Italy with large format

[Bruce G. Collier]

Hi All,

Just added a new gallery to my website for those interested in northern and central Italy. The images are from three trips, but the majority, and all the large format ones, are from this past New Year. Venice, Urbino, San Leo, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Piena, Siena, Assisi, Tivoli, and of course, Rome.

Italy large format images

For this trip, I brought my Polaroid 110B 4x5 conversion, a Canon 5D Mark II, and a Canon SD880IS. The Polaroid was converted by Michael Batelman and sports the original 127 mm Ysarex lens (mines a razorblade at f16 and f22). I use a Kodak Readyloader and Fuji Pro 160S film. Most LF shots taken with a Manfrotto carbon-fiber tripod, but I do handhold depending on the situation and conditions. Exposure information can be found by clicking on the 'Info' button next to any particular image. Film was scanned a total of 5 times in hand-checked baggage with no noticeable degradation (have done up to 11 in past with same results, so this never worries me). Post-processing done primarily in Photoshop CS3 or Canon's DPP.

As always, comments greatly appreciated.

Regards, Bruce

[Brian Stein]

Hi Bruce

Enjoyed the look through. My favourite is the Via Posta Vecchia: the tonality is gorgeous, and the sepia suits it well. As always monitors limit ones appreciation: Im sure the original of the Basilica di S. Chiara #1 has detail in the wall highlights.
Im just gearing up for my first overseas trip with LF and looking at the pile of 5x7 gear am thinking maybe you have a better option!

[Bruce G. Collier]

Thanks Brian, I appreciate your comments! I took another look at Chiara photo and agree - I got a bit over zealous with the contrast in trying to bring out the highlights of the olive tree leaves. I calmed it down and reposted.

Re overseas trip and 5x7, you'll quickly forget the hassle and pain of carrying all that gear when you look at your glorious images. I would love to take my big rig and focus on that, but my trips are a blend of photography and vacation (and my wife's), so there's a bit of give and take.

What are you bringing if I may ask?

Regards, Bruce

[Turner Reich]

Re overseas trip and 5x7, you'll quickly forget the hassle and pain of carrying all that gear when you look at your glorious images. I would love to take my big rig and focus on that, but my trips are a blend of photography and vacation (and my wife's), so there's a bit of give and take.

One problem I have is when taking a 120 roll film "system" the weight of the lens selection makes the weight as much or more than a 4x5 or 5x7 setup. Those lenses really add up. Any suggestions for a 5x7 setup and the number of film holders? I have twenty two excellent holders but an older wood camera, 2D, and extension.

I like your site and the photos are very fine.

[Bill_1856]

I haven't looked at all of your groups, but the ones I've seen so far are quite impressive. Your B&W is good, but your color is even better. Also, your captioning is the best I've ever seen.
Thanks for letting me see them. I look forward to viewing the remainder.

[Turner Reich]

I've spent some more time on your site and it's great, there is such variety of locations and it will take some time to see them all. I would love to know what tripod you use with your Shen Hao 4x5 camera. Great work, thanks for the look.

With my wife there is some give and take also, I try to work quickly but deliberately.

[Bruce G. Collier]

Thank you, Wilhelm and Turner, appreciate the comments!

Turner - per your first response, I can only say take enough to cover you per photo session. That is, if you can't get back to your changing tent or hotel bathroom but every half-day or so, then I'd bring enough to cover that equivalent time span. Hard to say exactly as I don't know your shooting style. But also don't be so conservative that you bring so many and end up spending your time being a pack mule especially if this is suppose to be a vacation. Been there, done that.

When I used my Shen Hao, I used a Manfrotto CarbonOne 440. I don't remember the head but it was definitely one of the compact Manfrotto quick-release ball heads. FYI, the tripod is one of the few camera items I check in at baggage. I wrap it carefully with clothes, put it back in its bag, then build a cocoon of clothes around it in the center of my one wheeled soft bag. There are better ways to do this, but again, I try to minimize weight and size. The head is shoved in a shoe or similar.

We have understanding spouses...God bless 'em.

Regards, Bruce

[Daniele Minetto]

Great site Bruce!
And beautiful images too. Thing I like most is the extensive description of site, film, exposure, camera and all that stuff.
Living in Venice I must say that your images of my town are very impressive.
B. Regards.

[sgelb]

bruce really nice work. i lived in italy for a while.. I like the southwest stuff. the night shot of the coliseum was cool.. now im bummed i sold my 110B unconverted!

[Turner Reich]

Thanks Bruce, it seems that every time I do a trip I learn a little more. I had the TSA open my check-in, probably because I had two tripod heads in there. The last time I went to Europe I took a Mamiya 645, it seems each time I'd like a larger format. The Polaroid looks like it fill a specific need, lightweight, large format and versatile. Next time it will be with a 4x5 and a cf tripod.

again, thanks