recommended photography book

[dh003i]

Hi all,

I got a Borders gift card, and would like recommendations for a book on LF photography. One that I found quickly on that website was Adams' The Camera. Would you recommend that, or suggest alternatives?

Thanks.

-Dave

[Ash]

Richard Avedon - Performance

[David Karp]

Using the View Camera by Steve Simmons is a good starter book on LF.

I really liked Jim Stone's User's Guide to the View Camera, but the 3rd Ed. is really expensive. A used version of the second edition would be a good pickup, but that probably does not help you with your Border's card.

[John Kasaian]

You might also consider Making 40 Photographs by Ansel Adams. Sort of a cross over book---a portfolio and an information resource. For interesting portfolios you might check out Summit by Vittorio Sella or Two Hearted Oak by Roman Loranc.
Yeah, they're all B&W Pure inspiration!

[Bill_1856]

St. Ansel's The Camera is a superb book which should be in every serious photographer's library, (whether LF or sub-mini). There are two equally good additional volumes, The Print and The Negative, strongly attuned to LF B&W photography.
John Kasaian, have you seen the current prices for Two Hearted Oak? Gasp!

[John Bowen]

Although you won't find it at Borders, I would recommend Bruce Barlow's "Finely Focused." It is available at www.circleofthesunproductions.com You might consider this a 21st century edition of the Zone VI Workshop. Bruce does an excellent job laying out the basics of B&W photography, (like determining your personal film speed and personal development times including the tools you need to perform these tasks)then moves on to more indepth issues like using the right side of the brain. The book is packed with exercises. I've read it cover to cover at least 3 times (I've had my copy for about 3 years now). The cost is something like $25 including postage. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Enjoy,

[John Kasaian]

John Kasaian, have you seen the current prices for Two Hearted Oak? Gasp!

Nope---Is it expensive now?
How come my financial investments always go belly-up but my fun stuff tends to increase value??

[dh003i]

Thank you for all of the replies... I can probably buy about 2 books (as I also have $5 left on an American Express gift card...darn, shouldn't have spent $20 of it on a VIP).

LOL @ "St. Adams"...

Seems like a lot of great books have been recommended here...I think I'll probably buy Making 40 Photographs, and then some more purely technical book.

[z_photo]

now hard to find but
http://www.amazon.com/Large-Format-N.../dp/0817441573

[Bill_1856]

Nope---Is it expensive now?

John, there's only one on ebay - $500. Amazon has them for $200-500.
I gave mine to my Polish physician for Christmas a couple of years ago, then when I tried to replace it I got a severe shock!

dh003i, Making 40 Photographs is an excellent choice.