how do i start in LF?

[Pablo_Rossi]

hello. Would you give me some advice in order to start in LF.
thanks
Pablo

[r.e.]

Pablo, it would help a great deal if you gave a general idea of what you want to do with large format and how much money you want to spend.

If your question is rather terse for language reasons, just ask in Spanish. The lingua Franca of this forum may be English, but probably the world is not going to end if some of the answers to your question are in another of the world's great languages

[chassis]

Hi Pablo,

I just started in LF a few months ago. I did alot of reading on this site to help guide my equipment decisions. I shoot mostly portraits and nature/landscapes, and the camera I decided on was a Toyo 45AII metal field camera. It has served me well so far. I suggest a "standard" lens to start with. A 150mm lens is a popular one for 4x5, and a 210mm lens is also common. You will also need a tripod, several film holders, and a cable release.

You will get many different recommendations on equipment, so it comes down to what type of photography you like, and your budget for equipment. This site, and craigslist, are good sources for reasonably priced LF gear.

Good luck and have fun.

[r.e.]

This site, and craigslist, are good sources for reasonably priced LF gear.

Are you saying that Craigslist is a good source of reasonably priced large format gear in Buenos Aires?

[Alan Gales]

Hello Pablo,

I would start off with a cheap used 4x5. I'd recommend a monorail because they are the easiest to learn movements with. Others on here would recommend a Crown Graphic.

After you use the camera for a while you will learn what you like and don't like and will probably want something else. Then you can always sell your camera for close to what you paid for it and buy what you want then.

As for a first lens I'd buy a normal focal length, anywhere from 135mm to 210mm. These lenses are cheaper and also easier to learn on. I'd look for a used lens in an accurate modern Copal shutter.

Large Format Photography is an excellent place to buy gear. If what you want does not show up for sale then list what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay. KEH has a very good reputation and of course there is always Ebay.

If you haven't all ready, read the Home Page. There is a wealth of information there!

Alan

[Alan Gales]

That's Large Format Photography Forum is an excellent place to buy gear. Sorry!

[GeorgesGiralt]

Hello Pablo,
In France where I live, there is a saying that the first camera you get won't suit you for long. So at one point, when you've practiced enough, you'll want to change the camera !
If you respect this saying, you'll understand that the camera isn't the part to spend much money on. IMHO, buy a decent looking monorail camera (because it is the most versatile and easiest to learn with) but most importantly, buy the best lens you can afford. Why ? because you'll switch camera but not the lens....
At first, I'll go for something like a Sinar Norma or Sinar F (or equivalent) because they are plenty on the used market and because you'll find missing parts easily. Then buy a very good 150 mm lens form the Gang of Four ( Schneider, Rodenstock, Fuji or Nikon) a couple of DDS, and film.
Set your biggest tripod in your kitchen, put the camera on it, compose a still life on the kitchen table and practice, practice, practice.
Buy a couple of good books on the subject and try and practice what you learn in your kitchen.
It is not that easy to get a technically perfect 4x5 negative starting from scratch.
Then, when you're confident enough, start the same setup in your garden (to cope with wind, moisture, etc...) and when confident enough, try the same setup in a place in your city where you'll be amazed by the amount of questions you get. Getting a technically perfect image in these conditions could be a challenge..

After all of this, you'll know exactly what to get from a view camera, and what kind of images you'll want to make. Then, you may find that the monorail camera is not your choice or that the particular monorail camera you've got is not that good... But the next buy will be a more educated buy ! (and you'll sell the first one for the same price you bought it in the first place....)
Now, for what is the best 150 mm focal lens ask here ;-) but remember to spare money for the film.. and practice !

Just my two cents, because, I've been there and done that....

[BrianShaw]

My suggestion would be to slow down just a bit, and read about LF photography and understand what you want to be able to do. Then worry about buying gear. LF photography is NOT just about gear!

[Greg Miller]

A good place to start would be the article under "How to get started in large format photography" here on this site: http://www.largeformatphotography.info

[Edward (Halifax,NS)]

LF photography is not about gear? I thought we were all tech junkies. ;-)

The two most important things are "what do you want to photograph?" and "where do you want to photograph?". They will determine what camera and lens(es) you will need to buy.

For most uses a 150mm or 210mm lens from one of the main four manufacturers is an excellent choice as a first lens. They can be bought used in excellent condition for between $200-400 each.

Edward