35 year photographer wants to slow down to 4X5 format

**sgray150** · 30-Nov-2008, 11:26

Long story short -- Shooting run and gun for last 35 years -- would rather stroll and sit now. I have a old Cambo SC model from years ago but need to acquire lens. Any suggestions on lens brand and focal length would be appreciated. Would like to shoot just B&W landscapes with a few color images thrown in. Link below shows what I would like to shoot with the LF camera. Thanks again for your help......Sam::

http://web.me.com/sgray1501/Sam_Gray...;26_White.html

**Gene McCluney** · 30-Nov-2008, 11:35

If you REALLY want to slow down get an 8x10 or larger camera. Really makes you think about what you are shooting.

**Joe O'Hara** · 30-Nov-2008, 11:47

Get yourself a used Schneider or Rodenstock lens, 150 or 210mm. Doesn't need to be the latest model, but multicoating is a plus. I find I use those focal lengths the most. Your outlay should be well south of $450.

**Gordon Moat** · 30-Nov-2008, 11:52

You might want to start off with a fairly normal focal length lens, just to get more in practice of using a large format camera. So a 135mm, 150mm, 180mm, or 210mm choice would put you into a good starting basis. Once you get that first lens, you will soon figure out what other lens you might want to compliment that. As a general rule, assuming all your choices are f5.6 maximum aperture opening, the 210mm would give a brighter ground glass image than the shorter focal length lenses. I use mostly a 135mm, and then a 180mm, though quite often a more common pairing is 150mm and 210mm. There are numerous lenses in this range that are very reasonable in price.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

**sgray150** · 30-Nov-2008, 11:56

Not sure about the 8X10 (even though it is thought provoking) but the lens info from Joe is appreciated. If a 8X10 shows up at my house I'll let my wife know she can thank Gene for that.

Thanks for the info guys.

**Gem Singer** · 30-Nov-2008, 11:58

PM sent

**Ash** · 30-Nov-2008, 12:05

Buy a couple boxes of polaroid Type 55.... you'll spend so long making sure that the picture is worth the cost of the film that you may never take a photo

**venchka** · 30-Nov-2008, 12:09

After looking at your black & white gallery, I think your skills and talent and eyes might be ready for 8x10 or larger. A lot larger. And platinum prints. I suppose you could sneak up on the larger camera by learning with a 4x5. Kinda like training wheels on your first bike.

Good luck!