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Thread: Large format camera and lens selection

  1. #1

    Large format camera and lens selection

    After studying most of the large format cameras and lenses currently on the mark et, I have come to the conclusion that the format and camera that best suits my needs as a landsca pe photograher is the Canham MQC 5x7 all metal field camera (which I plan to buy within the year). One o f the reasons the 5x7 appeals to me is that this format comes very close to the same rectangular ratio as 35 mm, which is how I am used to "seeing", and I prefer this ratio over a more squarish format such as 4x5. I compose photographs to match the lens I am using, and my prints are usually printed full-frame (no cropping) . With 35mm photography, 95% of my landscapes end up being shot with either a 24mm or 50mm lens. When I get set up with large format, I want to continue with lenses equivalent to the 24mm and 50mm. With 5x7, this wou ld correlate to lenses of about 110mm (or 120mm) and 240mm. From what I can tell, the two lenses in this si ze that appear to offer the most versatility (coverage, speed) and quality are the Schneider 110mm f5.6 Supe r-Symmar XL and the Schneider 240mm f5.6 Apo-Symmar. I am interested to hear from anyone who shoots 5x7 a nd has experience with these two lenses, and I would like to know if there are any other lenses in this size range that should be considered instead. Also, would a center filter be necessary, especially with the 110m m?

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Greenbank, WA
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    2,605

    Large format camera and lens selection

    Mike: You may find that you see differently with a view camera, and the lenses you think you need from 35 mm don't necessarily work out. At least that was my experience. I am using the Schneider 110 and it has plenty of coverage for 5X7. When I bought it (Badger graphics) and asked that question they told me it would cover 8X10, which I haven't personally confirmed. No need for a center filter with this lens in my experience. My 240 mm lens is a 1967 version of the Schneider G-Claron and its performance has been excellent. I'm sure the Schneider 240 you mention is just fine. Though I have a good selection of lenses for the 5X7 outfit, I seem to end up using my 180 more than half the time, which I wasn't anticipating. Have fun with it. The Canham sounds like a terrific camera from everything I've heard.

  3. #3

    Large format camera and lens selection

    Mike if your making the transition from 35mm to a view camera, have you considered an Arca 6x9 F-line camera. With it's compact size and ability to use various format roll film backs you can choose a 6x9 format (basically a 1:1.5 aspect ration i.e. same as 35mm) or a 6x7 back with an aspect ratio similar to 4x5, or even a 6x6 back for a 1:1 aspect ratio. I currently use an Arca 6x9 F-Metric with 6x7 backs, this route into view cameras made the most sense "for me" as I was transitioning from traditional medium format cameras. A 6x9 camera is also the perfect candidate for transitioning into digital view camera photography in the future. If you haven?t explored the world of medium format view cameras already, I would seriously recommend that you look into their many benefits before you make your final purchase.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Posts
    108

    Large format camera and lens selection

    Good point about the 6x9 aspect.

    Another thing to consider: If you are going to work with the zone system, you need the ability to develop each negative separately. Only the 'large formats' can do this without significant ease.

    $.02

  5. #5

    Large format camera and lens selection

    I concur with your comment about single sheet development for the zone system Andy, but if you choose to bracket your exposures, roll film makes life much easier. That?s my .01-cent comment, because you know roll film is cheaper ha ha.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Posts
    108

    Large format camera and lens selection

    No kidding about the cost difference. I found this out it a big way. Especially when I switch over to Velvia or Provia with the QuickLoad system.

    Not to dwell on the zone system topic, but bracketing won't achieve the same results as a N-1 or N-2 development would. Of course, if you intend on printing digitally, it really closes that gap. I would love to get a 6x9 Horseman back for my Canham DLC 4x5, because the processing is easier and cheaper, and film loading is not a problem. Great learning tool, as well, for those new to large format. Don't discount Polaroids for teaching, as well.

  7. #7

    Large format camera and lens selection

    I completely agree with Kevin's previous posting. While I respect your research and desire to translate the same ratios as you shoot with 35mm, my experience turned out to be the exact opposite when I turned to large format. I found that the way I shot 35mm was not even close to how I have learned to visualize 5x7. They are two distinctly different animals. With 35mm, you are nimble and quick with the shot. With large format you find yourself being extremely patient and pre- visualizing the optimal perspective. It is much more methodical and time consuming with tremendous results. I would make the following suggestion. Do yourself a favor. Don't get hung up on a specific manufacturer or a specific focal length. All of the big four (Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikon and Fuji) make great plasmats. Purchase the best combination of cost/coverage and size standard focal length 210mm lens and start shooting it to get a feel for the way to set up, frame, focus, insert a film holder etc. That was the advice I got from this forum starting out several years ago and it was very sound. You can always get another lens and screw it on a board. Remember, the focal length only increases or decreases the amount of the coverage from the point where you drop your tripod. Working with a single lens to start out forces you to get out your perspective card or other framing device to learn where to drop the legs. I have seen many a photographer carrying their complete camera on tripod with lens still attached when they decided to move to a better shooting point. Myself, my objective is to get it right the first time.

    As for your decision to get the 5x7 metal Canham, you cannot go wrong. The Canham takes a bit to get used to, but no camera is perfect. I feel that it is one of the best combinations of light weight and functionality. Good Luck

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Dec 1999
    Location
    Forest Grove, Ore.
    Posts
    4,675

    Large format camera and lens selection

    Have you looked at the reviews on www.camerareview.com? It makes for interesting reading on the Canham 5x7.

    As for 6x9 and the zone system, it's not that difficult to get multiple film holders for N, N+1, etc. Given the conditions at the time, I doubt that it would be necessary to carry all five. A couple could be left in the car. I enjoy shooting 6x9 on a 4x5 camera, so I get the appropriate holders and carry them in my backpack. Per shot, 6x9 holders take up less room.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Posts
    182

    Large format camera and lens selection

    I have a question for all of you who shoot 5x7. I bought a 5x7 as my first LF camera, but was unaware of the problems involved with obtaining film. Just where do you get 5x7 film? Kodak does not make it anymore, Fuji does not sell it in the US...... B&H ? - Zip Adorama? - Zip Badger? - Zip I have tried ordering it through several photo shops - Zip, can't get it. There is an online outfit that will custom-cut - for a price. But there delivery time is outragious. I got so disgusted, that I sold the camera and went 4x5. So where do you all get this film?

  10. #10

    Large format camera and lens selection

    To bad you sold the 5x7. It is a fantastic format and film is available. At B&H you can buy B&W 5x7 from Kodak (Plus x and Tri x) and Ilford (FP4 and HP5) as well as Bergger. I have a freezer of T Max 100 and 400, Ilford and Fuji Velvia. Badger usually has plenty of 5x7 in both B&W and color.

    When it is gets newly stocked, you should buy it and stock pile a bit, but so what. I want a consistent emulsion supply anyway. Dan Smith, a great proponent of 5x7, was able to get Arista 5x7 to bring both their 100 ASA and 400 ASA offerings. On another positive note, Canham claims that they are selling as many 5x7 cameras as 4x5. This will translate to more film usage and better film supplies. And if you cannot tell, I am very much an optimist for the future of the proportions of 5x7.

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