Total Newbie's Questions Before His First LF Camera

[yeknom02]

Hi everyone,

I'm in college (read: have little money) but I am looking to purchase my first large format camera because I love quality film photography. I'm only looking at 4x5's, but there's a chance I'd like a 5x7 if it's not too much more heavy and expensive. I have been looking for deals around eBay. I'd probably be doing a mix of portraits and various close-up still life photos. Anyway...

1. Is there anything you want to recommend me right off the bat? I'm thinking I might want a monorail camera, since I'm fairly strong and I want more control options. I probably want to avoid Crown/Speed Graphics because I've heard they have fewer available adjustments (?) I've heard Toyo and Calumet tossed around as possible options.

2. For the sake of argument, let's say I go with a Toyo or Calumet. Will I have to look for lens boards specifically made for the brand I buy, or will any lens board work, regardless of what brand camera I have?

3. Given that I'm going to want to do portraits, how will I trigger an off-camera strobe or flash? Is this a function of the camera or the lens?

4. Same question for film holders as lens boards - does brand name matter?

5. How much is all this going to cost me by the time I'm ready to take my first photograph? It may be a totally lost cause...

Thanks so much.

[Jim Galli]

If I were in your shoes I'd do the 5X7. Look for a Burke and James Grover, or even perhaps an old Kodak 2D. The reason I mention those 2 in particular is they're old, ugly, cheap, but have a long-ish bellows which you'll need for portraiture.

I find that 5X7 is the entry point for contact prints. 4X5 is just too small. A 5X7 contact print on Kodak AZO can be jewel like.

With the old simple cameras, you can make your own lens boards out of flooring samples you pick up at Home Depot or Lowes.

Most of the large format shutters have a built in flash sync that can trigger off camera studio lights. Later on you might go for ecclectic antique barrel lenses and the Grover is large enough to use what is called a Packard shutter. They can be made to trigger studio flash also.

Film holders are generic. They all fit until you get into European things and old timey 1890's stuff.

Cost? Plan to spend more than you should on your first outfit. You learn the bargains as you go.

[Sirius Glass]

I agree with Jim that 4x5 is a bit on the small side for contact prints in particular [because I just got into 4x5s] and the rest in general.

As far as costs, they will be much less than digital cameras. I have 9 cameras from 35mm to MF [read: Hasselblads] to 4x5s with lenses et al and set up a darkroom with a color enlarger, film processor and drum print dryer and all of that still costs less than the top of the line Canon or Nikon digital body.

So there are the costs bounds. More than nothing and much less than $8,000 - $9,000US.

Steve

[yeknom02]

I should probably specify that I own both 35mm and MF film cameras, and can enlarge up to a 6x6 negative. I am interested in large format due to different perspective and focusing options. I walked away from the digital scene quite some time ago due to the cost and ever-changing equipment standards.

I'm hearing everyone on the 5x7 advice when it comes to contact printing, but isn't 5x7 film very hard to come by?

[BrianShaw]

... but isn't 5x7 film very hard to come by?

Yes, harder than 4x5 but there are several mailorder sources. Fewer emulsion options also.

I, personally, think contact printing 4x5 is OK. I just stand a little closer to view the prints.

[yeknom02]

Let's continue recommendations assuming the smaller film size of 4x5 doesn't bother me, and that I'd prefer the wider availability of the film. Also, didn't Edward Weston contact print 4x5's? I can always scan until I get a 4x5 enlarger, anyway. (I know! Heresy!)

I'm still open to various camera model recommendations, and I also forgot to ask what focal length of lens I'd need. Let's assume I can only afford one for a while, which is probably true.

[Oren Grad]

I'm hearing everyone on the 5x7 advice when it comes to contact printing, but isn't 5x7 film very hard to come by?

B&W is not hard at all if you're willing to plan ahead and mail order. Color is difficult.

[BrianShaw]

Cambo/Calumet SCII/NX series. Affordable, more movements than you'll ever use, expandability options like bag bellows, etc., and affordable.

[36cm2]

Many of the suggestions you will receive here come from photographers much more experienced than I am, but I humbly offer the following (in order of your questions):

1. If you expect to shoot only in a studio environment (ie, portraits and studio still life), then by all means a monorail is a less expensive and most versatile choice. Your strength shouldn't matter, as it won't move much or on your back extensively. If you intend to hike with it (i.e., landscape) then field may be a better option. A Tachihara is an excellent entry-level field camera option. But again, if you stick to what you've suggested, then monorail is likely better. Personally, unless you really think you're into contact prints I would stick to 4x5 and enlarge.

2. There are a few varieties of lens boards, but you will easily find generic lensboards suited to your camera once you determine what camera you want.

3. Triggering of strobes is driven by a link to the shutter on your lens. Modern lenses will have a connector to attach the trigger cord to.

4. Film holders are more generic than lens boards. So long as you're using a standard film holder (i.e., not a film back designed for multiple sheets like a Grafmatic), then as long as it's light tight you should be fine.

5. Tough question, depending on tastes, how long you search (e-bay, craigslist, stores), how lucky you get. As a very general estimate based on major U.S. city prices, I'd say a decent older monorail, $300; a modern 210mm lens (good for portraits), $200; lensboard ($40); 10 plastic holders, $75; tripod ($100-$300);box of 50 sheets of film ($80); flash/ambient meter ($125); lighting equipment (anywhere from $300 for very basic to $2000 for very nice, but you don't need this); processing and enlarging equipment (sounds like you have it, otherwise $250 to much more); patience (a lot); frustration (a lot); enjoyment (enough to totally make it worth it). Don't let these estimates frustrate you. You can find whatever you need if you think hard about what you need, research it and look hard. Best of luck.

Leo

[Mike Anderson]

Hi everyone,

5. How much is all this going to cost me by the time I'm ready to take my first photograph? It may be a totally lost cause...

$500 for (cheap but perfectly usable) camera, lens, filmholders and loupe (camera $200, lens $200, filmholders $50, loupe $50).

On top of that you need some kind of light metering device, film and a way to develop it.

You'll get lots of good advice here - I'm just throwing out some rough numbers to start chewing on.

...Mike