some LF cameras you're welcome to pop over.

Ian

[Tim Meisburger]

Do take Ian up on that offer.

Rather than a press camera, I would go with a light monorail, or preferably a field camera of some sort. Ian could give you hints on older and less expensive models available in the UK that will still do all you want.

I prefer field cameras because I think you want a camera with movements. A press camera is a specialist camera, designed to be usable handheld. To achieve that functionality it sacrifices other things. Monorail is also a specialist camera, but except for a little added bulk and weight, will do everything a field camera will do (and do some things better). A field camera is a generalist. It will do everything adequately. The reason you should get that first is because (almost) everyone eventually needs a field camera, while many people may never need the specific functionality provided by a monorail or press camera.

my two cents, for what it is worth.

Anyway, look around for a deal. You might get lucky. All indications are this is your year to score big! (you do live in Leicester)

[John Kasaian]

Welcome aboard.

[MickAitch]

@Ian, thanks for the offer. Turkey may be a stretch for a bit of camera gawping, but if your base in Britain is close by I'll take you up on it.
@Tim, thanks for the advice - see... I'm learning already. Note to self - learn the difference between 'Press' & 'Field'.
Thanks for the welcome John.

Cheers.